Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Animal Kingdom- Now Open in the Dark!



We've had a pattern to our family vacations at Disney World. Animal Kingdom was always a morning park, usually on a Extra Magic Hour day, then we would finish that day at Disney's Hollywood Studios- Well, that has now changed!

Disney's Animal Kingdom truly comes alive at night. There are bands playing, DJ's spinning and the lighting is not only beautiful, but FUN!

The most important piece of Animal Kingdom is of course the animals, so some of the daytime experiences like the "Rafiki's Planet" area and the Gorilla Trails close closer to the dinner hour, or before sunset. Check the My Disney Experience (MDE) app or the park map for times.

What's New-

The ENTERTAINMENT brings a party.
There's dancing and festive music everywhere. You can just soak in the atmosphere, or be a part of the show joining in with the dancing and hula hoop contests!




 




Dinoland USA never looked better!
This is what Dinoland USA should look like. The lights glowing, a DJ playing fun dance music, it is a carnival!













The Tree of Life Awakening-
The Tree of Life changes colors, animals come to life and a few times a night there is a fun quick show on the tree. It's another different way to experience a beautiful symbol of the park! 




















Favorite rides feel completely different at night.

Kilimanjaro Safari- This one I suggest doing twice. The animals are much easier to see and photograph during the day. Then if you ride it again at night, the ride feels different and has lighting effects to bring a glow and beautiful view of the Savanna.
Zebras are not this photogenic at night.


The Rhino might even be harder to see at night.
My phone didn't capture it well, but this is a sunset that was created for the night Safari.


Expedition Everest- This is one of our favorite rides ever! At night it is even better, the views from the top are fabulous (Ben was excited to see the Orlando Eye), the lighting gives everything a purple glow, and overall it just adds another atmosphere that makes a fabulous ride- EPIC!


Primeval Whirl- The carnival lights blink and glow while you spin to the "end of the world". Primeval Whirl is a classic whirly carnival ride, so the lights help give it that Saturday night at the town fair feel.


So Now What?
I think Animal Kingdom is a full day park or an evening park with Hollywood Studios in the morning. If your family really enjoys the animals and wants to spend a lot of time on the trails and at Rafiki's Planet it is certainly a full day park (with a break for naps or pool time).  

If you aren't as interested in a full day of animals, then I suggest arriving around 4:00. This will leave time to do some of the daylight animal attractions, get dinner and experience the night atmosphere.

Keep in mind, now you can keep adding FastPasses as long as you have used your first three (Even from a different park or your hotel room). As soon as we passed the checkpoint Meg, my daughter, was on the phone making our next one. We also used DAS (Disney Access Services)  passes on the attractions Ben enjoys- he does NOT enjoy Dinosaur!


My family had a great time with the new experiences and carnival feel of Animal Kingdom at Night!


Coming Soon- Disney is testing the long awaited show "Rivers of Light"- this will be a light show on the water.

Tip- With all of the new night life- don't forget to see Festival of the Lion King! My family loves it every time!
























Friday, January 29, 2016

The Acceptance Letter

Ben was recently ACCEPTED to The University of Cincinnati to study Mathematics!

I have been confident since he was 2 years old that he would go to college. With a diagnosis of Autism, and many people in our lives (including educators) that were non-believers it would have made sense to have some doubts, but I never doubted that this day would come. Until it did.

When the e-mail came that welcomed him to UC with his first choice of studies I realized for the first time that I had had doubts. Although I always believed Ben had the necessary skills and deserved  to go to college, his journey has included many closed doors. When the  acceptance letter came, I realized I had been preparing my heart for another closed door. Then one Friday morning I received an e- mail that came with a door that was wide OPEN! We hadn't made any special appointments, he was honest about having Autism in his essay (even described it - more on that in another post) and still he was welcome to attend a well respected, four year university- and I just couldn't stop crying.

So I called my husband, mom, and some friends. E-mailed a couple of very important teachers in his life. Posted on Facebook. And still kept crying.

