Williams Family: Disney Questions I Get Asked . . .and the Answers Including Best Tips!

Now that we have lived in Walt Disney World's backyard for nearly 3 years and have been Disney fans for decades, there are questions I or we get asked.  Answering isn't always easy, especially when it comes to "favorites."

What's your favorite park? 

Well, it depends. If there is a festival of some sort with concerts or performances, EPCOT is the park we frequent most often. Magic Kingdom is iconic and is the East Coast's original Disney park. The husband loves the Animals at Animal Kingdom, but I think we would both agree that Hollywood Studios is our favorite park--for shows and attractions. Hollywood Studios is also the "easiest" park in terms of parking, entrance, etc. 

As far as access to other resorts, Hollywood Studios again for the win as a transportation hub with boat transportation to the EPCOT area resorts, Skyliner transportation to Riviera, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, and Art of Animation. And, Hollywood Studios has bus transportation to any other resort and Disney Springs.  But EPCOT has the most transportation options--busses, boats, Skyliner, and Monorail. 

What's your favorite attraction? 

If you are talking roller coasters, it's easy--Expedition Everest. It's a great ride, has single rider line, offers a ride photo, and is easy on/off; a 4-part trifecta! If you are talking about attractions in general, then Enchanted Tales With Belle. I am mesmerized by the transition of Maurice's workshop every time--it's baffling. And, of course, Belle is my favorite princess so there is that. As for the husband, he likes Toy Story Mania, Buzz Lightyear, and anything Star Wars. His favorite show is Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, but is a bit anticlimactic now that there are no more guest performers picked from the audience. He had that down to a science. 

Click here to read about my Belle themed day at Walt Disney World.

Can you go anytime? 

Yes. Our Annual Passes do not have any blackout dates. We can hold up to 5 park reservations at a time, and if we are going to a park after 2:00 pm, no reservation is needed, except for Magic Kingdom on the week-ends. And, there are "Good to Go" days where no Passholder Reservations are needed. 

Do you "do" the parks differently now compared to when you vacationed and stayed at a Disney Resort? 

We do "do" the parks differently, but that change happened gradually even when we were vacationing. The family began to revolt at the rope drop to park close touring style and break afternoons or break days became part of the vacation routine and schedule. As the boy got older, he wanted to do things by himself or with his dad. He even had a friend at another Orlando Resort that he hung out with a couple of times our vacations coincided. When we moved and had pets to consider, entire day touring wasn't needed and was less convenient than a few hours at a time. If we want to see parades, we go at those times, or for fireworks, etc. So, yes, our park touring style has changed, but it was changing prior to moving.  When guests come and they want to get the most out of their admission ticket, then the rules change and we're back to "tourist touring." 

I do miss the Disney Resorts, though. They are beautiful, immersive, and smell good. Being able to visit Disney Resorts is another benefit of living where we live. A neighbor said that she didn't know you could visit Disney Resorts if you weren't staying there, which is incorrect. Now, certain parts of Disney Resorts are closed to non-resort guests, such as swimming pools, or fireworks viewing areas during holidays. But there is something about dining near the Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House pool, or at Caribbean Beach's Banana Cabana listening to music and enjoying the view, or at Bar Riva at The Riviera, or Geyser Point at Wilderness Lodge enjoying a Bison burger overlooking Bay Lake, or strolling Coronado Springs Resort and stopping at Barcelona. My two favorite strolls right now are the walks between Caribbean Beach and The Riviera, and the walk from the Polynesian past Island Tower (oh, that corner!!) and on to the Grand Floridian. 

Is it expensive? 

It can be. We typically do not spend money on food, drinks, and souvenirs while at the parks. If we do, it is a snack to share, such as a Popcorn bucket refill or egg rolls from China, or a festival food booth item to sample. We bring bottled water with us. Parking at the Disney Parks is included with our pass. If we go out to eat, then yes, there is an expense. Since portions can be large, we often share an entree and use our Annual Passholder discount if applicable. Our pass is a monthly interest-free charge since we live in Florida and we receive either a discount or a rebate when we renew. Our monthly cable/internet bill is about the same as the monthly charge for 2 Annual Passes with year-long Photopass access. 

We also use a Disney Visa through Chase for household expenses, paying the balance monthly, and earn Disney Reward Dollars that can be used for purchases throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. If you see the husband with a beer at EPCOT, chances are he paid using Disney Rewards. 

Do you get tired of it? 

No. Each visit, each experience, is new and unique. It would be difficult to replicate an experience even if you tried--I want to circle back to that. And, we take advantage of access to new attractions, restaurants, and offerings. It is fun to experience firsts such as opening day of Geo-82, or the first Candlelight Processional of the season. For me, witnessing someone else's new experience is rewarding, too! 

