Last year I traveled over 50,000 miles! That’s a lot of details to keep track of, and a lot of packing and unpacking. I have collected a lot of travel gadgets lately and find myself using the same gear time after time. Everything on this list is something I use and find worthwhile.

Travel gadget gift ideas too

By the way, this is also an excellent collection of gift ideas for every traveler. Whether you’re shopping for stocking stuffers, Easter basket fillers, or the perfect wedding present, be sure to read through to find some great travel gadget gift ideas.

And, the list might be slightly more than 33 things, even though that’s what the headline says. I’m updating as I go, so when I find something new and wonderful, it will be added here. And if it turns out to be less than useful I’ll drop it from the recommendations.

I’m including shopping links for your convenience. If you do click through and make a purchase, Go Informed receives a small commission. Thank you for your support.

Travel organization gadgets and bags

When it comes to travel gadgets, I always start with how to organize everything. Here are the tools I use to keep my stuff together and accounted for.

Luggage accessories

Packing cubes

Not only do they keep your stuff neatly organized and tucked away, compression packing cubes make big stuff small. They are great for packing bulky items, like a puffy coat, or for making your stack of t-shirts about half as tall as usual.

Just put your clothes in the cube, zip it up, then zip the second zipper to scrunch down the sides of the cube. The whole thing stays flat and tidy.

I really like the Thule compression bags because they’re easy to pack and the sides are slightly stiff, which means less squishing of my clothes. The Eagle Creek brand is also a good choice.

Buy it on Amazon here

Find it at Best Buy here

Luggage cup holder

I always seem to be juggling everything at the airport. And I like coffee. This nifty cup holder folds down flat for storage, then attaches to the handle of my luggage with velcro.

It’s got two good-sized cup holders and an extra pocket for a phone. Perfect for when there’s no place to set my cup but I need a free hand. I keep it handy in the outside pocket of my suitcase.

Find it on Amazon here

Unique luggage tags

Don’t get your bag mixed up! A bright luggage tag that’s different from all the others will distinguish your suitcase. We use these orange initial tags.

Find it on Amazon here

AirTags

If you want to know if your bag is really lost, or just somewhere in the same airport as you, an Apple AirTag is a great travel gadget. Just toss it in your bag and use your phone to see where it is.

Find it on Amazon here

Find it at Best Buy here

Travel bag scale

Do you push the limit on allowed baggage weight? Know if you’re over-the-line by bringing a little bag scale. This nifty device has really come in handy for our scuba trips when we’re packing a bunch of gear.

Find it on Amazon here

Bottles and bags for the small stuff

Mesh bags

A friend turned me on to mesh bags, and now I use them for practically everything. Instead of an opaque makeup bag, I like the mesh because it’s easy to see what’s inside. I have them in multiple shapes and sizes so I can split supplies up.

Find it on Amazon here

Collapsible bottles

When you fly carry-on, that quart Ziploc bag is pretty darn small. Why take up space with a half-full bottle? These nifty containers collapse to fit the volume inside.

Find it on Amazon here

Ziplocs

From getting through TSA, to packing those leftover Disneyland beignets, to carrying a wet swimsuit – it’s hard to beat the utility of a quart-size ziploc bag. A few of these are always in my suitcase, and in my park bag.

Find it on Amazon here

Bags and backpacks

Travel backpack

Keep everything organized and your hands free with a nice travel backpack. I love my PacSafe backpack because it’s stylish, durable, and secure. This bag has all kinds of anti-theft features and it looks great.

Find it on Amazon here

Drawstring backpack

Sometimes you just need an extra bag, and a lightweight drawstring backpack really comes in handy.

When it’s empty this bag folds down to almost nothing, so it’s easy to toss in a purse or a pocket. Perfect for a long day of touring when I inevitably need something to carry my jacket or souvenirs. These are especially useful for theme park trips.

Find it on Amazon here

Did you know that thieves are less likely to steal a brightly-colored bag? That’s because it’s so easy to spot when they run away!

Travel purse

I find this PacSafe crossbody bag perfect for day-to-day touring. The flap unfolds to make the bag bigger when I need it, and the the wire-reinforced straps have locking clips so I can attach it to a chair without worry about purse-snatchers. Plus it looks good wherever I go.

Find it on Amazon here

Carry-on suitcase

In a past life, I worked in a store where we sold suitcases. Everybody has a different idea about what’s important, but there are a few common considerations.

If you choose a hard-sided case it will probably open down the middle, which means you can pack things in two sections. A soft-sided case usually opens on one end, which makes it easier to prop open for packing and unpacking.

If outside pockets are important to you, choose a soft-sided bag. Plus soft-sided bags have some give to them, so it’s easier to squeeze one into an overhead bin.

The bag I travel with is this Briggs & Riley model. It meets carry-on size regulations, and it expands when I need a little extra room. It has probably flown 100,000 miles by now and still looks and rolls great.

Find it on Amazon here

Travel gadgets for charging and lighting

How many times have you had to crawl under a hotel bed to plug in your phone? And how about trying to find your way to the bathroom in the dark? Charge your devices like you own the place, and ward off the dark, with these nifty travel gadgets.

Power strip

Stop searching for outlets behind the bed. Bring a small power strip and keep all your devices in one place.

Note that if you’re cruising, power strips with surge protectors are generally not allowed on board. So be sure your travel power station doesn’t have a surge protector built in.

Find it on Amazon here

Foreign power outlet adapters

If you’re traveling overseas, this is one of the most important travel gadgets you’ll need. You can charge your phone all over the world, if you have the right adapter to plug it into the wall.

Buy multiples of these little adapters. They’re super-easy to mislay and you really can’t do anything without them.

Find it on Amazon here

Nightlight

Travel with a plug-in nightlight and find your way to the bathroom in the dark.

Find it on Amazon here

My go-to travel clothing pieces

Wardrobe could of course be an entire post by itself, but here are a few pieces I constantly wear for travel.

Scarf

An indispensable travel gadget, a scarf is a fun accessory that can also be that last layer you need, or your naptime pillow. Choose one that opens up to a shawl, so you can use it as a blanket too.

Find it on Amazon here

Hoodie

A nice hoody is super versatile. Wear it by itself or under another jacket. It goes with almost anything.

The hoody I bring every time is this one from Lululemon. It’s lightweight but still really warm, the sleeves double as gloves, and the pockets have zippers. I also like how stretchy it is – I have worn it under and over almost anything.

