One of the most unique features put into play this year is that now a one day Park Ticket to the Magic Kingdom (at $95) costs more than a one day Park Ticket to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom (all at $90).   Typical traffic to the Magic Kingdom is much greater than to any of the other parks and it has recently been estimated that in 2012 the Magic Kingdom got nearly 6.5 Million more visitors than Epcot did.   The Magic Kingdom price increase means that one day at there now costs a full $6 more than it was last year.  These changes make a multi-day pass smarter than ever for Disney guests.

The lastDIsney Park ticket price  increase has occurred in June of 2012, which made most regular Disney Guests watching for the 2013 announcement.  What was a little different this year is that they only gave one day notice before putting it into place.  Keep that in mind as you plan for your 2014 Disney Trips.  Ticket price increases are reflected in all categories of Disney Parks tickets and the basics can be seen in the graphic below.

Find the full price information for the Walt Disney World Resort ticket pricing on the Magic Your Way: Facts on 2013 Walt Disney World Resort Price page.

It may be worth noting here that Walt Disney World has also increased the cost to park your vehicle each day.  The cost for a spot in the lot will now be $15 (or $16 camper/trailer) per day.

Let’s take a look at another great unofficial Disney resort fan site featuring a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel.  Head to the tropics with dedicated fans of the beautiful moderate property, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.  Relax and do it the island way at this laid back tropical hide out.   One of Disney’s most spread out resorts the Caribbean Beach is set up as six small clustered “island” villages situated around a 45-acre central lake.

The Caribbean Beach Resort Tribute Page tells us that “the resort offers seven pools–including a main theme pool featuring water cannons, two water slides, and two jacuzzi spas. “ but that’s far from all you’ll find for recreation because there’s also a marina with boats and bicycles for rent, beach hammocks, and a senic 1.4-mile jog/bike path, a food court and  table service restaurant, one of the most popular poolside bars, and true to it’s theme resort has its very own island: Caribbean Cay!

It’s not hard to see what fans of this resort love it so much!  Why don’t you head on over and see what all the buzz is about!  Check out their blog for all the latest ideas on the fun and special activities you’ll find at this resort.

If you drove to Disney (or rented a car at the airport), you can always use your personal vehicle to get from place to place. Any time my family has driven to Disney we actually park the car at the resort and never move it again until the day we leave. But we like the complimentary resort transportation offered by Disney. And, after driving 18 hours from Ohio, it’s nice to leave the driving to someone else for a week.

There are pros and cons to resort transportation. Sometimes the buses are running behind and you can spend 20 minutes or longer waiting at the resort for a bus to arrive. And during the busier times of the year, the bus lines at the parks are very long and it can take up to an hour (or longer!) to get back to your resort. On the flip side, it’s nice to be able to walk out of your resort, hop on a bus, and not worry about finding a parking spot. If you’re going to use the Disney bus system you need to understand that it can take more than 20 minutes to get to a park from your resort – depending on the location of the resort. It’s not the fastest mode of transportation but it’s not a bad way to get around.

This “transportation wizard” from OurLaughingPlace.com is a great tool when you’re trying to figure out travel times at Walt Disney World.

If you’re lucky enough to be at one of the Monorail resorts (Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Bay Lake Tower, Contemporary), getting to and from the Magic Kingdom and Epcot is relatively easy. You just hop on the Monorail. That’s your only option. To get anywhere else from these resorts you must take a bus. From the Wilderness Lodge, I would recommend taking a boat to the Magic Kingdom – it’s more relaxing than the bus ride at any time of day. And, if you’re at The BoardWalk Inn and Villas, the Yacht Club or the Beach Club you’re within walking distance to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios, but you can also take a Friendship Boat.

For more information on travel inside Walt Disney World check out this FAQ page.

Animal Kingdom

Our first choice is Flame Tree Barbecue. It is, hands down, the best counter service at the Animal Kingdom. And quite possibly one of the best on property. The food is really good and includes barbecue ribs, chicken, and pulled pork. The view is almost better than the food – be sure to find a seat by the water with a perfect view of Expedition Everest. Our second choice is Restaurantosaurus. The food is basic here – hot dogs, burgers, chicken nuggets – but it’s pretty good too. You can walk on the wild side too, and try a macaroni and cheese hot dog. You’ll find Restaurantosarus in DinoLand USA.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

You’ll find pizza and more at Toy Story Pizza Planet (curiously listed as Pizza Planet Arcade at the Disney Parks website). Located in the Streets of America, this pizza arcade is themed after the Toy Story Movies. The personal size pizzas are rather good and other food items include meatball subs and salads. If you’re looking for a good sandwich that isn’t a burger, check out Studio Catering Co. You’ll find wraps, salads and pressed sandwiches here.

