Disney World Archives - Globetrotting Mommy

Ten Best Disney Cruise Photos …

February 3, 2020 By admin

A fun-filled whirlwind Walt Disney World trip is always fun but it’s even better combined with a Disney Cruise. Today I’m sharing Ten Best Disney Cruise Photos to take on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas that will leave you wanting more.

Ten Best Disney Cruise Photos on Castaway Cay

I’ve visited Castaway Cay on three separate trips and it never disappoints. There is so much to see and do on this island so be sure to save some time for exploring and don’t miss these awesome Castaway Cay photo-ops.

1) Must Take Disney Cruise Photos – Disney Characters in Beach Wear

Don’t miss the Disney gang tossing around beach balls and hanging out in their swim gear on Castaway Cay. Stop for some fun photo ops as you arrive on Castaway Cay and don’t miss this fun gang at the dance party.

Must-Take Photos on Disney's Castaway Cay — The characters are one of my favorite must-take photos on Disney’s Castaway Cay.

2) Best Disney Cruise Photos – Portrait With the Ship

You can take cruise ship photos when you board in Port Canaveral but the photo ops are much prettier from Castaway Cay. Snap away with the blue water and ship in the background for the perfect cruise souvenir.

3) Best Castaway Cay Photos – Capture the Ocean

The crystal clear blue water on Castaway Cay will take your breath away. Be sure to get a few shots of everyone on a float or in the water.

4) Best Disney Cruise Photos – Action Shots at Sea

Don’t forget to take photos of your child’s first time snorkeling or swimming in the Caribbean. Bring your underwater camera for snorkeling and be sure to take photos of the underwater Mickeys.

5) Best Castaway Cay Photos – Land Activities Like Biking

In addition to water sports, Castaway Cay has a lot of land activities like biking, 5K races, and sports. Take some family photos as you explore on land.

6) Best Disney Cruise Photos – Amazing Views From Scenic Lookout Points

Be sure to check out the lookout points along the bike path and at the Heads Up Bar. The views are awesome with the ship in the background.

7) Best Photos to Take on Castaway Cay – Ice Cream Memories

With non-stop ice cream machines flowing on Castaway Cay be sure to take a fun ice cream photo. From the perfect swirl with a beach backdrop to messy ice cream faces, you’ll want to remember these moments.

8) Best Disney Cruise Photos – Fun Backdrops on Castaway Cay

There are lots of fun backdrops featuring characters and oversized nautical scenes on the island. How cute are these for Disney fans?

9) Best Photos to Take on Castaway Cay – Relaxing Moments

All that beach time needs to be balanced with a bit of relaxation so try to capture kids napping, playing in the sand or swinging on the island’s many hammocks.

10) Best Disney Cruise Photos – Farewell Picture

Don’t miss a shot under this Castaway Cay sign before you get back on the ship. What better way to remember your fun-filled day?

Heading off on a Disney Cruise? Check out these 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise and Top 11 Tips for Visiting Castaway Cay.

Have you taken a Disney Cruise? Tell me your favorite memories in the comments below.

As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Toy Story Land is Coming to …

March 26, 2018 By admin

Toy Story Land, a brand new 11-acre land based on the Pixar favorite, is coming to Disney World this June and this is huge news for kids and adults! I’ve been busy getting the scoop on this project and today I’m sharing everything you need to know about Disney’s latest Hollywood Studios addition.

Toy Story Land is coming to Disney World

I first heard about Toy Story Land at a New York City press event in February where I learned about the coming attractions (new rides, oversized colorful toys and innovative food, oh my!), met the Toy Story characters and took a virtual reality ride on the new Slinky Dog rollercoaster. So much fun!

Last month, I attended the Disney Social Media Moms Conference (#DisneySMMC*) in Orlando where I got a chance to meet Walt Disney Imagineering Art Director for Toy Story Land, Ryan Wineinger and learned all about the planning and details. According to Ryan, Toy Story Land will feature Andy’s toys spread throughout the park and visitors will be able to interact with the toys and yes, this means plenty of fun photo-ops! I also got a sneak peek of Mickey and Minnie’s new Toy Story Land outfits. Aren’t they cute?

Check out Mickey and Minnie in their new Toy Story Land outfits.

Toy Story Land Rides

Soon to be a family favorite, the Sinky Dog Rollercoaster is perfect for smaller kids (minimum height 38 inches) and adults alike. The colorful Slinky dog car zips around the track, offering great views of Toy Story Land.