Find this Lululemon hoody here

They also make a version without a hood here.

Puffer coat

A puffer coat is super warm and also super packable.

Find it at Lululemon here

RipSkirt

The wrap-around skirts from Hawaii’s RipSkirt are my favorite travel companion. Not only are they stylish and comfortable, they fasten with infinitely adjustable velcro. So my skirt fits perfectly at the beginning and the end of a cruise!

Plus they pack down to practically nothing. Available in 4 different lengths and lots of fun colors and patterns.

Find your RipSkirt here

Compression socks

Reduce the risk of blood clots by wearing compression socks on long flights. These aren’t your grandpa’s “supp hose” – modern compression socks are fashionable and comfortable. (Once you get them on).

Find it on Amazon here

Once you get there, compression socks for running are also excellent for travel. Especially if you’ll be on your feet a lot. Here’s a brand I wear.

Travel personal care gear

These are a few of the ways I go carry-on and still feel like I’m put-together on a trip.

Solid makeup

For me, the hardest part of packing light is getting all my gels and liquids into that quart-size bag. Using powder-based makeup is part of the solution. You can eliminate a few more gels by using pencil-style lipstick and powder sunscreen.

Find it on Amazon here

Tap secret dry shampoo

Banish dingy travel hair with this nifty little powder. Tap Secret dry shampoo is easy to carry and really works.

Find it on Amazon here

Small meds

Make your own mini travel first-aid kit. Include a few bandaids, Imodium, and at least one type of pain reliever.

Find it on Amazon here

Emergen-C

Travel can really zap a body. Bring along a few Emergen-C packets to help replenish your immune system.

Find it on Amazon here

Compact hair dryer

This one’s a maybe. If I’m traveling domestically (so there’s no problem with outlets or voltage), and if there’s room in my suitcase, I bring along my compact hair dryer. This one is small, light, quiet, and quick – and much better than whatever I’ll find in a hotel room.

Find it on Amazon here

Packing tip: Don’t completely unpack your toiletry bag when you get home. Even better, refill the supplies right away and store everything back in the bag for next time.

PPE

Because the last thing you want to do is get there and be sick, it’s a good idea to take a few preventative measures when traveling. Even if you don’t plan to wear a mask for the whole flight, it’s good to have one handy in case your neighbor can’t stop coughing and sneezing.

Mask

If I know I’ll have to wear it for awhile, I use a mask with straps that go ahead my head, not my ears.

Find it on Amazon here

Antibacterial wipes

Always have a few antibacterial wipes handy, ’cause airplane surfaces are gross.

Find it on Amazon here

Earplugs

Sleeping on a plane or a train is hard enough without listening to everyone else snoring. Not to mention noisy neighbors in your hotel. Be sure to have some earplugs in your travel kit.

I like these silicone earplugs because they compress to really stay in my ears, even if I’m laying down.

Find it on Amazon here

Entertaining travel gadgets

I am all about unplugging when I get there, but for the flight and at the airport, these are the gadgets I have in my backpack.

iPad

It’s a movie theater, photo editing studio, and all-around communicator. The ipad ranks as one of my top travel gadgets.

Find it on Amazon here

Headphones

Whether you prefer over-the-ear or earbuds, good noise-cancelling headphones are a must for any flight.

Find it on Amazon here

Kindle

Carry 100 books if you want. A kindle is the perfect travel companion. Lightweight and able to download new books on the fly, you can take an entire bookstore to the beach.

This is one of my top travel-oriented gift suggestions. If they already have a Kindle, get them an Amazon gift card or a Kindle unlimited subscription.

Find it on Amazon here

Non-digital entertainment

When the batteries run low, or you just can’t look at a screen anymore, turn to a card game. A simple game like Uno is easy to learn and can be played even in the most jet-lagged state. It also makes an excellent stocking stuffer.

Find it on Amazon here

At-home gadgets

Label maker

You know you’ve always wanted one! This travel gadget stays at home. Get yourself a label maker and never wonder what’s in that mystery bottle again.

Find it on Amazon here

Where do you want to go next?

From tropical travel to worldwide theme parks, explore your next adventure here.

The tropics:

• Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Wakatobi, Indonesia

60-second theme park quick guides:

• Disney World
• Universal Orlando
• Paris Disneyland

Plus more travel tips from the Go Informed newsletter:

• Best travel phone apps
• How to improve your next flight

This post contains affiliate links.

The post 33 Nifty travel gadgets to get now appeared first on Go Informed.

Just minutes from CDG, Paris Disneyland is the perfect one-day layover for hard-core Disney fans. If you’ve always wanted to visit an overseas Disney park, your flight through Charles-de-Gaulle can absolutely take you there. Here’s what I learned when I did Paris Disneyland in one day from CDG airport.

Paris Disneyland is only nine minutes from CDG

Closer to its home airport than either Disney World or Anaheim’s Disneyland, Paris Disneyland is only a nine-minute train ride from Charles-de-Gaulle.

Paris Charles-de-Gaulle airport has its own vast train station, located below terminal 2. Trains depart constantly for the city of Paris, all over France, and beyond.

There are several rail options to get from CDG to Paris Disney, but the quickest is the TGV. On the route from the airport, Disneyland is the first stop, just nine minutes away.

English is widely spoken at Disneyland Paris

A quick word about a very commonly-asked question. Even if you speak no French, you will have no problem at the Paris Disney parks. All the cast members speak English, the signage is in French and English, and there are lots of English-speaking guests.

Signage at the train stations and Paris airport also include English, so you should be able to find your way around fairly easily.

Stay at an airport hotel

This plan works best if you literally stay at the CDG train station. By which I mean the airport.

If you have a layover at CDG, schedule your flights so you have a free day between them. You’ll need to spend two nights at the airport.

Why stay here instead of at Disneyland? It’s simpler, and you can get more sleep. Read on to see how this works.

I stayed at the Sheraton Paris Charles-de-Gaulle Airport Hotel. It’s located at the top of the stairs directly above the TGV train station. The hotel has a restaurant and a bar with good food, it’s remarkably quiet for being next to a runway, and you can watch the planes from your room.

Here’s an Orbitz link to the Sheraton at the CDG Airport.

TGV to Disneyland quick tips

Paris Disneyland is located in the town of Marne-la-Vallée, about 25 miles from Charles-de-Gaulle. When you look for train tickets, Marne-la-Vallée is your destination.

