Quick Zip Over to Walt Disney World

After I arrive at my resort, I drop my bags and take the bus over to Disney Springs. My favorite stop is Disney's Days of Christmas shop. I order my customized special ornament and ship it back to my resort, to arrive a few days later. Next stop Marketplace Co-Op. Oh the unique gifts in this store! Makes me so happy! Dine at any of the fabulous restaurants, but my favs are Raglan Road and Earl of Sandwich. (Depends on if I want to be entertained or grab and go) Next I swing back to Goofy's Candy Co. and build my own rice krispie treat! (add the peanut butter and white chocolate chips, yes please!) I stroll my way around, listening to the live music and might even grab a cocktail or two if the mood is right! Disney Springs is usually open very late, so if you want to make a full night of it, you certainly can! Me? I usually tuck into bed early and prepare for my next sunny Florida Disney day!

I try to arrive early and take all of my castle pictures immediately, when the crowds are way less. If I time it right, I will rope drop Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Ride and then head to Peter Pan's Flight. The line for Peter Pan is long all day every day, so try to hit it early to get on. I love Mickey's PhilharMagic, so I will try and get in to this show early in the day as well. The Haunted Mansion line is also long most of the day, so I jump in this one pretty early on as well. Next up is Pirates of the Caribbean, man I love this ride! After these special rides, I will take my time and shop all around. I love the Emporium but I also like the little shops all around, so you will find me in some random store check out the latest and greatest! I end the night with the fireworks show, and I have no issue perching on my spot for an hour or more. The fireworks display at Magic Kingdom finishes my first day off with perfection.

Because the previous day was very full over at Magic Kingdom, today I sleep in and rest. I usually spend the entire morning at the resort. Eat breakfast and maybe swim for an hour or two, before preparing to head to the parks in the early afternoon. I like to depart the resort around noon or 1pm and arrive at Animal Kingdom without the crazy rush of people in the morning. If you like Flights of Passage in Pandora, I would recommend grabbing a LL reservation for the late arrival. Me, I like to head back to the Kilimanjaro Safari ride at the back of the park. I will stop quick to grab a corn on the cob from Harambe Street Market - holy cow this is delicious! After the safari ride, I will visit The Animation Experience at Conservation Station, a quick train ride and sketch a Disney character with an Animator! So cool! Many people like Expedition Everest, but I do not. Way to scary for me! (rode it once, that was enough) I end the evening with the Tree of Life Awakenings. Beautiful.

Last up is a visit to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Even though I'm not a die-hard Star Wars fan, gosh Galaxy's Edge sure is COOL! I do try to get in Rise of the Resistance if possible (via LL) and I have learned to love Smuggler's Run! Both over in Galaxy's Edge. I also LOVE TOY STORY LAND! This is probably my favorite area of them all. Slinky Dog Dash ride is worth the wait, so yes I will wait in this line no matter how long. Toy Story Mania is addicting and I love it. If I can swing it, I will try to ride this at least a couple times while I visit. Sci-Fi is my favorite restaurant, be sure to make your reservations well in advance. A quick service option is ABC Commissary and a great quick service alternative to Sci-Fi if you cannot get in. The big rides like Tower of Terror and Rock-n-Roller Coaster are here and amazing, but not for me. I'm a chicken. (tried it once, did not love it)

On the day that I depart, I usually wake up, check out and head home. I do not usually try to fill my last day with another park. I am usually tired from all the walking and steps I have put in, and have had my magical weekend fill. I love visiting Walt Disney World for any length of time, and on a quick weekend, I will eliminate one park. On this itinerary I did eliminate EPCOT, however, I do LOVE EPCOT, but I think it's too much to try and do all four parks in one weekend. Like I said before, I really like to enjoy the little moments and try really hard not to cram too much into each day. I end every trip with a 'See Ya Real Soon' and a little goodbye wave to the resort. I will return someday soon.