Then Ben came home from school. I wasn't sure if he would understand how big this was. He knew he was going to go to UC (even if it was the satellite campus) and of course he isn't always good at understanding a situation. So when I told him, he grinned at me, gave me a high five, then asked where we were going to celebrate. So, I cried some more!

We celebrated with dinner and milkshakes at Red Robin, and had an evening with smiles and no more tears!

Life changing transitions have a tendency to make you remember the past. As I think back to when Ben was first diagnosed with Autism I don't think I imagined the young man he is now.  There were many behaviors that needed to be modified (including throwing chairs), the closed doors that required detours and a lot of Plan B's. There weren't doubts about where he was headed (I always had faith in his brain) but I didn't imagine how really fine he would grow up to be. He's funny, has people he cares about, friends that care about him, and a work ethic that is simply amazing. Best of all he has a giggle that melts my heart every time I hear it, and I'm so grateful that he giggles a lot!

Now we have a lot of work ahead to prepare him for the next step of his journey. We have a wonderful village of teachers, friends and family to help make sure he's ready. And yes, I predict there will be many more tears (both happy and nervous) as high school ends, and college begins- but the excitement of open doors and acceptance will make this leg of the journey one of the happiest- No doubt about it!


Ben's senior picture- photo credit Debbie Eaton (a member of Ben's village)








Saturday, November 7, 2015

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!

The holidays are billed as the "most wonderful time of the year" so of course you would expect Disney to step up to the challenge. One of the MANY holiday festivities at Walt Disney World is the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
- Special Thanks to Debbie Eaton for photos!



Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) is a celebration at the Magic Kingdom that requires a separate ticket. The party is officially from 7:00pm-12:30am (a little tip- they allow you to start entering the park at 4:00) You will be directed to a cast member for a wristband indicating you may stay for the party. At 7:00 announcements will ask park guests without a wristband to start heading for the exit.

Here are the details!

2015 Dates for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
Nov.- 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 29
Dec.- 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18
These events have a limited number of guests, and they do sell out. Buy tickets early!

Prices- ranging from $74-$82 adults
                                   $69-77 for children
                                    under 3 is free

Most attractions are open, some exceptions include The Disney railroad, Main Street Vehicles and Tom Sawyer Island. Yes, you read that right, no train!

What makes the party special?

1. Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade! 
After December 18th the Christmas parade will be shown during regular park hours, but then the crowd levels are really high!

Princesses and friends!
Toy soldiers on parade!








Here comes Santa!!!


2.  Snow on Main Street!

Can you imagine anything more enchanting than snow falling while you are (comfortably) walking down Main Street USA? 



3. Holiday Fireworks and Wishes!
Just like the parade, after December 18th the fireworks, and Wishes will be holiday themed.



4. Dance Parties-
Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe and the Diamond Horsehoe are transformed into nightclubs with DJ's and characters come out to dance the night away with you!


5. Complimentary hot chocolate (or apple juice) and cookies!
Snickerdoodles and Hot Chocolate!
Many of the restaurants are set up just to distribute the FREE drinks and cookies. We enjoyed these while sitting in the Tommorowland Terrace.


6. Special Christmas Shows!
There are 2 Christmas shows- Celebrate the Season (a Disney version of the Nutcracker at the castle) and A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas ( a show geared for kids with Buzz Lightyear, Snitch and other characters!)
A Frozen Holiday Wish is performed before 7:00- So everyone in the park can watch Elsa, Anna and Olaf transform Cinderella's Castle into a shimmering ice palace- that really is spectacular!!
We were never close enough for a pic of the show, but there it is from the train station! Note- when we were there in Nov. 2014 the tree wasn't up yet. This year it is already up, so the train station is not a great spot for viewing.