The TGV trains leave, and return to, CDG frequently during the day. Most of them are going much farther than Disneyland. My train was heading all the way to Marseille!

The train station at Disneyland Paris is truly just outside the park gates. You’ll have a quick walk to either the Disneyland or Studios park.

Since you’re only riding a few minutes, and getting off at the first stop, you don’t really even need to take your seat. There are jump seats right next to the doors at the end of each car. Just hang out here and hop right off at Marne-la-Vallée.

Buy your TGV tickets in advance

As you’ll see throughout this post, a day at Disneyland Paris requires plenty of advance planning. One of the first things you need to do is get your train tickets.

Charles-de-Gaulle’s TGV trains transport passengers from all over France. Which means a lot of competition for seats. If you’re looking for a specific departure, don’t wait to buy your tickets. I waited until about a month before my visit and had to alter my timeline because a couple of the trains were already sold out.

You can check departure times and prices here. Don’t forget to look at both directions of your trip!

Delays are possible

Be aware that circumstances beyond your control can delay the trains. Both my morning and evening train had 20 minute delays due to some unknown factor.

When you only have a few hours at a park, every minute counts. Don’t waste it standing on the platform at the airport. So when you choose the train to get from CDG, give yourself whatever buffer works for your comfort level.

Luckily, I booked a train about 30 minutes earlier than I thought I needed.

Worst-case scenario is an unanticipated rail strike. If your train just doesn’t come, it will ruin the whole day. You could potentially salvage this situation by grabbing an Uber or taxi at the airport, but it takes a lot longer to get there, especially during a rail strike. Cross your fingers and toes that this doesn’t happen.

By the way, this is exactly why my advice is to fly out of CDG the day after your Disneyland day, not the night of. You do not want to be stuck at the Disneyland train station when you’ve got a plane to catch.

Two nights at CDG, one day at Disneyland Paris

When you schedule this out, you’ll need to spend two nights at CDG. It looks like this:

• Fly into CDG – late in the day if you have the option
• Spend the night at CDG
• Train early to Disneyland Paris
• Spend the night at CDG
• Fly out of CDG – early in the day if you have the option

Staying at CDG keeps things simple and might save you money on your flights

When you split up your flights to include a stop in Paris, it can add some additional perks besides a day at Disneyland. You may actually find that your plane tickets cost less when you don’t just fly to CDG, connect, and fly out.

When you don’t have to directly connect the flights, you’re freed up to choose different flight times and maybe even a different airline for the second leg. This can often be cheaper than just connecting on the same airline on the same day.

Staying at the airport means you wake up there for your flight out. So there’s no worries about getting there on time, no additional travel time on the day of that flight, and a generally more chill airport experience.

Paris Charles-de-Gaulle is also just an incredibly confusing airport to navigate. If you don’t have to rush to connect to a flight it will be much less stressful.

A few cautions about doing one day at Disneyland Paris

Before I jump into the actual logistics of your day at Disneyland Paris, let’s talk about why you might NOT want to do this. Plus some advice about how to best explore Disneyland Paris as a quick stop on your European vacation.

Do it at the end of your trip

First of all, if you really just have a day for the parks, don’t do it the first day you fly into Europe.

Jet lag is the real deal, and the last thing you need is an intense 10+ hour day right when you get there.

If you wait until the end of your European vacation, not only will you have the chance to get a good night’s sleep, you will also be familiar with the currency and maybe even the language.

This will be very difficult to do during the Paris 2024 Olympics

If you’ll be visiting Paris during the 2024 Olympics, you should expect big crowds at Disneyland, every day of the week. So a one-day strategy could be extra difficult. Set your expectations accordingly and be sure to buy your train tickets as far in advance as possible.

Don’t try to do any Disney destination in one day if…

Just like every Disney parks resort, Disneyland Paris is not a place you can completely experience in one day. If you’re a hard-core, frequent theme park visitor like me, you can make a pretty good run at it. With some planning, as you’ll see below. But do consider these cautions:

It’s your first day on the continent

If you’re exhausted from a long flight, plus jet-lagged, but the beginning of your trip is when you can fit it in, make the effort to stay on-site at DLP. This way you’ll be able to return to your room when you really need a break, and hopefully you can allot more than one day to explore the parks.

You’re traveling with little kids

If you’ve got a little one with you, don’t even think about seeing both Disney Paris parks in a day. The sheer distance you’ll need to walk is hard enough for grown adults. Little ones need to go at a slower pace, and so do grown-ups who are traveling with little ones! Better to make a trip of it and stay on-site for two or three nights.

You haven’t been to a Disney park since pre-2020

If it’s been awhile since you’ve been to a Disney park, this may not be the time to try to do it in a day. Things have changed a lot since the old paper FastPass days.

If you’re determined to make it work, be sure to do your homework about the Disneyland Paris app, learn about Premier Access, and brush up on your ride etiquette.

You are exhausted from the rest of your vacation

If any of the above are true for you, consider spending several nights on-site at Paris Disneyland

Touring tactics for a single day Disneyland Paris visit

Make a plan

Advance planning is crucial for any one-day theme park visit. Disneyland Paris has two theme parks, including about 50 attractions, 25 restaurants, shows, character meets, shops, and plenty of other random diversions. It’s of course impossible to do all these things in one day.

If you’re really going to see anything, you’ll need to prioritize and plan your touring. I literally made a minute-by-minute spreadsheet, but you don’t have to go that far.

Start by researching what’s in the parks, then decide if you even want to visit both of them on your day. This will dictate what type of ticket you’ll need.

Once you know where you’ll be, start looking at the lands and attractions. Make a list of your top priorities and try to estimate a time for each thing. You’ll need to figure out if you can realistically do everything in the time you have.

Want to see a discussion about how my plan came together? Watch here.

Here’s a 60-second look at Paris Disneyland Resort

How to save time in line at Disneyland Paris

There are some tried-and-true theme park hacks that can help you beat the crowds at Disneyland Paris. Here are my top tips, which really helped me make the most of my day.

Rope Drop

Rope drop means being at the park gates when they open. Preferably at the front of the line.

If you’re first in the park, you can be first in line and maybe even walk on to your top priority attraction. The key to this tactic is to get to the park well before the gates open, usually at least 30 minutes early. So be sure to factor this in when you buy your train tickets.

