Disney Bucket List- Fall 2014

This is our second trip to Disney World in 2014 and the shortest trip we have made as a family.  We will be at the parks for just FOUR days.  I used to think that four days was the perfect amount of time... 4 days/4 parks it should be plenty of time boy was I WRONG.  We plan to pack a ton of stuff into our four days before heading off for a 5 night Disney cruise.  Just as the rest of my Disney bucket lists this is not a Disney "must do" list, this is a list of new things that our family plans to enjoy while we are there.  I don't stress over the list and I have yet to complete everything on one of my lists.  As a Disney Vacation Club owner I plan to visit often and eventually I will cross them all off.  I choose my list by selecting a mix of items that are there for a limited time, the resort that we are staying at, and new things for us to try.

1. Festival of the Fantasy Parade- Earlier this year Disney World started a new afternoon parade called Festival of the Fantasy.  The parade celebrates many of the Fantasy Land characters such as Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Flynn Ryder, Rapunzel, Ariel, Cinderella, Bella, Minnie, Mickey, and many others.

2.  Attend Hollywood Studios FROZEN Summer- I was excited to hear that this limited time only event had been extended that included dates of our vacation.  It includes special events such as a Frozen Sing-a-long, ice skating, treats, parade, and an evening fireworks spectacular.

3.  Bay Lake Tower-  This is our "home" DVC resort, but we have never stayed there as a family.  I stayed there with the kiddos a few years ago and I am excited for all of us to stay.  The proximity to Magic Kingdom make it one of my top places to stay.  Something about being able to walk there makes everything so much easier.

4.  Moma Melrose's Ristaurante Italiano -  I like to try at least one new (to us) table service restaurant while visiting the parks.  This restaurant is located in Hollywood Studios so we have decided to to the Fantasmic Lunch package to guarantee a see for the show with out using a fastpass for it.  Italian food is one that that my kids will definitely eat so it is a perfect choice for my family.

5.  Enchanted Stories with Belle-  Since I have two boys you are probably wondering why I have included this on my list.  I am taking a recommendation from a friend.  She said that it is very interactive and her children LOVED it.  I hear it represents the magic of Disney to the fullest and I want to know more!

6.  Seven Dwarfs Mine Train-  This is the newest ride addition to Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland.  It is a rollercoaster designed for everyone over 38 inches tall that is themed around the beloved Snow White.  It is extremely popular right now since it just opened in the spring so make sure you schedule a fastpass.

7.  Silhouettes of Kids- I am always looking for the perfect souvenir to take home from WDW.  My go to items are a Christmas ornament and lots of great pictures.  This time I plan to have the kids sit for a few minutes at Magic Kingdom to get this keepsake completed.  I am not sure of the price but from what I have read it should be less than $30 for both kids.  I will be sure to update with details like price and location when we return.

8.  Go on a Disney Cruise-  This has been on my BIG bucket list for A LONG TIME!  We actually booked this cruise 18 months ago and the fact that it is so close is giving me butterflies in my stomach.  We chose to do 4 days in the parks and then take a relaxing cruise after.  I am prepared to be WOWed!

9.  Family Picture on the Monorail-  We love all forms of Disney transportation because it means that we are in our happy place, however, the Monorail holds the top spot.  It is a ride all in itself.  I have pictures of my kids on the Monorail but none of the whole family.  Believe it or not, this might be the toughest item on my list.

10.  Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party-  This is a special ticket event that is held select dates in September and October.  It is a Halloween party complete with costumes, trick-or-treating, special character appearances, parades, dance parties, and fireworks.  We are currently working on our costumes and I will share them later.

11.  Mickey Kitchen Sink- Last year we tackled the challenge of the Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream at the Boardwalk resort.  This version of the kitchen sink is available at the Magic Kingdom and is is slightly smaller so maybe just maybe we will be able to finish it!

12.  Country Bear Jamboree- There are still 15 of the original attractions from opening day at Walt Disney World.  The Country Bear Jamboree is the last one of the 15 that our family has to do to have completed all of them.  Technically I saw the animatronic show as a kid, but I plan to officially check it off the list with my family.  It is an any height attraction that is one of the last attractions that was actually developed by Walt himself.