Frequently Asked Questions- 

  1. Is it worth it? Maybe! It is a wonderful party, a chance to experience the holiday shows without MAJOR crowds, and it's a lot of fun. However, it is a lot of money for a family. My suggestion is to use it as a day in the park, and spend the daytime hours enjoying the hotel, mini golfing, and napping, to ensure a great time, and work with your budget. So, if your family will be there for 5 days, get a 4 day pass and a party ticket for each of you.
  2. If we have a multi day pass do we need another ticket? Yes, this is a special event, the park closes at 7:00 for guests with regular passes. 
  3. If I'm staying at a resort hotel do I need an extra ticket? Yes, only guests with specific tickets for MVMCP on that date will be allowed to stay for the party.
  4. If we are at the MK that day, how do they know we don't have a ticket? They give all guests of the party a wristband after you arrive. Then they start checking for wristbands.
  5. Does the DAS (Disability Access Service) work?- No, the lines for the attractions are fairly short due to limited guests, and other activities. However the lines for characters can be quite long. 
  6. Are there gluten free cookies? YES, there are options for dietary needs at the free hot chocolate and cookie spots!
  7. Are there places to eat during the party? Sort of- for 2015 they will have 2 restaurants open for reservations (Cinderella's Royal Table, and Be Our Guest) but many of the restaurants are closed to distribute cookies. I suggest you make sure to get dinner before 7:00.
  8. Is Photo Pass at the party? Yes, and if you have memory maker, all of the photos will be included.
  9. If it rains will we get a refund? No, just like regular days, the party will be rain or shine. However, the weather could interrupt the shows (but winter in Orlando is typically dry)

If I can answer any questions, or you have comments please feel free to contact me!
amyschinner@gmail.com
@amy_schinner on Twitter
or comment here
Thanks!!

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Some Little Known Tips for Challenges at WDW.

The DAS isn't the only accommodation Disney has for guests.  Here are some tips for more specific needs- I hope they help!

1. Every Restaurant in WDW is Safe for Food Allergies- So often eating out is challenging for people with food allergies or other diet restrictions.  That can make traveling even harder, but WDW has safe options at any restaurant. I once spoke with a cast member in dining that said one little boy said his favorite part of the vacation was being able to eat wherever they wanted, and at one meal he had a special dessert delivered just for him. Contact special.diets@DisneyWorld.com  to be sure of all policies and how to be sure you are safe.
Gluten Free!

2. Service Animals are Welcome- Not only are service animals welcome in the parks, they are welcome on many of the attractions and rides! No, they of course can't ride any of the mountains... or even Peter Pan (because you can fly!) but your trusted 4 legged assistant is able to join you on Buzz Lightyear, "it's a small world", Toy Story Mania, and most other attractions. The waltdisneyworld.com website offers information about relief areas and appropriate attractions.
This service Animal Relief Area is in the Norway Pavillon.

3. The Resorts Have Wheelchair Rentals- If you are staying at a Disney resort and need to rent a wheelchair try the resort first. The rental fee is less and more importantly you have it with you all of the time. Traveling from buses or the parking lots can be quite a distance if you have mobility issues. Wheelchairs and EVC's rented in the parks have to stay in those parks. That leaves you without them a lot of the time, especially getting back to the resort after a long day in the parks.

4. You Can Rent a Large (Special Needs) Stroller- If you have a family member that needs a stroller, and yours won't fit in your car, you can rent one. Orlando Stroller Rentals, Kingdom Strollers and other private companies have the Liberty Push Stroller available and they will deliver it to your resort, complete with a rain cover, and a cooler. If you plan to use the Disney bus system it is important to rent the travel system too, otherwise you will be required to get out of the stroller and fold it up. Just remember to book it before you leave!


5. Stroller as a Wheelchair- Many areas of WDW ask you to park your stroller outside. If you have a family member that needs their stroller in the queue, at a show, or restaurants there is a tag to identify your stroller as a wheelchair. Age doesn't matter, just explain the need at guest services and they will get you all set up!
Stroller Parking in EPCOT




I hope these tips help! Please feel free to comment on this blog, Facebook or Twitter if you have any questions. I'll get back to you quickly.

Thank you Debbie Eaton for the photos!


Thursday, June 18, 2015

Disney Boot Camp: Preparing for your Vacation!