I have tons of advice about doing rope drop right – and wrong – here on the website and in my email newsletter. Here are a few resources:

• Post/Podcast – How to rope drop
• Post/Podcast – Master your theme park morning
• Newsletter – Top two rope drop FAILS

Be aware of Disneyland Paris Extra Magic Time

Rope drop at Disneyland Paris is complicated by early entry for hotel guests. Hotel guests can get into the park an hour earlier than day visitors, which means there will be people already on the rides when you get to the gate from your train.

Even though you don’t get this magical extra hour, it still really pays to be first for the general entry. The first hours any park is open have the lowest crowd levels and the lowest ride wait times. So you can do more in less time.

Premier Access

Premier Access is Paris Disney’s paid skip-the-line system. It’s not cheap, but it can be a great way to get a ton of stuff done in just one day.

There are two Premier Access options: Ultimate and One. Premier Access Ultimate lets you skip the line once per ride on about 16 attractions. Premier Access One is a one-time skip-the-line for a specific ride.

If you’re familiar with Disney’s old FastPass system, this is the same thing except now you pay for it. Free FastPass is a thing of the past – you either buy the Premier Access or you go through the standby queue.

Ride single

A free way to avoid a long wait is to use the single rider queue. Major attractions like Ratatouille, Crush’s Coaster, and Hyperspace Mountain have single rider lines.

Riding single is just what it sounds like. You’ll be loaded onto an attraction without your group, to fill in an empty space in the ride vehicle.

Wait times for single rider can be significantly quicker than the regular standby queue. A 50 minute standby wait could be just 10 minutes riding single.

If a ride has a singles line, you’ll see the wait time displayed at the queue entry and also on the app.

Click here for more tips about riding single at Disney.

Make a lunch reservation

Paris Disney has some really cool themed restaurants, and if sitting down for an hour in the middle of the day sounds good to you (it sure will when you’re there!), you should choose a restaurant and make a reservation.

You can book your Disneyland Paris dining reservation up to two months ahead. If your top choice isn’t available right away, keep trying. Reservations seem to appear randomly and odds are you’ll be able to snag a time that works for you.

My day at Paris Disney

All these tips come from my real-life experience visiting Paris Disneyland in September 2023. Here is what my day looked like.

Have a plan but be flexible

You don’t have to make a plan as detailed as this one, but it really did help me stay on track. As you can see, I actually accomplished almost everything on my list. The biggest thing that I skipped was the railroad. The waits were long and not all the stations were open.

I spent a lot of time finessing this plan. And I asked for help. If you’d like to see the process, check out this video.

Staying flexible when you’ve got a plan like this is not easy. I really wanted to do everything on the list in the order I’d planned. But mostly because of wait times I switched a few things around.

When you go for just one day, you have to be in the mindset that you won’t be able to do everything. Be realistic about how long it’s going to take to get places, and be sure to prioritize your top experiences.

For me, lunch at Walt’s Restaurant was an absolute must-do. I knew that it’s a multi-course meal and it’s in France, so I planned for 90 minutes there. This is a big chunk of the day but I really didn’t want to rush it, and the timing turned out to be perfect.

Single rider & Premier Access

What really made it possible for me to get on so many rides was riding single and using Premier Access One. When the waits were just too long, I paid the fee and skipped the line. There were only two rides I had to do this on: Crush’s Coaster and Big Thunder.

Weekdays are less crowded

Besides the fact that I was solo, and thus nimble, I went to Paris Disneyland on a Monday in September. Crowds were relatively low, which made it easier to get around and kept ride wait times down. If I’d been visiting in the summer or on a weekend, I would’ve expected to get on fewer rides.

Bring an external battery

At Disneyland Paris your phone is absolutely essential. It is your park ticket, your train ticket, and the only way to get Premier passes for the attractions. If the battery goes dead, you don’t have a train ticket to get home.

The Disneyland app uses a ton of power, and I found my battery drained 50% by lunchtime. Luckily I had a back-up power bank with me.

Even if your phone is brand-new, be prepared to top up the battery during the day. Your best bet is a small power pack like this. If you bring a charger instead, make sure it can plug into a European power outlet.

Click here to find this power pack at Target

Click here to find it at Amazon

My Disneyland Paris in one day video trip report

Here’s the live discussion on Facebook where I explain exactly how my day at Disneyland Paris turned out. It was an incredible day and I hope you have as much fun as I did.

I’m sure there are tips in the video that I’ve left out of this post. Click here to watch, or just click below.

Have you conquered Disneyland Paris in a day?

Have you experienced a day at Disneyland Paris? What went right? What went wrong? Share you thoughts in the comments below.

More theme park tips from Go Informed

Here on the site you’ll find tons of advice to help make your next theme park vacation the best ever. Here’s a few of the top posts:

• Universal Orlando vs Universal Hollywood
• How one-star TripAdvisor reviews can make your vacation better
• How to rope drop like a pro
• Theme park etiquette tips

Do Disney like a pro!

Subscribe to my theme park tips newsletter and get simple, actionable advice delivered straight to your inbox. Join the list and check out the archives here.

Here are a few popular past newsletter editions:

• Should you pay to skip the line?
• 6 tips to make your next flight easier
• 10 park touring mistakes I’ve made

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The post How to Conquer Disneyland Paris in One Day from CDG appeared first on Go Informed.

Want a quick answer to some of the most frequently asked questions about Disney and Universal? These are my theme park quick start guides.

When you want to dive deeper into a topic, just tap the links on the slides, or check out the resource list below.

Theme park quick start guides

Harry Potter World Quick Guide

By Sue Winter

Disney World Quick Guide

By Sue Winter

Universal Orlando Resort Quick Guide

By Sue Winter

Universal Orlando vs Hollywood Quick Guide

By Sue Winter

Disneyland Avengers Campus Quick Guide

By Sue Winter

Paris Disneyland Quick Guide

By Sue Winter

Disney Genie Fast Facts

By Sue Winter

Disney World Christmas Quick Guide

By Sue Winter

View all stories

Direct links to each quick start guide

• Universal Orlando vs Universal Hollywood quick guide
• Wizarding World of Harry Potter quick start guide
• Disney World quick start guide
• Universal Orlando quick start guide
• Avengers Campus quick start guide
• Disney Genie quick start guide
• Christmas at Disney World quick start guide
• Disneyland Paris quick start guide

Looking for another fun destination? Here’s my Bora Bora quick start guide.

