10 Essential Things to Pack....

1. Sunscreen

It does not matter what time of year people are traveling, sunscreen is essential for any trip.  Even during the winter months, the sun can be extreme in Florida or in the mountains and protecting themselves with sunscreen is critical.

2. Portable Fans

Another great way to combat the heat is by having portable fans.  These small fans can bring great relief while waiting in lines or for a bus.  There are a variety of different ones that guests can find from Disney themed to USB chargeable ones.  It is amazing what a small breeze can do in the heat of the day.

3. Portable Cell Phone Chargers

Now more than ever phones are an important part of any vacation.  While at Disney, The My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps allow Disney guests to interact and do more than ever before from their phones.  From mobile ordering to opening resort doors, these apps are key to a magical vacation.  These apps also drain phone batteries quickly.  This is why it is so important to bring portable charger(s) into the park each day; no one wants to get caught at 0% when that special photo is ready to be taken.

4. Good Shoes

Walking is a key part to a Disney vacation.  From navigating the four parks to the resorts, guests are sure to put in a few magical miles every day of their vacation.  Because of this, it is important to have good, comfortable walking shoes.  Make sure to break them in before heading to Disney.

5. Snacks

Mickey pretzels, ice cream bars, popcorn and much more can be found throughout Disney Theme Parks.  I suggest bringing a few snacks to have with you during the day. “Hangry Pains” seem to hit while you are waiting in line so having a quick granola bar, fruit pack or a bag of goldfish can save the day.

6. Wipes

Wipes are a great item to have on hand.  From cleaning ice cream covered faces to wiping off tables wipes always come in handy. these are important to have in your park bag.

7. Hand Sanitizer

Everyone knows that little kids, and big kids, tend to touch everything.  Having hand sanitizer along for the trip is so important.  Small hand sanitizers make it easy to quickly clean hands after rides, before eating or after kids have touched everything in line.  

8. Reusable Water Bottle

Free water is available at all of Disney’s theme parks, but it is nice to have your own water bottle to put it into and carry around.  Consider investing in a water bottle that will help keep water cool or a fun Disney themed one that the kids will want to use.  During the summer heat, drinking water is so important and having a water bottle with you will help keep you hydrated.

9. Ziploc Bags

Ziploc Bags are a great item to have on any vacation.  From small Ziploc Bags to put phones in during rides or rain storms to larger Ziploc Bags for dirty clothes or masks. Ziploc Bags can very be helpful during a vacation.  I recommend packing your “Park Items” in Ziploc Bags to glide through the security checkpoints. A small paper bag comes in handy when you sit down for meal so you do not have to put your mask on the table.

10. Weather Items

Make sure to pack items for “The Weather” conditions.  Yes, weather happens...  Grab some rain ponchos and umbrellas for rainy summer and fall seasons.  When winter hits, make sure you have gloves, hats, and coats.  If traveling during the summer months, consider purchasing a cooling towel to help keep everyone cooled off during the heat of the day.  Having these items can help keep the magic flowing.

The Day as Finally Arrived the opening of Walt Disney® World Resort

Today is a very important day for Disney® Travel Planners and Disney® fans, we can go home. Each Disney® cast member greets guests with “Welcome Home”. Today no truer words have been spoken. July 11, 2020, Walt Disney® World and Disney’s Animal Kingdom® park welcome you home. For some guests the day will be filled with joy and magic of seeing a place that they hold in their hearts. There will be nervousness of going into the unknown with the changes that have taken place. The pixie dust still flows, it just looks alittle different.

We are able to resume booking both 2020 AND 2021 vacations at Walt Disney® World Resort! I know that the magic may look a little different right now, so today I am sharing some of my best tips for making the most of your next visit.

Tip #1: Pick the Right Time for Your Family

The first step right now is to decide when you feel comfortable planning a trip. Maybe you are excited to get away for a long weekend to check out the new Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival® this fall. Or perhaps you would like to wait things out and plan a relaxing trip late in Spring 2021. I can now plan trips through September 26, 2021, so we have lots of flexibility to find the time that is best for your family.

Tip #2: Pick the Right Resort for Your Family

Choosing the perfect resort for your family is important. Some of your favorite resorts may be unavailable at this time. Use this opportunity to find a new favorite home. Explore your options with the perfect pool to relax for a mid day break in the summer. If you have used the Disney®Dining Plan in the past consider a Villa or Club Level at a Deluxe Resort.