Epcot

There are so many great counter service choices at Epcot; we couldn’t narrow it down to just two. A favorite for any meal is Sunshine Seasons. It’s one of the few places to find a hot breakfast at Epcot, and for lunch or dinner you can sample Asian food, sandwiches, salads and more. One you’re in World Showcase your dining options are incredible – our favorites include the Tangierine Café, Les Halles Boulangeire and Patisserie, and the Yorkshire County Fish Shop.

Magic Kingdom

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café is always a great option – in addition to three serving bays of food choices, there is ample seating indoors and out. If you’re lucky you can score a seat with a great view of the castle. Columbia Harbour House is a hidden gem at the Magic Kingdom with delicious fried fish and wonderful seating (go upstairs!)

Thanks so much to our guest blogger Traci C. for these fantastic meal suggestions and to the Disney Food Blog for the Exclusive Use of their images!  No matter what you’re hungry for, you’ll be sure to find something delicious at the counter service restaurants. For full menu descriptions visit this page.

Where will you be eating at Walt Disney World?

My Disney Experience is the heartbeat of the latest incarnation of the Walt Disney World Website. It, along with its companion App, are the main systems to guest control of the upcoming MyMagic+. With My Disney Experience, resort guests will have access to more up to the minute information and more control over each moment of their vacation. Functioning as a personal control center for the Walt Disney World vacation, guests will be able guests to book rooms and dining reservations, access and change elements of their vacation, reserve and manage FastPass+ reservations, and PhotoPass+ Images with just a few clicks or taps. As more and more elements of the MyMagic+ program come into use over the next several months, the My Disney Experience interfaces will offer guests a new level of interaction with their vacation planning.

Current Features that help you plan and play include:

• Explore Walt Disney World Resort on the interactive, GPS-enabled map.
• View FASTPASS return times for the park you’re in.
• Get wait times for attractions and showtimes for fireworks and parades.
• Know what’s close or starting soon with Here & Now.
• Find Character greeting locations and times.
• Add activities to your Wish List.
• Browse restaurant menus and make dining reservations.
• Share plans with others through Family & Friends.
• Keep reservations and activities organized in My Plans.

Coming soon My Disney Experience will be your interface to FastPass+, PhotoPass+, and MyMagic+ Security Options!

Head over to waltdisneyworld.com right now and play around with the new design. Register your account and fill out a profile for you and your usual traveling companions.  Next, download the companion application onto your phone and get to know it. We’ve found slight differences in the functionality and you want to know what you can expect while on vacation.

The My Disney Experience Mobile App for Android Phones here on Google Play, and here for iPhone. It can also be found through Amazon Apps.

The better you understand the layout of “My Disney Experience” the more comfortable you will be using the new features on your next Disney vacation!

The Pop Century Resort is in Disney’s Value category, which makes it super family friendly.  With buildings themed around some of the most memorable eras in American history, Pop Century celebrates the culture and developments that swept through the 1900′s.  Aside from being a go to resource for resort information, this site shares a blog that’s updated monthly with closer looks at what’s going on at the resort and ways that you can enjoy it to the fullest.

Pop Century Site  is a fantastic resource available to help you decided if this is the right resort for you and  your family.  It offers hundreds of photographs and articles advising on every corner of this Disney Classic.  Stop by the Pop Century fan site to find out what this popular resort has to offer just across the foot bridge from Disney’s newest Resort the Art of Animation.  Pop Century is one of the most popular Value Resorts at Walt Disney World.

Head on over and see what they have to say!

The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is Disney’s version of a timeshare, only instead of purchasing a specific condo and specific week of time, you purchase what are called points.  By organizing it’s membership in points, Disney revolutionized the time share industry by offering it’s members flexibility in when, where and how they travel.  Members of the Disney Vacation Club have bought a real estate interest at any of twelve Disney Vacation Club Resort Properties across the US in Orlando, FL; Vero Beach, FL; Hilton Head Island, SC; Anaheim, CA; and Ko Olina, HI.   The resort that you purchase your interest at is considered your “home” resort.