Go Informed theme park tips

With a little planning and strategy, you can have a fantastic theme park vacation. Check out these resources to get started:

• 33 things to know before you visit Universal Orlando
• 55 things to know before you visit Disney World
• Universal Orlando complete hotel guide
• Disney World complete hotel guide
• Disneyland walking distances and training tips
• Universal Orlando vs Universal Hollywood
• How to do Disneyland Paris in one day

Exclusive bonus tips in your inbox

Want to save money, avoid hassles, and have more fun on your theme park vacation? Sign up now to get two bonus mini-posts every month, exclusive to the Go Informed mailing list!

Click here to join now.

This post contains affiliate links.

The post Go Informed Theme Park Quick Start Guides appeared first on Go Informed.

These are the show notes for Go Informed Podcast episode 78. Click below to listen, or find it on your favorite podcast app, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.

Want some quick Disneyland advice? Here’s ten things to know before you go.

Go Informed Podcast episode 78: Disneyland Christmastime trip report

These photos are from my November 2022 trip to Disneyland. The holiday season was in full swing, officially starting in the middle of November each year.

We spent 4 days at Disneyland, staying in the Grand Californian Hotel. Here are a few things I highly recommend, based on our experience on this trip.

As always, we made a few blunders on this trip, which you’ll hear me discuss on the podcast. A couple of them even made my top ten park touring mistakes list here. If you want to know what NOT to do, be sure to check it out.

Stay in a Disneyland hotel

The hotels

The Disney-operated hotels at Disneyland are:

• Disneyland Hotel
• Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel
• Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel

Early theme park entry every day

Guests staying in one of the three Disney-operated hotels receive a 30 minute early-entry into the parks every day. Even though it doesn’t seem like much time, it’s actually a huge advantage.

We were able to leverage early admission to get a double rope drop each day. This gave us a head-start on Radiator Springs Racers and Rise of the Resistance, even though these two headliners are not included in Disneyland’s early entry. Find out how we did it here.

Convenience

The Disneyland hotels are all within easy walking distance to both the Disneyland and California Adventure theme parks. Disney’s Grand Californian hotel is the closest to both parks and even has its own entrance into California Adventure.

Fly into John Wayne/Santa Ana airport

The closest airport to Disneyland is John Wayne/Santa Ana (SNA), less than 30 minutes from the resort. If your trip is only to Disneyland you won’t even need to rent a car, just catch a quick Uber or Lyft ride, then do everything on foot.

How far apart is everything at Disneyland? Check out this post for maps and common Disneyland walking distances.

Use Genie+ at Disneyland

Genie+ is Disney’s new version of FastPass. It allows guests to reserve time slots to skip long attraction wait times (this is called Lightning Lane). It’s not free, and you’ll have a less-than-simple app to deal with, but it really does make Disneyland touring much easier.

The first day of our trip was during a holiday weekend but we still had no problem reserving Lightning Lanes for top attractions. You can add Genie+ to your Disney vacation package so it’ll be activated automatically on every day of your trip.

At Disneyland, Genie+ also includes unlimited PhotoPass photos, which includes ride photos and those taken by the PhotoPass photographers around the parks.

Quick start guide to Genie+ and Lightning Lane

Disneyland Christmastime photos

Here are photos of some of the locations and Disneyland Christmas decorations mentioned in this podcast episode.

The Disneyland Christmas tree

Disneyland’s Main Street USA at Christmastime

The Disneyland castle during Christmastime

Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion Holiday

BTW, Halloween is also an amazing time to visit Disneyland. Here are 13 reasons why you should consider visiting Disneyland during Halloween season, from my newsletter.

The spectacular holiday lights on It’s a Small World

The Disneyland castle Christmas lights

Trader Sam’s Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel

Disneyland’s Blue Bayou restaurant

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel lobby Christmas tree

Giant gingerbread house in the Grand Californian Hotel

Christmastime in California Adventure’s Cars Land

Disney’s California Adventure Festival of the Holidays

Early theme park entry for Disneyland hotel guests

More theme park touring tips

Here on GoInformed.net, and on the Go Informed Podcast, you’ll find tons of tips for your trip to Disney and Universal. Here are a few of the most popular posts:

• Top ten all-time Disneyland tips
• All about Avengers Campus at Disneyland
• Disneyland walking distances and training tips
• How Universal Studios Hollywood compares to Universal Orlando
• How to rope drop
• 8 Disney park reservation quick tips

Join the mailing list for twice-monthly bonus tips

Want more tips, delivered straight to your inbox? Be sure to join my email newsletter list here!

Catch my weekly live Disney parks discussions on Facebook

This post and podcast episode were originally shared in a live Facebook chat. Tune in to my @goinformednet Facebook page Thursdays at 11am Pacific to join the conversation!

Thank you Joey McGirr, also known as The Disney Hack, for joining me in the live discussion. You can find more of Joey at TheDisneyHack.com.

This post contains affiliate links.

The post My Epic Disneyland Christmastime Photos and Trip Report appeared first on Go Informed.

Gift ideas for Bora Bora travelers

Underwater Camera

Snorkeling and scuba are huge attractions in Bora Bora. If your newlyweds are planning to spend time in the water, give them a gift to capture the moment.

A point-and-shoot underwater camera can be lots of fun, even just for playing in the surf. And a GoPro makes it easy to get video of adventures both in and out of the water.

Here are some underwater camera suggestions from Amazon:

• GoPro
• FujiFilm FinePix
• Olympus Tough

Kindle e-reader

Put an entire library in the palm of their hand. A Kindle can hold thousands of books and it’s easy to add more on-the-go. Bora Bora has no bookstores and even if it did, the selection would likely be only in French.

Not sure if they’ve already got a Kindle? Give them an Amazon gift card instead. They can use the funds to buy more e-books, or get the e-reader they’ve always wanted.

Click here to shop Amazon Kindle

Packable backpack

Super handy, but taking up almost no luggage space, a packable backpack is a great gift for any Bora Bora traveler. A drawstring backpack is perfect for taking essentials to the beach or out on a tour boat for the day.

For a fun gift presentation, fill the backpack with reef-safe sunscreen, lip balm, and other beach essentials.

Here are some packable backpack suggestions from Amazon:

• Eddie Bauer Stowaway
• Notabag 3-in-1
• VenturePal Lightweight

Travel bluetooth speaker

Have you seen those amazing Bora Bora overwater bungalows? Your honeymooners need some tunes to go with that setting!