Other than touring style, what else has changed for you as a Disney Guest since you moved to Orlando? 

I don't know if it changed when we moved or if it is more prevalent now that we frequent the parks, but bumping into/overhearing guests that have incorrect information or are relying on a memory of a previous visit, circling back to the difficult to recreate an experience. 

Frequently, I hear guests talking about when they were "here" and "over there" was such and such only to be surprised or disappointed that whatever that was is no longer there and it is now something new/different that they weren't aware of. For example, we were waiting to meet Jiminy Cricket at Hollywood Studios and the family behind us was asking their young son if he wanted to meet Lightning McQueen because they had done that on their last visit. Before the son could answer and disappointment reigned, I interjected that Lightning McQueen Racing Academy is where the new Villains show is now. 

Walt Disney World is one of the most written about, videoed, podcasted, tik toked, instagramed destinations. It has its own website and app to readily access information. And, yes, that information can and does change somewhat frequently, but it is still accessible. I will also assert that Walt Disney World advertisements do not help--commercials with the monorail flying by Animal Kingdom Lodge--in terms of the reality compared to guest expectations. Even as locals who are immersed in all things Disney, staying up to date is a task.  

 

Are there Disney things you no longer do or won't do? 

Yes. I will no longer crawl/climb/fling myself in/out of attractions. I have also developed attraction seating preferences for comfort. No first rows on Pirates, Small World, Dinosaur, or Kilimanjaro Safari. If a wait time is longer than an hour, we'll come back another day. Three of us Disney lady friends were touring Hollywood Studios one morning--we had to leave the park by noon. At 11:00 am, the wait time for Slinky Dog was 35 minutes and the newbie of the group was like no, we can do it another time. The other two of us looked at each other with knowing glances and said, "This is good wait time, let's do it." We did. Knowledge and experience at work. 

What is your best tip for visiting the Walt Disney World Resort? 

Know that there is no one right way to do Disney. If that were the case, everyone would do the same things in lockstep. The way that works for your traveling party is the right way. Got sleepy teens? Arriving later in the morning and staying late may be your way. Young ones, or adults, who want naps? Early morning arrival then afternoon breaks may be better. Disney veterans? A multi-park day hitting the highlights may be the itinerary. 

I would recommend narrowing down priorities, budget, stamina, and then manage expectations. Priorities: Top 3 most important things for each member of the traveling party. Is it characters? Attractions? Shows? Food? Fireworks? Then, plan accordingly. It is OK for larger parties to split up. Also, when asking children what they want to do, narrow it down with options such as "Do you want to ride Ariel's under the sea ride, it's not scary, or see Belle in her library?" Asking kiddos, what do you want to do, when they have no idea what is available, especially if it is their first visit, will most likely get "swim in the pool" as an answer. 

Budget: Staying on Walt Disney World property can be costly, but it is also most efficient with Disney transportation and access to early park entry or other on-site perks. Staying offsite will potentially offer savings, and then extra time will be spend moving back and forth to the parks. Know how much you are willing to spend. Going beyond can be stressful, which is not the point of the vacation.

Stamina: Walt Disney World is huge and requires walking and standing, unless mobility devices are used. The parks are noisy and busy--lots of visual and auditory stimulation. Then add weather. It can be a lot and make humans tired and cranky. Add sleeping in strange beds, eating different foods at potentially different times of day, and possibly changing time zones to the mix. Know what the humans are going to need, what can get accomplished, and plan accordingly. And, please, for the love of yourself, wear sturdy, comfortable shoes! We frequently see people hobbling and grimacing. 

Managing Expectations: Take doing it all off the table; it's not possible in one visit or vacation, hence the need for priorities. If everyone gets to experience their top 3 that is a win. The rest is icing. Be present and find magic in the moments.