You can have all of your dinner reservations, and FastPasses ready to roll, MagicBands customized, and travel plans made... but if your family isn't prepared for the "Disney Experience" you will not be as ready as you think you are.

There are a few steps I suggest for every family to be FULLY ready for their vacation.

Family walks are the best way to prepare!

1. WALK- Begin this step as soon as possible. Take walks, starting off slowly, and short distances if you need to, and gradually pick up the pace as you can go further. There is a lot of walking, involved in a Disney Vacation, and most of the time the walking is combined with heat! If you are planning to use a stroller, combine the walks with the stroller so your littlest will be used to their chariot (and having to ride in it!) TIP- practice in the rain too, help everyone see that rain doesn't ruin your day!



Ponchos help you keep smiling in the rain!

2. SHOP- Don't wait until the week of vacation to buy new clothes and shoes. Buy early enough that there is time to have them broken in. (for parents AND kids) - I understand wanting everyone to look fresh and photo ready, so don't play in them, but wear them on practice walks that won't include puddles and mud. This will help you to know if their is an itchy tag, and avoid blisters. 
Speaking of shoes- I suggest really supportive shoes that will stay on. Flip Flops and even Princess shoes are not a good idea. Miserable Feet = Miserable Person

3. WATCH- Some kids really need to understand where they are going before they can be comfortable. YouTube has videos of every ride, most characters you will see, and even airport security. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHjlN5lzCjM - (TSA approved airline security video)
ALSO- scan all YouTube videos first, there can be uncomfortable language and images on some.

4. PRACTICE
- Have day trips that introduce your family to crowds, and waiting. Go to children museums, local amusement parks, zoos, there are so many places to explore! I also recommend eating out where you will need to wait to be seated, order, and wait for dinner (or lunch). If you have a little one, maybe push through some naps, or plan for them to nap in the stroller during the outing.
Not  care in the world!


5. CREATE! In between the "training" of your kids, include them in some fun ideas that make them feel like they are helping with the vacation planning. Make t-shirts, get snacks ready like ChexMix with Swedish Fish (or another sweet treat that won't melt), If the kids like to craft, have them make countdown paper chains, calendars, or any number of Pinterest ideas!
My family made these for our upcoming vacation!


So now your family is ready for a highly successful Disney Vacation!! Have a Magical Time!

Please let me know what your family does to prepare! (I just fixed the comments section!) Thanks!!

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

The Beauty of the Magic Band


My family and I went to the Disneyana convention in Dayton Ohio this weekend. It was a mini convention with vendors, and three panelists. We were only there on Sunday, so I went to hear Jim Hill speak about Alice in Wonderland (the boys went and got lunch) and then we all went to hear Bill Farmer Speak. Ben was very excited to hear the voice of Goofy, and he loved the presentation! Bonus- Steve found a Tax Day pin he has wanted to find for a friend for years! So thank you Plane Crazy Chapter of Disneyana we had a great day!

Throughout the day there are many conversations about all things Disney, and on this day, many centered around the Magic Bands. More precisely the new My Disney Experience app and FastPass+. Boy, are a lot of true Disney fans disappointed! Some even wondered when it would all go away... They miss the spontaneity of Disney days of the past.

Here is why the casual traveler is LOVING the Magic Band.

  • With a little bit of planning a mom can be sure that after spending thousands of dollars on a vacation, her family will get to ride Space Mountain, meet Anna and Elsa (the line is hours long without a FastPass) or have a great spot to watch the fireworks. 


  • For families that require the Disability Access Service Pass (DAS), FastPass+ also allows you to have 3 reservations made that you can know are set, because the rest of the day you need to have a runner go from ride to ride getting a reservation, and think about wait times.


  • For families that require sleep, need to stick to a morning routine that includes physical therapy done in the hotel room, or they just move slowly in the morning, FastPass+ allows you to still get on Toy Story Mania without a 2 hour wait. The old system ran out of Fast Passes as quickly as 30 minutes after rope drop (Disney speak for opening).
  • Now that the Accessibility changes have settled in, the magic band is a much nicer way for that system to work. (See my previous blog about those changes)


  • Annual Passholders that live in Central Florida can make some FastPasses around dinner plans, before this system they would have to wait 70 minutes or more for Soarin' because the FastPasses were long gone.