Look for something small and lightweight that produces decent sound. Since it’ll probably go to the beach, water-resistance is nice too.

Here are some travel bluetooth speaker suggestions from Amazon:

• EWA portable speaker
• Bose Soundlink Flex
• JBL Clip

French Polynesian currency

Of course one of the best honeymoon gifts you can give is cash. Take it up a notch by giving them the local French Polynesian currency. Check with your bank or your local AAA office, where you can order foreign currency for a small fee.

Want more travel gift ideas?

Don’t miss my list of top travel gadgets and gear! Great gifts for every traveler here.

Bora Bora Quick Guide

Want to know what it’s like to visit Bora Bora? Here’s a 60-second quick look:

Click here to listen to my Go Informed podcast episode about Bora Bora

More tropical travel tips from Go Informed

Considering a trip to the tropics? Be sure to check out my posts about these oceanic destinations:

• Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Rangiroa, French Polynesia
• Wakatobi, Indonesia
• Big Island Hawaii, USA
• Bonaire, Caribbean

This post contains affiliate links

The post 5 Fabulous Wedding Gift Ideas for Bora Bora Honeymooners appeared first on Go Informed.

Quick note that this is NOT a paid post. As with everything on GoInformed.net, it’s my effort to help other travelers learn more about an amazing travel destination. Should you wish to support GoInformed, feel free to click an ad or check out one of the Amazon links. Thanks!

Exploring Wakatobi Dive Resort

Nestled against tropical wilderness, the resort comprises about 30 bungalows and villas. At the heart is the Long House, which holds the front desk and dive center. An excellent restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Out front is the bustling jetty pier, where the dive boats come and go all day and into the evening.

Like a luxury ocean-explorer summer camp

Since everyone stays in their own bungalow, the resort has the feel of a very luxurious summer camp. Even at full capacity, only about 60 guests visit at a time. Staff will know your name within a day, and you’ll know them and many other guests quickly too.

Flights arrive and depart at Wakatobi just twice a week, making the enclave feel even more secluded. The rhythm of the days – breakfast, dive, lunch, dive, dinner, bed – keep things simple and really help guests just be in the moment.

Shoes optional

Aside from the jetty, most of Wakatobi is packed sand. Shoes are totally optional here, and actually are not allowed inside the Long House, bungalows, or restaurant.

Sustainable luxury

Located on a remote island in Indonesia’s Sulawesi region, Wakatobi is a true desert island experience. The resort makes its own delicious fresh water, processes waste, and, up until a few years ago, even generated all the electricity for itself and the neighboring village.

Sustainability is the overriding mission here, and every system, activity, and staff member reflects this philosophy. The entire resort is built by local craftspeople from materials sourced on the island or nearby. It’s a lot like if Gilligan’s Island was a Four Seasons resort.

Immersed in nature

At Wakatobi Dive Resort, nature takes center stage. Not only in the ocean experiences but also on land. Bungalows are widely spaced, with natural flora and fauna in between. Be prepared to encounter a resident monitor lizard or exotic bug. If you’re a mosquito-magnet, be sure to pack lots of bug spray for evening hours.

Wakatobi staff speaks many languages, including excellent English

The team at Wakatobi is both hyper-local and international. The resort employs over three hundred Indonesian staff, most from nearby villages, as well as a contingent of live-in international workers.

The front desk, restaurant, and dive guides all speak excellent English. Many of the dive guides come from around the world, so on the boat you may also hear German, Spanish, or Japanese. Every member of the team – from the general manager to the landscape crew – are friendly and eager to make your vacation perfect.

Yes there is Wi-Fi

Although the resort has a very off-the-grid atmosphere, guests enjoy plenty of modern amenities including decent Wi-Fi, European-style bath fixtures, coffee makers in every room, and of course a minibar.

Wi-Fi is solid but I’d advise downloading the movies for your plane ride in advance from home. There is also cell service if you need it.

In the category of “they thought of everything”, you’ll find power strips with universal adapters in every bungalow. There are even a selection of local fish ID books for bedtime reading.

Diving and snorkeling at Wakatobi Dive Resort

Above water is delightful, but the number one reason to visit Wakatobi is the reef.

Surrounded by miles of pristine coral gardens, Wakatobi is a true scuba and snorkel paradise. Most guests spend almost as much time under water as above.

The reef in front of the resort is open for exploration anytime day or night, and there are three scheduled boat dives every day.

Diving so easy you just have to breathe

When you dive at Wakatobi, all you have to do is show up at the right time. The resort operates with Swiss efficiency.

Three boat dives are scheduled each day, and, if you’ve opted-in, your gear and personal dive guide will be on the boat and ready before you even arrive.

Dive helpers stand by to assist with tanks and gear, and even hand you a hot towel at the end of the dive.

The Wakatobi dive boats

Wakatobi’s beautiful wooden boats were built locally, specifically for scuba divers. Tank holders run the center of the interior, with plenty of bench seating along the sides.

When it’s time to jump in, divers and snorkelers splash through the side openings.

Wakatobi’s dive sites

There are dozens of dive sites within a short boat ride from the resort. Almost all are also excellent for snorkelers.

Drift dives are common, and sometimes happen on the fly. Wakatobi’s boats stand ready to pick divers up wherever the current may take them.

Dive guides (“Dive Experience Managers” in Wakatobi parlance) lead small groups, and will tailor the dive to the divers. For an extra charge, you can reserve your own DEM for just one or two divers. Guests staying in a one- or two-bedroom villa automatically get a private DEM.

Snorkeling is a good as diving at Wakatobi

For non-divers, or divers who want to take a day off, Wakatobi offers some of the best snorkeling in the world. Many of the reefs top out at just a few meters below the surface, making the view extraordinary for anyone willing to put on a mask and take a look.

My snorkeling experience at Wakatobi was beyond anything I’ve seen, even better than Bonaire or Bora Bora. The sheer amount and variation of corals is astounding, and of course this means anemones, sponges, and all types of fish and sea creatures.

Snorkelers experience the same reefs and the same service as divers

Snorkelers go to the same dive spots as the scuba divers, which means I was on the same boat with my diver husband and daughter. I had my own Dive Experience Manager too.

Just like the divers, my guide briefed me every time we prepared for a snorkel. She helped me learn about what we were seeing and was my navigator on the reef.

My usual experience is that snorkeling is seen as a second-best activity, but not at Wakatobi. In fact, five days passed before anyone even asked why I wasn’t diving. Many of the divers were doing both, since it’s hard to stay in those top few meters with a dive-tank on.