Guests will whoosh along on a family-friendly roller coaster, Slinky Dog Dash (pictured under development), take a spin aboard Alien Swirling Saucers and score high on the midway at Toy Story Mania! (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

Alien Swirling Saucers

The Alien Swirling Saucers are modeled after the famed toy that Andy won at Pizza Planet. Guests ride rocket ships as fun alien toys ride space saucers while the claw looms above.

Updated Toy Story Midway Mania

Toy Story Midway Mania is one of my daughter’s favorite rides so she’s excited that it will be prominently featured in Toy Story Land. This is a very popular ride so I’m glad to report they are increasing capacity with a new third track. There is also going to be a new entrance, based on the Toy Story Mania game box.

Dining at Toy Story Land

Toy Story Land will feature Woody’s Lunch Box where guests can grab quick meals and snacks including Mini Babybel (the official snack cheese of Walt Disney World) and old-fashioned soda floats.

Woody’s Lunch Box will be a new quick-service window serving tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats within Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios when it opens in summer 2018. (Disney) (PRNewsfoto/Walt Disney World)

Have you visited Disney World? Check out my 11 Best Things to Do in Disney World before you go.

To keep up with my inside scoop from #DisneySMMC be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

*Disclosure: I learned about Toy Story Land at Disney Social Media Moms #DisneySMMC. While I did pay a fee, I received discounts and complimentary experiences/items. All opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Spotlight on Disney Cruises: …

October 18, 2017 By admin

We’re big fans of cruises for multi-generational family trips. I mean, there is really nothing easier to plan or orchestrate where everyone (ages 7-70) can find something to enjoy day after day without complaining about tired feet or hungry tummies. Add in Disney’s famed entertainment and character experiences, pampering services, and family-friendly dining and you know you’ll have an awesome time.

Spotlight on Disney Cruises: Marvel Day at Sea

I’m excited to share the scoop on Disney Cruise‘s latest offerings that leave from NYC (so easy for tri-state residents) and feature a new Marvel Day at Sea. Available on select October and November sailings, the seven- and eight-night Disney Magic Bahamian cruises all include a stop at Disney’s private Castaway Cay and Port Canaveral, Florida, and a one-day Park Hopper ticket to be used at Walt Disney World theme parks. There is also a seven-night Canadian Coast cruise option from New York this fall and five-night Western Caribbean cruises departing from Miami in early 2018.

I attended a special luncheon to learn about the specifics of Disney’s Marvel Day at Sea and there is definitely something exciting for everyone in your family. From Marvel comics, films and animated series, to exclusive character interactions (including the debut of Black Panther and Loki), new shows, a fun-filled costume deck party, family trivia challenges, stunt shows, animation lessons, special youth activities and the first official appearance of Iron Man on a Disney Cruise ship, Marvel fans of all ages will be entertained.

Marvel Universe’s mightiest Super Heroes and Super Villains will appear in a brand-new, day-long event: Marvel Day at Sea. (Chloe Rice, photographer)

New on the Disney Dream, MARVEL’s Avengers Academy lets kids participate in themed arts and crafts projects, games and Super Hero training sessions. I’m pretty sure my daughter would be happy spending a good chunk of the day here.

Marvel Day at Sea kicks off this month. (Chloe Rice, photographer)

Additionally, there will be many opportunities for meeting-and-greeting with some of the most powerful Marvel Super Heroes and Villains such as an interactive show that will take place inside the Walt Disney Theatre with Doctor Strange. Guests will also be able to learn how to draw Super Heroes like Spider-Man, Captain, Iron Man, and Groot and even take a quiz to see which Marvel comic is the perfect one for you. Don’t worry about missing your favorite classic Disney Characters because they’ll be on board too. If you’ve got a princess lover and a Thor fan at home, booking this cruise will definitely win you the mom-of-the-year award!

Spotlight on Disney Cruises: Marvel Day at Sea Caribbean cruises stop at Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.

There will also be exclusive at-sea screenings of Marvel Cinematic Universe fan-favorites including new releases and old favorites, as well as viewings of the Disney XD shows: Marvel’s Avengers Assemble, Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.

Check out this video featuring Marvel legend Stan Lee and get ready to pack your bags:

We’ve taken two Disney cruises that left from Florida’s Port Canaveral so leaving out of NYC would make things even more magical. Ready to go? Check out my 20 Things to Know Before Taking about Disney Cruise Line and visit http://www.disneycruise.com.

Have you sailed on a Disney Cruise? What was your favorite memory?