All DVC resorts fall into Disney’s “Deluxe” resort category, meaning they offer the biggest rooms, most amenities, best pools, several dining options at each resort location.  DVC resort rooms come in several sizes and are comprised of Studios (sleeps 4), 1 Bedroom (sleeps 4) , 2 Bedroom (sleeps 8/9) and 3 Bedroom Villas (sleeps 12).  The “cost” for those rooms changes depending on the size of room, day of the week and the time of year, just like a regular hotel room would.

DVC Members purchase a specific number of points to receive each year.  Once a year, Disney drops that number of points into the member account.  The member then gets to chose how they spend those points, and what budget best fits their vacation plans.  It’s similar to budgeting for a room using cash,  there are high seasons, low seasons and weekend rates that all cost different amounts of points.

Here are a couple of examples:

• If I want a Studio in the low season Mon-Tue-Wed, it may cost 8 points per night during the Sun-Thur, costing a total of 24 points (8×3).
• Weekend stays usually cost more points on Fri & Sat.  If the weekend cost was 12 points per night and the member stayed Th-F-Sat in low season, that studio would cost 32 points ((12×2)+8).
• If a member wanted that Studio over Christmas on the weekend, one night may very well cost 30 points a night.

The flexibility of having points however means that members don’t have to stick with a studio room.  If you want a 2 Bedroom, you can stay in one of those as well.  Just remember, the bigger the room the more points per night base rates are, plus the seasonal fluctuation.  If members want a studio for one trip and a 2 bedroom later in the year that’s fine too, as long as they stay within the allotted point per year budget.

But wait! If a member doesn’t want to spend those points one year say in 2013, they can bank the allotted points forward to the next use year 2014.  More points to spend, means bigger rooms and longer lengths of stays are possible, or maybe several shorter trips.  In addition to banking your points forward one year, you can also borrow points from your next year. So, if a member knew that they didn’t want to travel in 2013 or 2015, I could use three years worth of points in 2014.

In addition to flexibility in rooms and time of year you travel, DVC also allows you to use your DVC points at any DVC Resort you choose. You are allowed to book a room at your “home” resort 11 months prior to travel. However, at 7 months prior to travel you can book at ANY of the DVC Resorts. DVC Resorts are currently located in Orlando FL, Anaheim CA, Hilton Head Island SC, Vero Beach FL and Ko Olina HI. The 11 Month booking window is a way to give guests that own at one property priority booking where they own.

The best monetary value per point always comes from staying at a DVC resort. However if you are in it for the experience (not pinching pennies), there’s so much more you can do. DVC Members who have bought their points through Disney, can also use their points at Non-DVC, Disney owned properties as well. You can use your DVC points to pay for a Disney Cruise, and travel with Adventures by Disney. If you’ve purchased through Disney you also have the ability to use over 500 time share properties world wide through exchanges with RCI (a big timeshare company) and a small collection of 5 star hotels.

Disney says, that by joining the Disney Vacation Club, members can save up to 75% on future room rates.  Honestly though, the Disney Vacation Club isn’t for everyone.  The best way to find out if membership could benefit your family is to visit a DVC Kiosk and set up a tour of one of  the beautiful properties offered.

Consider it your all-in-one travel agent and personal organizer—which is why you want to make sure you’re keeping that puppy completely safe and protected at all times. Our recommendation? A Disney iPhone case that’s both stylish and functional.

But which character should you put on your phone? We’ve put together a quick primer on some of our favorite cases:

Let every cast member know that The King has returned with this beautiful, understated case featuring Simba, the Lion King himself. If this Disney vacation is going to be the main event—like no trip was before—then this might be the case for you!

Got a coveted dinner reservation at Be Our Guest restaurant or plans to visit Enchanted Tales with Belle? Consider this stained-glass-style enchanted rose iPhone case, inspired by Disney’s animated classic, Beauty and the Beast. Will it keep your phone safe? Certain as the sun.

Of course, the Spotted Lady is the most iconic Disney character, and certainly worthy of any guest’s iPhone. On this eye-catching case, she does a little soft-shoeing with Mr. Mickey Mouse himself, keeping your touring plans safe with style.

But if baddies are more your speed, consider this absolutely beautiful iPhone case depicting Maleficient’s magnificent anger as the evil do-er in Sleeping Beauty. Maybe it’s not exactly kid friendly, but it will show everyone at the House of Mouse that you—the Mistress of All Evil—mean business.

Where’s Perry? If you pick up this modernist iPhone case, he’ll be with you wherever you go, from dinner at Downtown Disney to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. And just as he protects the Tri-State area from Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz’ evil plans, Perry will guard your precious iPhone against spills and pratfalls.