And the incredible house reef, right in front of the resort, was a fantastic snorkel almost everyone took the time for.

Wakatobi Dive Resort dining

Just like at summer camp, Wakatobi provides all the food for your stay. Dining and basic soft drinks are all included with the price of your accommodation.

There is one restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Snacks are provided on the dive boats and in the Long House lobby every afternoon.

A sunset bar is open every evening on the jetty – or in the Long House if weather doesn’t cooperate.

The food is fantastic

Meals are served buffet-style, which means lots of options and variety. Even after dozens of meals, we never got tired of the delightful offerings from Wakatobi’s kitchen.

The buffet always featured common Western dishes and a few Indonesian specialties. It was a fabulous way to try the local cuisine without a big commitment. TIP: try all the Indonesian offerings.

Fish fresh from the sea

Especially stellar were the fish dishes, featuring seafood caught in the waters right off the resort. Fishing is the main industry in the area, and Wakatobi sources almost 100% of its seafood from the village next door.

Sushi was offered a couple of times, and my husband and daughter probably could’ve eaten it for hours!

Excellent attention for special dietary needs

I, however, cannot eat sushi or any other seafood due to a severe allergy. This can be an issue when traveling, especially overseas. The team at Wakatobi was incredibly attentive to my needs.

Before we even arrived, Wakatobi sent a questionnaire to find out about allergies and other dietary restrictions. Restaurant manager Ibram introduced himself as soon as I walked into the restaurant and gave me a tour of the buffet.

For every single meal, Ibram or another staff member showed me which items had seafood so I’d know what was safe. Often Ibram offered to have the kitchen make me a special version of a dish so I could try it. TIP: If Ibram offers to make you something, say yes!

Even on the dive boat I had my own special snack, clearly marked.

Wonderful staff

The team in the restaurant, as throughout the entire Wakatobi experience, was incredibly warm and welcoming. We really felt like we were dining with friends in their extraordinary home.

The restaurant staff lives at Wakatobi, just like the guests, and they are there for every single meal. Seeing the same smiling faces and chatting at every meal, we really made a connection with Ibram and his team. It was really hard to say goodbye at the end of the trip.

A typical day at Wakatobi Dive Resort

Wakatobi’s days are very structured, making it easy to get into the flow. The mealtimes are scheduled to best support divers heading out on the boats.

Breakfast: 6:30-9:00am

Breakfast is early, before the dive boats leave at 7:30am. Don’t worry – you won’t need to take time to collect your gear and get it to the boat. The dive support team is up early to make sure everything is in its place ready to go. All you need to do is show up.

The day before diving you’ll be assigned a boat with your guide. Want to skip one? Just note it on the white board so your gear stays on land.

Dive/snorkel boats leave at 7:30am

Boats leave at precisely 7:30am. No waiting for stragglers, who are assumed to be taking the morning off.

Depending on the dive sites, the boats will return to the dock for up-time before heading out again around 10am. On some days the boats will stay away until lunchtime.

Lunch: 12:30-2:30pm

After diving there’s just enough time to head back to your bungalow for a quick shower, then off to the restaurant for a hearty lunch.

Afternoon or night dive/snorkel

The third boat dive/snorkel of the day alternates between afternoon and night. Afternoon boats leave around 3:00, night dives around 5:30. Many guests dive all three boat dives every day, we did this on some days.

Jetty bar: opens 4:30pm

Most evenings we stopped for a drink on the jetty before heading to dinner. It was a great place to chat with other guests and share stories from our time at Wakatobi, and other world-wide dive destinations.

Once the sun set around 6:00, it was fascinating to look in the water off the pier for flashlight fish and other bioluminescent creatures. Everyone at Wakatobi is excited about the reef – even the security guard who happily pointed out a flathead crocodilefish with his powerful torch.

Dinner: 7:00-9:00pm

Dinner was always a delight, with a highlighted dish like Indonesian Soto, pasta, or carved roast beef, plus a buffet full of options. The restaurant also has a robust wine list,offering selections from around the world.

Early bedtime

Even though the jetty bar is technically open until 10pm, there is basically no nightlife at Wakatobi. Most everyone is getting up early to dive the next morning, and we were all really tired.

Plus the beds are super comfortable.

Things to do besides dive and snorkel at Wakatobi

There actually are a few other things to do at Wakatobi outside of the ocean.

Wakatobi Dive Resort Spa

I highly recommend paying a visit to the spa for a massage or other body treatment. Housed in a one-room bungalow, the spa is exactly as it should be at Wakatobi. I indulged in several treatments and all were really therapeutic and relaxing.

Because the spa is so tiny, be sure to plan your treatment in advance, maybe even booking before you arrive.

Resort tours

A few times a week, the Wakatobi staff offers a behind-the-scenes tour of the resort. It’s amazing how self-sustaining and eco-conscious the operation really is. You’ll get a sense of the place and the people who built the resort and keep it running.

Village tours

Do not miss the opportunity to visit the village on Wakatobi’s island, where the bulk of the resort staff lives.

Home to about 1500 people, a few hundred of whom work at the resort, the village of Lamanggau is just a quick boat ride away. Your tour is led by Wakatobi staff who live in the town and are happy to introduce guests to their Indonesian fishing village.

Don’t be surprised if the local kids create a parade behind you. Visitors from the resort are an exciting event, especially after over two years with no guests at all.

When we were there some of the village moms had set up tables selling Indonesian handicrafts like jewelry and sarongs. There was no pressure to buy but of course we picked up a few things. Bring small bills, 100,000 Rupiah and under, if you want to buy something.

Educational presentations

Wakatobi’s dive guides are a wealth of information about ocean life. Several times a week they give short talks about what’s happening on the reef. It’s a great time to learn more about what we see in the water and to ask questions from these in-house experts.

Getting to Wakatobi Dive Resort

Getting to and from the Wakatobi Dive Resort is a journey, no matter where you come from. Luckily the resort provides a ton of support to help make the trip as easy as possible.

Wakatobi Dive Resort is located on a remote island in the Sulawesi region of Indonesia. To get there you must first arrive on Bali, then take a charter flight to the Wakatobi airstrip.

Arriving at Bali DPS airport

Since every guest goes through Bali, the resort has a whole team of people available to make your arrival, and stay, there as easy as possible. We took advantage of all the help that was offered.