I attended a media luncheon to learn about Marvel Day at Sea. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

10 Ways Planning a Disney …

September 14, 2016 By admin

I used to think planning a wedding was stressful and then I had a baby! As a mom who recently took her first family trip to Disney World, I suddenly found myself having flashbacks to my pregnancy days. What do planning a Disney World trip and pregnancy have in common? For your sheer enjoyment, today I’m sharing some similarities I noticed along the way…

10 Ways Planning a Disney World Trip is Like Having a Baby

1) Planning, planning, planning! Just like you need to start planning for motherhood the minute you get pregnant, you need to start planning for Disney World months (if not years) in advance! It may take nine months to make a baby but if you want to get your first-choice character meals and fast passes for Disney World, you’ll need to start your booking at least 180 days in advance. If you’re looking for the best baby nurse in town, start asking around before you’re even pregnant. Remember knowledge is power so stock up on those parenting and travel books.

2) Your birth plan or touring plan may not go according to schedule. Just because you always envisioned a complication-free natural birth with your favorite music playing doesn’t mean it will go down that way and it is the same for a Disney trip. You may map out the most efficient touring schedule but weather, unexpected character greetings and kiddie tantrums can all affect the day’s outcome. Just remember to go with the flow…there is no “perfect” childbirth or “perfect” Disney trip so try not to obsess.

Your birth plan or touring plan may not go according to schedule so remember to stay flexible.

3) You will have a lot of last minute questions and concerns! You will find yourself calling, texting and emailing your OB and travel agent at all hours (Thanks Mary Daly at My Mickey Vacation Travel). They will understand, especially if this is your first pregnancy or Disney trip.

Matchy matchy outfits are a hit at Disney World and after childbirth.

4) You will spend hours obsessing over outfits… For childbirth you’ll need cozy and comfy outfits for mom and baby and for Disney, you’ll need to coordinate Mickey (or Star Wars, Princess, etc.) gear for the whole family. Buy some things before you go to the hospital or Disney but remember you’ll get lots of baby clothes as gifts and you’ll definitely want to buy some Disney souvenirs at the parks. If you’re the type who cares about taking a zillion color coordinated photos (new baby or Disney!), you’ll want to scour Pinterest months in advance for outfit ideas.

5) You will quickly realize everyone you know is an expert in pregnancy and Disney so be prepared for tons of unsolicited advice! Ohhhh how people love to give advice on what to expect during pregnancy…the same is true for planning a Disney trip. Be ready to hear about everyone’s favorite rides, restaurants, snack options and other Disney must-do’s. You can trust the advice of professionals and people who have similarly aged children but feel free to ignore everyone else…

6) When you ask for advice, you will get different answers. From parenting tips to Disney trips, opinions will vary.

10 Ways Planning a Disney World Trip is Like Having a Baby

Flight delays and other setbacks can happen so prepare for the unexpected.

7) Prepare for the unexpected! Some of the most sophisticated sonograms can predict the wrong sex in the same way some of the most experienced Disney crowd planners can be way off. If you find yourself surprised in either situation, take a deep breath. You can send a friend to exchange the baby clothes and you can always leave a crowded park for a little pool break. Flight delays, bad weather and birth complications can happen.

8) Expect a few meltdowns from grown ups and kids. Moms, dads, big kids and babies all have a boiling point. Be warned.

Few moments can rival the thrill of entering Magic Kingdom.

9) You’ll experience a natural high and then the whole experience will thoroughly exhaust you. The thrill of meeting your baby for the first time will rival the thrill of watching your kids enter the Magic Kingdom gates but after a few days, exhaustion will kick in and you will want uninterrupted sleep for a good week!

10) In the end, all the pain of childbirth and agony of planning a Disney trip will fade and all you will recall are the happy joyful memories. Until the next trip or baby…just keep looking at those thousands of photos and don’t say I didn’t warn you…

In the end, Disney World and parenthood are worth all the planning.

There you have it. And remember, re-entrance is not easy. Mommyhood is whole new world and returning from Disney can feel like the biggest hangover ever. But in the end, those chubby cheeks and fun Disney memories are all worth it!

Be sure to check out the 11 Best Things to Do at Disney World before you go.

Do you have anything to add to this list? Tell me below in the comments.