Tip #3: Know the Important Policies

There are a few key policies to keep in mind when you are booking a Walt Disney World® vacation:

  • Deposits and packages are 100% refundable up to 30 days before travel.

  • Packages can be modified (i.e. we can change the dates) up to 30 days before travel with no penalties. This means that if plans change, or you simply want to push your trip out a little further, it is not a problem.

Tip #4: Review What to Know Before You Go

  • You will need a reservation with the Disney® Park Pass System before entering any Disney® Park.

  • New health & safety procedures have been introduced, such as temperature screenings, a mask requirement, physical distancing around the parks, and enhanced cleaning procedures.

  • Some entertainment options are currently unavailable.

Tip #5: Pack a Personal Park Safety Kit

We all want to experience the magic and enjoy the parks safely. Here are some recommendations for a Park Kit:

  • 2 Masks (per person), masks must have ear loops, a nose piece and fit firmly against your face. No Gaiter type face coverings are accepted.

  • Hand Sanitizer

  • Disinfecting Wipes

  • Sunscreen

  • Hat/Visor/Sunglasses

  • SPF Lip Balm

  • Cooling Towel

  • Resealable Bags (including large ones to assist with bag check)

It is just a few extra things to pack, but taking a little extra precaution can help keep everyone healthy. Place these in a clear resealable bag to help with security bag check.

Tip #6: Take Advantage of the New Opportunities

There is a lot of talk about what we can't do right now, but not nearly enough about what we can do. Let’s talk about some of the great things going on right now:

  • Reduced capacity at the parks means shorter lines and more room to spread out. (I even saw Avatar Flight of Passage with a 5-minute wait yesterday morning!)

  • The FastPass® system is currently unavailable which means no rushing to meet the next scheduled ride time

  • Disney® is getting creative with their character appearances, including Gaston riding down Main Street on his steed and princesses popping up at the train station.

  • Restaurants are open, and some are even offering character dining or great spots by the waterfront.

  • EPCOT® debuts a new take on its festivals next week, with a blend of some of the best parts of Flower & Garden and Food & Wine.

  • Resorts are open, offering relaxing lounges by the pools and easy transportation to the parks.

Proposed Opening of Universal Studios

A PROPOSED phased reopening of Universal Studios Orlando was presented to the Orange County Task force today and is awaiting approval by several Florida agencies

Today, Universal Orlando presented their proposal to the Orange County Task Force detailing their plans for opening their resorts and theme parks. The proposal submitted by Universal Orlando included a re-opening date for the general public on June 5th (June 1st -4th would be used as a testing phase). The proposed guidelines that Universal Orlando would like to have in place and the proposed date to reopen must be approved by the Orange County Task Force and the Mayor will need to officially sign off on the plan and send it to the state.


Below we have highlighted some of the proposed requirements that team members and guests visiting the resorts and parks must adhere to and which are in accordance with guidelines provided by the CDC. Here are some of those proposed requirements (subject to change):


Temperature checks will be required at parking or main entrance. (non-contact forehead reading will be utilized).

Guests will be required to wear masks while visiting the parks

Staggered arrivals and parking

Mobile food ordering for dining venues

Social distancing required in all public areas

No valet parking will be available at this time

Some changes that may impact guests experiences at attractions:


All interactive play areas will be closed

Water and misting features throughout the parks will not be operating or will be minimized

No single rider lines

3D glasses will be handed out individually

Virtual queues will be utilized where they are available.

No parades or post show meet and greets. However, individual floats may appear in the parks but the performers will remain on the floats.

This proposal must still receive approval from the Orange County, the Mayor and finally by the state. If any of those entities do not approve the proposal, Universal Orlando cannot proceed with their opening date or plans. Also, changes to the proposed date and guidelines may be required.

Universal CityWalk is NOW OPEN for Limited Operations and with CDC required guidelines

Select CityWalk venues recently reopened for guests to enjoy 4-10pm daily (subject to change). Self-parking is complimentary. Valet parking is not available at this time. (subject to change). Some venues will remain temporarily closed at this time including Blue Man Group, all nightclubs, and Universal Cinemark.