13.  Dole Whip-  Many people have a long list of their favorite snacks at WDW.  I bet most lists include this delicious treat.  I have tasted fellow Magical Mom Sherrie's Dole Whip, but this time I plan to enjoy my own.  It has even been suggested to me that I add some rum.  Shhh... don't tell.

I know that this list may seem long and ambitious for a short trip, but I plan to try my best.  I will update you when I return from the world!

Update on My 2013 Disney World Bucket List

I think that we did a pretty darn good job of crossing things off of our list.  Remember this was not my MUST do Bucket List of things to do at Disney World, this was our to do list for this trip. Click here for the original post.  Some of the things on the list are Must Do's, but others are things I recommend you try if you have enough time.  We were extremely lucky that we got to spend 8 days park hopping.  Having those extra days gave us time to enjoy the smaller things, relax, and take in all the magic!

Here is the list of the things that we were able to cross off the list.  11 out of 13 isn't bad!

1.  Ride Test Track-  The last time we were there is was closed for refurbishment.  This time is was open and much better than before.  We got to design our own test car, which we loaded onto our Magic Bands (you could also you Key to the World or Park Ticket), then our car was put up against other cars including the test car.  After we went on the ride, we were able to use our car (from our Magic Band) to make commercials and do additional driving.
   
    
2. Mail a Coconut from Caribbean Beach Resort.  We mailed two coconuts.  One to the other Magical Mom and her family and one to my oldest son's class.  It was easy and they mail it for you right from the gift shop!
   
3. Go to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party-  As always the Disney didn't disappoint!  We had so much fun watching the special shows, parades, and dancing with the characters at the dance parties!
   
4. Take the kids to Illuminations- I think I can only give us a half check mark.  I say that because the kids actually fell asleep during the fireworks!  I guess we will have to try it again next time.   
   
5. See the Jammin' Jingle Parade- Animal Kingdom changes up their daily parade during the holiday season.  We saw it on the first day it was performed this year!
   
6. Go to Tom Sawyer Island.  We took the raft (boat) to the island and went exploring.  It was a great time for my boys.  It gave them a chance to run around and get out some energy.
   
7. Captain EO- This is not on my must do list, but I am glad that I saw it.  It was nothing like I expected.  My oldest son (7) really enjoyed it, but my younger one (4) was a little frightened by it.  
   
8. Watch Festival of the Lion King Show-  We all really enjoyed this show.  The acrobatics really captured the kiddos attention.  I would go see it again, but I want to see some other shows first.
   
    
9. Flag Ceremony at Magic Kingdom- I was really nervous about how we were going to see this because dropping everything and going all the way to the front of the park can be a lot of work.  On our arrival day we actually walked into the Magic Kingdom at 4:50 so we were in the perfect spot to see it.  It was a great way to start our trip.
   
    
10. Rope Drop at Magic Kingdom- WE DID IT!  The show along with the arrival of the characters is so sweet.  It prepared us for the MAGICAL day we were about to have.
    
11. Star Tours-  We rode this one over and over and over again!!!  My boys could not get enough of it.  The ride experience changes every time so we never had the same combination.
    
    
    
    As I said before we are going to have to carry over the two things that we didn't get to do.  I am sure that we will come up with lots of others to add to our 2014 Bucket List too!
    
    1. Go to the campfire and make s'mores at Caribbean Beach Resort- The campfire happens every evening, but it was from 5-6pm and the time slot just didn't work for us.  I guess this will stay on the list too.
    2. Find DiVine- We only went to Animal Kingdom one day this trip and she was not on the times guide.  We had a lot to do so I didn't get a chance to ask anyone where to find her.  This will carry over to my next list for sure.
    Remember, there is so much to see and do, that you can't do it all even if you stayed for 2 weeks.  Enjoy what you do get to see and experience and you will have a perfect vacation!
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My Disney Bucket List 2013

My Disney World countdown is into the teens and I have been diligently planning.  This trip is different from other trips with have taken in the past. The first thing that is different is that we are NOT doing the Disney Dining Plan.  The second is that we are staying at moderate resort.  The third thing is that we are traveling without the Henderson Family (the other Magical Mom's family).  We are quite sad that they will not be joining us and I am secretly hoping that they will show up to surprise us!!!!!  Ok maybe it is not a secret... I have been trying to convince her for weeks.