  • It made Disney look at their wi-fi, it is now free, and pretty darn good, especially when you consider how many are using it at one time! My teens, and my social media addicted self appreciate this! 
  • Then remember the cool factor! It's fun to wear, when they arrive the excitement is real, and having everything on your wrist is very nice and convenient! (I want one for real life)
We would not have met Anna and Elsa without the FastPass +!

My parents are taking all 15 of us (kids, spouses, and grandkids) aged from 6 months to 66 years to WDW in July. We have FastPasses for attractions we can ride together, some that split us up depending on interests (and height), and my mom and dad know that we will have at least some time together as a family on this amazing opportunity to vacation together.

Yes, I was up at midnight to secure our FastPasses for 7 Dwarves Mine Train for 15 people (of course rider swap will be needed for the 2 littlest ones), but then I went to sleep really happy knowing we can all experience that ride right before we have lunch at Be Our Guest on the first day.

I met a couple who go to their resort bus stop in the mornings and say whichever bus comes first is the park we will go to. A very fun idea for spontaneous people, but to do that now means no FastPasses. If I were them, with the new system I would spend my morning that way, but have some passes for the evenings to ensure I still get to do my favorites without too much of a wait!

 So although I understand why some fans miss the "good old days" I hope you can see why this particular change is good, and according to the polling Disney is getting, it's actually very popular, so it is here to stay!

Please feel free to ask questions or comment, I would love to hear from you!





    Monday, May 4, 2015

    DAS went digital

    Updated to keep it current! November 2015
    All is still current- 7/2/16
    Families that visit WDW during the holidays or Spring Break have not experienced the new system.

    Ben and I went to WDW in May to check out the new DAS changes. We went again during the summer and everything is still working smoothly. DAS has joined the My Disney Experience (MDE) system! Now instead of a paper card everything you need is on your MagicBand or park ticket.

    Ben getting a return time for Test Track.

    For those of you that aren't aware, the DAS is the Disability Access Service. This is the system Disney is using to help make attractions accessible since the Fall of 2013. There have been many changes concerning the policies, and now a great update makes it more user friendly.

    How does it work?
    If you have a family member with a non-visible or developmental disability, such as Autism, Down Syndrome,  a Seizure Disorder and many others, that will prevent them from enjoying an attraction without some type of accommodation, this system is designed to help you. If you have a mobility issue, and not a developmental disability, you DO NOT need a DAS!
    ·      First you and all of your traveling party visit guest services at any of the 4 major parks.
    ·      Ask very nicely for a DAS.
    ·      You will be asked why you need one. Explain which accommodations you need and why. You don’t have to share a diagnosis, and they aren’t allowed to ask. However, if you are comfortable sharing this information, it is helpful.
    ·      If it is decided you qualify for accommodations the system will be explained to you. (I’ll explain it in a minute, I promise.) You will be shown an iPad with the policies in really small print. Basically it reminds you that this doesn’t give you immediate access to anything.
    ·      The guest that requires the DAS has their MagicBand or park ticket scanned.
    ·      Then the guest gets his or her picture taken in a very casual way, no posing or smiling is required.
    ·      Next, they scan the MagicBands or tickets for every guest visiting with them. This enters you in the system as guests that can enter attractions with them.
    ·      Now you are free to enjoy the park, the pass is current for 60 days, after that it will need to be renewed.