Williams Family: I Am a Geography Nerd

I am a Geography nerd. I think it began in 3rd grade when Mrs. Evans was my teacher and we learned what Geography was and had to know how to spell it. She taught us a mnemonic device to remember the letters. G--George E--Evans O--Old G--Grandmother R--Rode A--A P--Pig H--Home Y--Yesterday Got it. George Evans old grandmother rode a pig home yesterday. It worked as I still remember! Anyway, my love of maps, land formations--what they are called and where they are located, and how cultures are impacted by Geography began. Somewhere in 6th/7th grade, our family took a road trip to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to visit a long-time friend of my mothers. Her husband had been relocated for a job and we were off to spend time with her and her family. My parents threw the map to me in the backseat and I navigated our way to Pittsburgh. By the time I was in High School, I was allowed to drive in/around/and out of state. When I was in college, I enrolled in a Geography elective as a night class. I liked to take night classes as there were more non-traditional college students and the competition for grades was fierce. The first night, the instructor gave an oral pre-test. My hand shot up at nearly every question. He told me not to return until the final but to complete the class project. Done. Geography showed up in Science Methods for Elementary Teachers at the University, too. The professor just smiled when I answered questions that seemed to baffle other students--time zones, Earth's axis, etc. As a young adult, I had an Atlas on my bedside table. Reading and studying maps was a soothing pre-sleep activity. Now, knowing Geography helps me connect with others. As a Travel Advisor, it is extremely helpful to have an idea of the world. When I frequent Walt Disney World and ask guests where they are visiting from, i can typically ask a question about their home location based on my knowledge and/or experience. And, I've won a trivia contest or two. When at our community pool and neighbor, who works for Disney Cruise Line, was telling a group of us that she is from Cape Verde. Another neighbor asked if it was a tropical location and she responded with no. I said it is dry, like a desert, as it is located off the West coast of Africa near the Sahara Desert and the Cape Verde is where hurricanes are generated before crossing the Atlantic. The gal from Cape Verde was stunned as no one in our community had known about her home before. A few weeks later, I introduced her to a very well traveled neighbor from Norway who has visited Cape Verde. It can be a small world! Today, during Thanksgiving, my nerdom struck again. Our nephew was watching football and I said, that's Terry Bradshaw. Yep. I went on. . . he played for Pittsburgh, right? Now my nephew is intrigued. I added that I had been in the stadium in Pittsburgh, but to see the Pirates, not the Steelers. Then I asked if he know what rivers gave the stadium its name. He got 2 out of 3 correct! When dining with more people around the table, football came up again. Talk of Fantasy football teams including kickers. I interjected that the Iowa Hawkeyes had won last Saturday against Michigan State due to their kicker. (These folks are from Iowa and Hawkeye fans.) I got bonus points for having that information. But I went on. Both schools are party schools. I added that I had "celebrated" in both Iowa City and East Lansing as a young one. Another guest talked about their time in East Lansing and mentioned another Michigan town. My reply was about how that town was West of Lansing. Surprise on all accounts. Now maps are digital and accessible at one’s fingertips. I am not one who needs to turn the map the direction I am facing; that actually confuses me. I have been told that I have an acute sense of direction and once when I flew into New Orleans after dark, I could tell which direction was North.

Williams Family Blog: Spooky Season Theme Day!

 

It had been a minute since my last Walt Disney World Theme Day.  As a local, I enjoy selecting a theme and then touring the Walt Disney Resort finding attractions, entertainment, characters, and dining that align with the selected theme.

Click here to read about my Princess Belle theme day.

Click here to read about my Pixar theme day. 

Given the season, Spooky Season was the theme.  I donned my tennis shoes, threw my new yellow leather cross body bag from Venice over my should and off I went.  It was a "Good to Go" day for Annual Passholders, so no Park Reservations were necessary. The weather turned cooler, just in time!

Disney's Hollywood Studios was the first stop.  Hollywood Tower of Terror was the first destination, and I was confronted with a 70 minute wait time.  Oh, well.  I had made a commitment.  The wait passed quickly and it was excellent people watching.  A couple from Dayton, OH were visiting with a woman from Dubuque, IA, two cities I am familiar with, about how there are no Disney Passholders who are not Disney Vacation Club Members as Passholders they had met on Disney transportation fit into the other category as well.  I interjected with "I am."  Turns out they were looking for out of state Passholders. Turns out we are living the couple from Ohio's dream.  Then there was the woman who thought she was sneaking her vape out of her purse and blew it slowly from her mouth and nose to match the steam sprays in the queue.  In the queue area between the hotel lobby and TV room, a young child was next to me sneezing, coughing, and sniffly without covering.  The female adult said, "Are you sick?" I reached into my bag and pulled out a napkin, which the adult female took, followed by hand sanitizer which I poured into the child's hand.  The woman said, "She came prepared."

Tower of Terror was as always terrorizing!  Lots of air time during the randomized lifts and drops.

Exited the park just as the friendship launch approached.  Perfect timing.  The boat ride went quickly, and I got off at the 4th stop, EPCOT.  As I walked up the incline from International Gateway, there were guests looking confused.  I offered assistance.  They thought the park ended and needed to go back up the hill and turn right.  It was a wrong turn.