Want more options? Head over to Mickey Fix, where they’ve assembled a series of killer gift guides.

Characters in Flight Over Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney Area is Walt Disney World’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment complex located outside of the DisneyParks.  Located on the shores of Village Lake across from the Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, this expansive area is a popular destination for Disney fans.  Many return travelers make it either the first or last stop of their Walt Disney World vacation.

There’s so much to see and do you can easily spend a day wandering through this complex of fun activities for every age  both day and night!  If you can only stop in one area to do your vacation shopping, be sure to stop here.

Dining:

• Bongos Cuban Cafe – Created by music superstar Gloria Estefan, this colorful restaurant—a re-creation of a lively 1950s Havana nightclub.
• Cap’n Jack’s Restaurant – Dine on chef’s specialties of seafood and American cuisine in a casual waterfront setting with a panoramic view of Buena Vista Lagoon.
• Cookes of Dublin – Stop in for classic fish ‘n’ chips, tasty pies and more when you’re on the go.
• Earl of Sandwich – We offer 13 hot sandwiches, fresh tossed salads and wraps, fresh-baked goods and desserts, soups and breakfast.
• Fourty Thirst Street – Perk up with freshly-brewed coffee and coffee products by Joffrey’s Coffee.
• Fresh A-Peel – A back-to-basics approach to serving family favorites.
• Fulton’s Crab House – Set in a riverboat replica docked on the waterfront, this restaurant features more than 50 fresh seafood selections—flown in daily, as well as non-seafood specialties.
• Ghirardelli Ice Cream  & Chocolate Shop – Delight in decadent chocolate and world-famous sundaes topped with fresh, homemade hot fudge.
• House of Blues – The best regional and national musicians perform day and night while delicious Southern cuisine is served at this live music club.
• Paradiso 37 – North, Central and South American cuisine are represented at this waterfront restaurant that features an extensive tequila bar and nightly entertainment.
• Planet Hollywood – Satisfy cravings for favorite American foods at this star-themed restaurant decorated with movie memorabilia and props from Hollywood’s hottest films and TV shows.
• Pollo Campero – This quick-service restaurant is famous for freshly prepared Latin chicken.
• Portobello – At this waterfront restaurant, select from the award-winning wine list to pair with the authentic flavors of Italy found in signature pizzas and pasta dishes.
• Raglan Road Irish Pub – Traditional pub fare is served in a spirited atmosphere where there’s beer on tap and live bands add to the nightly entertainment.
• Rainforest Cafe – This jungle-themed restaurant, with simulated weather patterns and animated animals.
• T-REX A Prehistoric Family Adventure – This dinosaur-themed family eatery serves meals amid life-size animated prehistoric creatures, educational displays and merchandise.
• Wetzels Pretzels – Ice cream, lemonade and 7 varieties of big, hand-rolled and freshly baked pretzels are available.
• Wolfgang Puck – Three restaurants from one legendary chef.  This location offers an express counter, cafe, and formal dining room.

Shopping: 

• Arribas Brothers – Artisan Crystal and Glassware.
• Basin – All-natural bath and skin care products.
• Disney’s Days of Christmas – Christmas collectibles with a Disney flair.
• Disney’s Design-a-Tee – Customized T-shirts.
• Disney’s Pin Traders – The premier location for pin trading at WDW.
• Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories – Scrapbook supplies, stationery and postcards.
• LEGO Imagination Center – A show center and retail store for famous LEGO bricks and toys.
• Mickey’s Pantry – Fun for the chef in your family or really anyone who likes food!
• Once Upon a Toy – 16,000 square feet of fun new toys, games and collectibles.
• Pooh Corner -  Winnie the Pooh and friends themed merchandise.
• Team Mickey’s Athletic Club – Character apparel with Mickey and friends to suit any fan of any sport.
• Rawlings Making The Game – Rawlings Making the Game is a unique shop where you find custom, handmade baseball bats, authentic MLB baseballs and helmets, and gloves!
• The Art of Disney – Disney animation cells, fine art and collectibles.
• TrenD – Hip apparel for women with a fashion sense and a love of subtle Disney touches.
• World of Disney Store – This 51,000-square-foot retail space is the biggest Disney shopping destination on Earth. With 12 rooms of themed merchandise and it’s very own Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for princess make-overs.
• Hoypoloi – An eclectic art gallery
• Planet Hollywood on Location – Planet Hollywood Orlando Gear.
• House of Blues Company Store – Through its spirit of diversity, House of Blues blends live music, great food and great shopping.
• T-Rex Shop – This Dino-Store features a unique selection of apparel, educational toys and other prehistoric merchandise as well as Build-A-Dino™ by Build-A-Bear Workshop®, the only store where you can make your own dino friend.
• Pop Gallery – Original, artist-signed pieces and upscale gift items.
• Sosa Family Cigars – Premium cigar store features the art of hand-rolling cigars.
• Something Silver – From contemporary trends to timeless classics, Something Silver® features a wide variety of jewelry to suit most every style and budget.
• Sunglass Icon – Designer sunglasses and eyewear.
• Orlando Harley-Davidson Store – Official Harley-Davidson apparel, from T-shirts to leather jackets, plus an array of gifts and collectibles from miniature motorcycles to products for pets
• Curl – by Surf King Sammy Duval, the premier surf shop on the East Coast.
• littlemissmatched – Mix up your wardrobe with essentials and accessories bursting with color and character.
• Apricot Lane Boutique – Mix up your wardrobe with essentials and accessories bursting with color and character.