Special thanks to Walt Disney World for providing two one-day park-hopper tickets for review purposes. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

11 Best Things to do at Disney …

June 7, 2016 By admin

A Disney World vacation is one of the most magical trips you’ll ever experience. From babies and toddlers to tweens and adults, everyone will find something they adore at Walt Disney World. If you’re heading to the happiest place on earth, here are my suggestions for the 11 Best Things to do at Disney World…

11 Best Things to do at Walt Disney World

1. Book FastPass+ in advance. Do your research in advance and be sure to plan your three daily FastPass+ selections as early as possible (60 days out if you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort or 30 days with a ticket or pass). Once there, remember to add more (with the app or at a kiosk) after you’ve used all three. I highly recommend advance booking for Anna and Elsa at Princess Fairytale Hall, Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train, Peter Pan, Test Track and any thrill rides you want to ride.

11 Best Things to do at Disney World. Be sure to book a character meal .

2. Enjoy a meal with your favorite characters. Take a break and enjoy a sit-down meal where you can meet and interact with various characters like princesses, Mickey Mouse and friends, Disney Junior cast members and other Disney favorites like Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh, Alice in Wonderland and more. Don’t forget your autograph books and cameras!

11 Best Things to do at Walt Disney World. Be sure to take a photo in front of Cinderella’s castle.

3. Take a picture in front of Cinderella’s Castle. There are so many fabulous photo ops at Disney World but don’t forget to get this iconic shot. The Disney PhotoPass photographers are located in prime spots so be sure to have them take one of the whole family with your camera (yes, they will gladly do this even if you don’t buy the Disney photo package).

11 Best Things to do at Disney World. Visiting with Gaston in front of his Tavern.

4. Interact with your favorite characters. If you don’t have time for a character meal, you can still meet the characters around the parks and at various meet and greet locations. You’ll find all the Disney classic favorites (think Mickey and Pals, Mary Poppins, Star Wars characters, Disney Princesses, Disney Junior cast members and more). Be sure to ask or check the daily schedule for details.

11 Best Things to do at Disney World. Don’t forget to take some “magic” photos.

5. Ask for a magic photo. If you’re booking the Disney Memory Maker (which I highly recommend), be sure to ask for some magical shots and videos. Depending on the backdrop, the Disney PhotoPass Photographers will insert Disney characters and other fun surprises into the pictures.

6. Dine in a castle. Guests of all ages will be impressed with the gorgeous castle interiors at Walt Disney World. If you can’t get into the famed Cinderella’s Royal Table, the Be Our Guest Restaurant at Belle’s Castle and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot’s Norway are both great options.

7. Catch a daytime parade or dance party. You won’t want to miss any of the colorful daytime parades and dance parties including the Festival of Fantasy Parade (at 3pm daily) and Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! Street Party (twice daily). Be sure to grab a viewing spot (at least 20 minutes in advance) and have a snack while you wait.

11 Best Things to do at Walt Disney World. Don’t miss Disney’s Electrical Parade.

8. Stay up late for the electrical parade, fireworks and shows. Chances are your kids will be staying up later than they do at home so try to keep them up at least one night for the famed Main Street Electrical parade, Electrical Water Pageant, signature shows like Fantasmic! or IllumiNations, Wishes fireworks and other evening shows.

11 Best Things to do at Disney World. Trading Disney pins is a great activity for kids.

9. Trade pins. Buy some pins in advance and let your kids trade with cast members or other collectors. This is a great way for little kids to show test their independence and bargaining skills. My daughter loved seeing all the different pins and was especially excited about the secret pins that were pinned backwards.

10. Come early for the Magic Kingdom opening ceremonies. If you’re traveling with young kids, chances are you’ll be up early. If you can arrive 30-60 minutes before Magic Kingdom’s opening, you will see an adorable Magic Kingdom Welcome Show with all your favorite Disney characters.

11 Best Things to do at Walt Disney World. Don’t forget to wear your Disney ears.

11. Wear your ears! For the full Walt Disney World experience buy or bring your favorite set of mouse ears. From the monogrammed classic hat to the glitzy character inspired headbands, I could not believe my eyes when I saw all the fun ears so be sure to grab a pair or two.

Ready to plan your trip? Be sure to check out 10 Ways Planning a Disney World Trip is Like Having a Baby before you go…

Have you been to Walt Disney World? Tell me your favorite activity in the comments below.

Special thanks to Walt Disney World for providing two one-day park-hopper tickets for review purposes. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Spotlight on #DisneySide: …

March 8, 2015 By admin

Since we’ve been snowed in for much of this winter, I gathered our close friends and family for a fun filled Winter Wonderland Princess Playdate to celebrate our DisneySide and share our warm memories. Read on to see how much fun we had…