France was my destination, specifically, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure.  While some might not think this attraction fits with Spooky Season theme, the attraction includes a ghost throughout, the ghost of Gusteau.  Single Rider Line was quick and I rode with a family that had experienced the attraction before.  The lady behind me in the Single Rider Line asked I had done this before and wondered how long the line would take.  She was worried about her husband waiting outside as he had ridden Guardians of the Galaxy and was done riding rides for the day.  When walking from France to the front of the park, there were Cast Members cleaning up vomit and I thought about the lady's husband. Did you know that this attraction will become a 2-D attraction after a brief closure in November 2025?

To the front of the park I went and the Monorail was pulling into the station.  Just in time.  I rode the Ticket and Transportation Center, and then took the Ferry across Seven Seas Lagoon instead of transferring to another Monorail. 

When entering Magic Kingdom shortly after 2:00 pm, the corral for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party guests was already set up and guests were sitting at the Tap Styles for the 4:00 pm entry.  I had not checked the parade schedule and sure enough, Festival of Fantasy was circling the hub.  I crossed Main Street and strode through the Emporium and then cut behind Ye 'Ole Christmas Story.  The parade was past Frontierland and I was able to get into the queue for Haunted Mansion, 35 minute wait time from that point.  Again, the line moved quickly.  The guests in front of me were recalling their experience from many years ago.  

Exited Haunted Mansion and went towards Frontierland to use the restroom cut-through to Adventureland.  Pirates of the Caribbean had a 5 minute wait time, basically walk on.  The queue went so quickly, I barely had time to snap pictures.  Dead Men Tell No Tales does fit with Spooky Season Theme and of course, there's the legend of George, the ghost that supposedly haunts the attraction.  I did say, "Good night, George" at the top of the escalator belt. 

Pirates of the Caribbean was my last attraction, but not my last stop.  By the time I reached Town Square at 3:30 pm, the only exit was on the right, near the popcorn stand.  My original plan was to walk to The Contemporary but alas, the corral for party guests was taking up lots of space so Resort Monorail, here I came.  Met a family from Lakeland, FL, enjoying the cooler weather.  We talked about driving short cuts. At the Contemporary, there were guests exiting the Monorail that rode the escalator from the Monorail platform to the fourth floor, and then the next escalator to the next level down, but were looking lost.  I asked where they were headed.  Bus stop.  Follow me!  Same to the group behind them. Around the corner and down another escalator.  I said I'm stopping for the restroom, but head towards those doors and take a right turn to get to the Bus Stop.  One of guests asked if it was a stop for all buses.  I said yes, except Magic Kingdom, and EPCOT it turns out.  They were headed to Disney Springs, so all was good.  

A brief wait at the bus stop to unload and load scooters and soon we were off.  At Disney Springs, guests coming from Disney Resorts, now have a security screening, similar to park entrances and guests who use the parking garages.  I made sure some of my tag-alongs knew which way to turn to get to Rainforest Cafe.  I was off to Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar.  

New this year, Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar had decorated for Halloween.  No reservations are taken for this location, so there was a queue of guests waiting to be seated.  Typically, guests stroll in and find an empty table or seat at the bar, but due to the volume of guests, a host/hostess was now seating guests from the queue.  I was able to get a single seat at the bar.

I ordered my Zombie Eye deviled eggs with chicken nuggets.  The guests to my right, from Tampa and part of the Disney Day Drinkers Facebook Group, were enjoying sausages in flakey pastry served with mustard died red in a coffin and the guests to my left, a Cast Member who works in Creations at EPCOT, were sharing a pretzel charcuterie dish. Turns out I know which Happy Hour at Disney Springs ends last without having access to the Disney Day Drinkers Group's spreadsheet.  It's STK by the way that ends at 6:30 pm, and yes, I have been there.

In visiting with the Cast Member serving me, the drone show during the Summer of 2024 did not have a positive impact on businesses at Disney Springs.  That the Halloween Decorations at the Hangar Bar has driven business since August.  That the hot spiced hot chocolate drinks may be available at the "to go" bar outside during the Holiday Season.  And, that the Holiday decorations along with a new menu will begin November 12, 2025. I said, that makes sense since Santa will begin greeting guests at Disney Springs on November 13, using a Virtual Queue. More Seasonal Overlays may be happening at Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar!

A bus ride to the Riviera then the Skyliner to Disney's Hollywood Studios to return to my car completed my full circle Spooky Season themed tour. 

On my way home, I drove by two of the Walt Disney World Christmas trees loaded on flatbed trucks that are slated to go up within days.  8 Hours, 3 Parks and Disney Springs, 4 Attractions, 5 forms of Disney Transportation, 14,000 steps, nearly 6 miles.  It was fun and good day!  It is great to be a local!