    Here comes the actual working part…
    ·      Approach a cast member at the attraction you would like to ride. Ask for a DAS pass return time. The cast member will scan your band or ticket, ask who all is riding, then verbally give you a return time.  You can then see it on your MDE app.  Anyone registered to the guests DAS can do this, the guest with disabilities doesn’t have to be there for this step.
    ·      Go and enjoy a ride you already have a fast pass for, eat, spend time in a sensory spot (like a playground or Tom Sawyers Island) do some shopping, or whatever you would like to do to pass the time in a way that suits your family.
    ·      At the designated time (which will be 10 minutes less than the posted standby time when the return time was issued, for example, if the wait to visit Anna and Elsa is 75 minutes long at 1:00 then the return time will be 2:05) come to the FastPass line for the attraction. Remember, the guest with the DAS must ride!
    ·      The guest with the DAS must enter first.
    ·      They will touch their Magic Band or ticket to the glowing Mickey light.
    ·      The light will turn blue (don’t panic!) The blue light allows the Cast member to see your picture on their screen. Then your light will turn green and you continue on like a regular fast pass.

    This is what the app looks like with your DAS and FastPass reservations.

    What is New
    The DAS is now (May 2015) a part of the My Disney Experience (MDE) system.  The difference between it and FastPasses is you can’t enter or change any of the information yourself.
    Note- If you are reading this and don’t know how FastPasses now operate please research it, you will need them to fully utilize the system for your family.
    Previously there was a physical pass with the guests picture on it. The card is no longer necessary. Everything is now digital.

    Trouble Shooting
    I have seen tweets and posts with concerns. I’m hoping I can clear them all up.

    1. ·      If I have multiple family members that need a DAS can they still each have one, and can we all be registered to each pass. -YES Your family will be registered for each pass, but no guest may have more than one DAS registration at a time. So, for example, Dad will be with child #1 on Space Mountain, and Mom is with child #2 on Tomorrowland Speedway. But next time Mom can be with child #1 on Peter Pan and Dad is with child #2 at 7 Dwarves.
    2. ·      What if the system breaks down? – One day the Wi-Fi was down for a short time. The cast members were ready with paper passes that could be used immediately. When the Wi-Fi was back everything was back to normal. You also have the info on your phone as back up.
    3. ·      What if my child won’t wear the MagicBand? No worries, someone else can have the band, as long as the guest the DAS is issued to is there when entering the FastPass queue.
    4. ·      The policy says only six may enter the ride. What if  there are more than 6 of us? Bring EVERYONE to guest services. All of them will be registered on the DAS. Then your family can decide who rides what. (Ask guest services about the 6 person limit, I think it can be accommodated under special circumstances.)
    5. ·      Disneyland uses kiosks, then you don’t have to bring the guest to a ride possibly triggering a melt down. True, I thought I wanted that change, now I’m glad it isn’t at WDW. The kiosks have really long lines, going to each attraction is a time saver. Thankfully as long as it isn’t just you and the guest with the DAS another person can make that reservation.


    Why these newest changes are an improvement.
    Change can be challenging for most people. Families with special needs are often more weary than others, it is typically hard on our kids. Adding the DAS to the MDE really is an improvement.

    ·      It allows our families navigate the park in a less conspicuous way. We enter a FastPass queue just like everyone else.
    ·      We don’t have to try to keep the pass dry and in one piece. That’s one less ziplock to pack.
    ·      Consistency is important for most people with developmental disabilities. With this system there isn’t room for each cast member to have their own rules. The paper system was never consistent with return times.

    Some tips-
    ·      Have FastPasses scheduled before your arrival. My son, Ben was able to ride Toy Story Mania (an insanely popular ride) 3 times. Once because it was magic hours, so the line was very short. Then with a DAS reservation, then right before we left he had a FastPass we had set up 60 days before we came.
    ·      Remember to have the guest with the DAS enter the FastPass queue first. This allows the process to be very quick.
    ·      Be 1 minute late or more. There isn’t a grace period to start. Sometimes the FastPass clock and the system are off a few seconds. If it isn’t your time, you won’t show up in the system. So allow it time to be ready.
    ·      Always keep your cool and be nice. If something isn’t working the way you expect it to, question it, but do it with patience and kind words and tone. Help them to want to get it right for you, your service will be better that way.
    ·      Remember to use this system with the FastPasses, Disney designed it this way, and it does help.