Attractions:   Sure there’s all the shopping and dining you could dream of here, but there’s also a ton of fun to be had!

• Cirque du Soleil
• DisneyQuest Interactive Theme Park
• AMC Downtown Disney 24
• House of Blues Music Venue
• Characters in Flight Hot Air Balloon
• Boat Rentals
• Coming in late 2012  Splitsville Bowling Alley

Festivals:  Several times a year the Downtown Disney Area plays host to great community festivals.

• Festival of the Masters Art & Jazz Fair
• Walgreens International Dragon Boat Festival
• Festival of the Seasons Winter Holiday Hotspot
• DisneyQuest New Years Eve Party
• Disney’s Magic Music Days

When to Go: Operating hours for the common areas at Downtown Disney Marketplace are 8:00 am – 1:00 am. Operating hours for the common areas at Downtown West Side are 8:00 am – 2:00 am.  These times includes all Downtown Disney promenades, walkways, rest rooms and green spaces.  Store hours vary seasonally, but in general you will find the shops open between 9:30 a.m to 11:00 p.m.

How to Get There:  Guests staying on property at a Walt Disney World Resort can take  the “Downtown Disney” bus from their resort’s bus stop.  Buses leave approximately every 20 minutes.  Guests staying at staying at Disney’s Port Orleans, Disney’s Saratoga Springs and Disney’s Old Key West Resorts may also get to Downtown Disney by taking the ferryboat.

For Guests who choose to drive, complimentary self-parking is also available. The street address is:
1780 E. Buena Vista Dr.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

If you’re interested in any of these great things to see and do at Downtown Disney, be sure to schedule some time in your touring plan to stop by and check them out!  As with all things Disney, times as well as shopping & dining options are subject to change.

Pizza at Epcot’s Via Napoli

One of the most common Walt Disney World questions that I run into is “What is Free Dining, and how do I get it?”

Free Dining is by far one of the most popular discount packages that is offered to guests by Disney.   Usually occurring on select dates during the slower fall and winter months, this great deal helps Disney to fill rooms during non-peak periods.  When you book a room and ticket package at any Disney Resort Hotel for full price during Free Dining, Disney will add a complimentary Disney Dining Plan for every guest registered with the package.

What type of Disney Dining Plan you will receive depends on the hotel that you chose to stay at.  The Disney Food Blog breaks it down like this:

“Guests at Disney VALUE resorts will receive the Disney Magic Your Way Quick-Service Dining Plan, but can upgrade to the standard or deluxe dining plans by paying the difference in cost per night.

Guests staying at Disney MODERATE, DELUXE, or VILLA resorts will receive the Disney Magic Your Way Plus Dining Plan (the standard dining plan), but can upgrade to the deluxe dining plan by paying the difference in cost per night.”

To find a Disney Free Dining deal open to the general public you can watch the Walt Disney World Website, or talk to an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

Free Dining is sometimes offered at other times during the year if you’ve received a personal PIN code from Disney in the mail.  These PIN codes are sent out in the mail to previous Disney Resort guests and registered members of Disney.com, they can only be used by the addressee.  Mailings of PIN codes can be random, so it’s best not to count on getting one, but they’re a great deal if you do!

Booking the free dining deal cannot be combined with any other hotel discounts or incentives.  You should know that Free Dining may not automatically be your most cost-effective option, especially if you’re staying at a Deluxe Resort.  Always be sure to crunch the numbers or have your Disney Vacation Planner take the time to figure out which available option is the most cost effective for your Walt Disney World vacation.