Universal will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as needed. Additional venues may be added over time, and hours of operation are subject to change.


Universal team members and all guests should follow all recommended CDC guidelines. Therefore, all guests and Team Members will be required to comply with following:


Face covering required: Everyone is required to wear a face covering during their visit.

Temperature check required: Temperature checks will be required upon arrival, and guest with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater will not be admitted.

Wash hands often: Wash your hands with soap and water often for at least 20 seconds.

Social distancing: Practice social distancing and keep at least 6 feet between your travel party and others.

Floor markings: When present, please stand on the floor markings until the group in front of you moves forward.

Avoid contact with people who are sick.

Please note the CDC advises that older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Guests should evaluate their risk in determining whether to attend. People who show no symptoms can spread COVID-19 if they are infected, any interaction with the general public poses an elevated risk of being exposed to COVID-19, and we cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed during your visit.


Visit the Universal City Walk website for the latest details of open venues or changes to the policies guests are required to follow.

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/theme-parks/citywalk


At this time, Walt Disney World® Resorts and Theme Parks remain closed until June 13th. No opening date has been announced

Walt Disney World has yet to announce the opening dates of their resorts or theme park. To date, Disney has confirmed that their resorts and theme parks will remain closed until June 13th. However, as we previously detailed in another email, select retail and restaurants have opened at Disney Springs.


Visit DisneySprings.com/reopening for the latest details of open venues


We will notify you as soon as Disney announces their plans to reopen the resorts and theme parks. We will only provide official information and details regarding an opening date and the requirements guests must adhere to when the Disney parks make that information available. So watch your inbox for further communication from the Mouse Experts!

Mobile Ordering at Disney Parks

I don’t know about you but that stress of waiting in line and ordering at the cashier is NOT MY JAM! You better know EXACTLY what your giant party ALL want to eat, including drink, sides, and extras when you step up to the plate. Did Betty want BBQ sauce with her nuggs or ranch? Wait, did Grandma want fries or to sub in onion rings?!? Didn’t someone want a slush instead of a Coke?!? AHH! Learn from me — just do it calmly with Mobile Order.

So What IS Mobile Order?

For those uninitiated into the Wonderful World of Mobile Order, this part of My Disney Experience and the Disneyland App is your way to essentially skip lines while ordering food from a variety of quick, fast-food style locations in the parks.

You can view menus and order from any spot that accepts Mobile Order. You’ll pay online with the card tied to your account or with Disney Dining Plan credits, then simply alert them in the app once you’re there and they’ll start preparing your food.

You get in a separate (often MUCH shorter) line to grab your food and GO! While everyone else is sweating in the heat waiting in never-ending lines to order, you’ll walk right up and get your food like a BOSS!

Secrets and Tips To Achieve Pro Status!

Secret Menu Items

Mobile Ordering is also a great way to find out about top-secret menu items!

Look at Menus Ahead of Time

We used to find ourselves ducking and diving through crowds of people craning to see the tiny print on some of the menu boards OR trying to wrangle our squirmy families while we glance through a menu — only to find out there’s nothing the kids will eat. That is NOT how you want to spend your precious Disney time...trust me.

For instance, say it’s lunchtime, and your kids are HANGRY…but you’re stuck in the middle of the line for Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom. WHAT TO DO?! Peruse the menu for Flame Tree Barbecue or Restaurantosaurus in the comfort of that air-conditioned queue so you KNOW if your fam will ALL enjoy the food there. You can even place your order before boarding and be chowing within minutes of saving that Iguanodon!

Find Allergy-Friendly Options

If you or someone in your crew has specific dietary restrictions, Mobile Ordering can be super helpful! Many restaurants have an entire “allergy-friendly” section to help you narrow down your choices.

It’s NOT Just For Meals!

Mobile Ordering ain’t just for meals, folks! Want a Dole Whip, don’t want to wait in that line? Mobile Order! You can even get that decadent Dole Whip Pineapple Upside Down Cake!

You can order from a nice shady bench while your family rides the teacups if you want! And not to worry, once you place your order, you’ll receive a window of time you can make your way to the restaurant before you let them know “I’m here!” Take advantage of how the app lets you go at your own pace and eliminate that extra stress that often comes with the formal line and ordering system.