Since we are not doing the Dining Plan, we don't have a lot of dining reservations.  I feel like since we are not tied to reservations we have more free time throughout the day, I am hoping to be able to cross off some things that we have just not had time to do in the past.  This is not my list of top things to do at Walt Disney World.  This is a list of what I hope to accomplish during this trip.  I am excited that my list includes the perfect mix of must do's and experiences that are "off the beaten path".

1. Ride Test Track-  My oldest son and I have ridden it, but it has always been closed for refurbishment while my husband has been there.  This time we will ALL ride it!
2. Mail a Coconut from Caribbean Beach Resort.  Yes, you  read that correctly.  We plan on mailing a real coconut from the gift shop at our resort.  Who will be the lucky one to receive it?
3. Go to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party-  Scott and I attended last year without the kids and the kids and I attended the year before but we have never all attended at the same time.  This year is it!
4. Take the kids to Illuminations- We have never taken the kids to Illuminations.  Crazy right?!?  We have used Kids Night Out babysitting service a couple of times and we always end up going to Epcot for an adults only evening.  This time I want to take them with us.  
5. See the Jammin' Jingle Parade- We have seen the Jammin Jungle Parade at Animal Kingdom, but since we will bet there during the Christmas season we plan on seeing this holiday version of the parade.  
6. Go to Tom Sawyer Island.  My boys are very much into exploring.  We plan to take the short boat ride to the island and spend some time checking it out!  I also plan on getting to the bottom of the "Paint Brush" stories I have heard!
7. Captain EO- I have heard rumors that this attraction will be closing soon and there is no way I want to miss this MJ experience!
8. Find DiVine- DiVine is a street performer in Animal Kingdom that hides a midst the trees and foliage.  She can be difficult to spot but is a magical sight to see once you do find her.
9. Watch Festival of the Lion King Show-  I always feel so rushed when we are at Animal Kingdom and we always end up missing the great shows.  Hopefully not this time!
10. Flag Ceremony at Magic Kingdom- Everyday at 5pm the Magic Kingdom has a flag lowering ceremony.  We have never participated in it
11. Rope Drop at Magic Kingdom- This is ALWAYS on my list and it should ALWAYS be on your list!  It is one of the most magical moments.  It sets the tone for the whole day, plus being some of the first people in the park is unforgetable!
12. Go to the campfire and make s'mores at Caribbean Beach Resort-  Every evening the Caribbean Beach resort (which is where we are staying) has a campfire and marshmallow roasting.  They even have movies under the stars.  Lots of resorts have similar evening experiences.  Make sure to find out what is special about your resort.

The list of rides and attractions I want to do and see is very long.  My youngest son is FINALLY 40 inches tall so we will not be using near as many rider swaps as we have in past visits.  At the top of his list is......

   13.  Star Tours-  This attraction is a family favorite.  Both my boys love Star Wars and I am so excited for my little guy to ride it for the first time!!!

I will update when we return from our trip.  It is important when you go to Disney World to have a plan, but don't make your plan too exact.  You need room for flexibility.  Personally I always want to do it all, but I know that is not possible.  I think that it is possible to complete these 13 things, but plans can always change.
 Wish me luck!  

See how we did here!

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Who Wants To Be A Jedi?

Who hasn't dreamed about having Jedi powers and using a lightsaber as a kid?  During our latest trip to Disney World in 2012, our son Evan was lucky enough to have the opportunity to participate in Jedi Training Academy at Hollywood Studios.  I used my iPhone 5 to take some video of the training and did a little editing to keep it short.  This is a MUST DO activity for anyone that is in to Star Wars, but it is a very popular attraction so here is my tip to make sure that your son or daughter gets to participate in this Jedi right of passage.



Top Tip:  Arrive at least 45 minutes before Hollywood Studios open with your running shoes on.  Make sure that you have the young Jedi with you that want to participate(ages 4-12 can participate) in Jedi Training Academy.  Once they open the gates go directly to the ABC Sound Studio to register your Jedi not the Jedi Training Academy stage.

After you're done battling Darth Vader with your newly learned force powers, you can make your way to the Tatooine Traders gift shop to build your own custom lightsaber or you can choose to build one from your favorite character.