Immediately after stepping off the plane we were met by a Wakatobi rep who helped us through passport control, the Covid checkpoint, and customs. At baggage claim he enlisted a porter to help with luggage, then we were whisked off to the pre-arranged ride to our hotel.

After two days of travel just to get to Bali, this assistance was invaluable. Plus we arrived at close to midnight, not knowing a word of Bahasa or Balinese. Our driver, Suka, spoke excellent English – in fact, he was also our Bali tour guide a couple of days later.

Departing Bali to Wakatobi

There are no commercial flights to Wakatobi’s airport. The resort charters a plane twice a week to transport guests, staff, and supplies to the resort.

The flights leave Bali early in the morning, so guests must arrive at least the day before heading to Wakatobi. We chose to arrive three days ahead.

After an early shuttle ride from our familiar driver, we were met at the airport entrance by more helpful Wakatobi assistants. They took care of our bags and got us through security, taking us directly to the check-in counter. In moments we were ushered to a private lounge for breakfast and coffee.

At the lounge we met some other guests, and a few staff members who were making their way to Wakatobi too. When it was time to go, the team escorted us directly out to the tarmac and onto the flight.

The flight from Bali to Wakatobi is about 2.5 hours and is very scenic. It’s also full of anticipation as we wonder what meets us there.

Arriving at Wakatobi

The Wakatobi airport is about as simple as it gets. Just an airstrip, a small waiting room, and a control tower.

There’s no baggage claim or even anywhere to go indoors. Guests basically walk straight off the plane, across the tarmac and grass, and into the gracious hands of Wakatobi hosts.

The airport isn’t on the same island as Wakatobi, so this is not quite the end of the trip. There is still a quick car ride, then about a ten-minute boat ride to the resort. It can all be a bit disorienting, but Wakatobi staff is there the entire way.

Once on the boat, we were handed cool towels and even cooler drinks. Our hosts explained the check-in process – which is entirely handled in your bungalow – and gave us a sense of the schedule for our first day.

Our luggage was collected from the plane and delivered directly to our villa within a couple of hours.

Departing Wakatobi

Departure day starts early with luggage collection around 6:30am. Final check-out is handled at the desk in the Long House while waiting for the boat back to the airport around 9:30am.

On arrival in Bali we were once again greeted by Wakatobi reps who helped us collect our luggage and get out of the airport.

Our flight from Bali wasn’t for many hours so Wakatobi reserved a day-stay for us at the Novotel right at the Bali airport. The Wakatobi rep helped us get our luggage there and made sure hotel check-in went smoothly.

Here are six simple tips to make all that air travel easier, from my newsletter.

What to bring to Wakatobi Dive Resort

Kindle e-reader

There is a library in the resort’s Long House with lots of books left behind by past guests (mostly in English). However, if you’d like to bring your own beachside reading, the best option is a Kindle.

You can load dozens of books on your lightweight Kindle before even leaving home, then add more using the resort’s wifi. Take a look at Amazon’s Kindle options here.

Packable backpack

One of the best things about Wakatobi’s dive service is that you don’t have to carry your stuff. Dive assistants handle all the gear for you.

But if you want to bring an extra layer, or your phone, or sunscreen, onto the boat, it’s handy to have a lightweight bag along. I always toss a packable drawstring backpack into my suitcase.

Here’s an Amazon link to the type of backpack I suggest

Lots of swimwear

Wakatobi is definitely in the tropics, which means lots of rain and humidity. You’ll have space to hang wet swimwear outside, but it still may take a long time to get completely dry. Be sure to bring enough options so you won’t have to put on a damp suit.

Underwater camera

At Wakatobi you’ll see photographers of every persuasion, from pro rigs to GoPros. Even if you don’t usually dive or snorkel with a camera, now is the time to bring along something to at least capture a view of the house reef.

Sunscreen and bug-repellent

While there is a shop at the resort, that sells a fabulous mix of Wakatobi souvenirs, the selection of things like sunscreen is super-limited. You’ll likely just find one type on hand.

Bring a healthy supply of your favorite reef-safe sunscreen. And, if mosquitos are typically a problem for you, you’ll want to bring bug-repellent and bite cream too.

Extra medication and toiletries

Do not expect to pick up an extra tube of your American toothpaste, or any other sundries you’d find at home. The resort supplies a nice amenity kit in each room but if you’ve got your go-to product, be sure to pack plenty.

In our post-2020 world we should all remember that plans can change and trips can get waylaid on absolutely no notice. Make sure you bring a couple of weeks’ worth of extra medication and anything else you absolutely must have (like disposable contact lenses), just in case you get “stranded” on the island.

A modest outfit for the village tour

In general you’ll find the Indonesian culture dresses more conservatively than the US or Europe. If you intend to visit the village, or tour in Bali, you’ll want to have a shirt that covers the tops of your arms, and pants or a skirt that cover your knees.

Supplies for the village school

If you can find a little room in your luggage, bring a few supplies for the local school. The resort collects notepaper, pencils, crayons, and coloring books to distribute to the kids.

What not to bring to Wakatobi Dive Resort

Shoes

Wakatobi is not kidding when they say shoes aren’t allowed in the restaurant. Or the Long House, or on the boats, or in the bungalows.

This is one vacation where you literally only need a pair of flip-flops the entire time. Many guests go completely barefoot everywhere.

Dressy clothes

Wet swimwear is not welcome in the restaurant, but there is definitely a casual island-vibe, day and night, at Wakatobi. Most guests wore tees or polos at dinner, or easy sundresses.

Make-up

Everybody is there to play in the ocean, which means you won’t run into a fancy wedding party or someone from another resort, just other Wakatobi guests.

Tinted sunscreen and a little lip gloss is the most you need at Wakatobi. Since it’s only a matter of hours before getting wet again, make-up and hair dryers are superfluous.

Water bottle

As part of Wakatobi’s many sustainability efforts, a reusable water bottle is assigned to each diver/snorkeler from the first dive. You don’t need to bring water or even your own bottle to the island.

Your cup will be filled with fresh water, ready for you when you step onto the boat, then topped off with hot tea or cocoa after each dive. No need to keep track of it, the dive team has this covered.

Fresh water is always close at hand, both in pitchers delivered to your bungalow, and in common areas like the Long House lobby.

Cash

At Wakatobi, there is no tipping during your stay. Tipping is not really a thing in Indonesia, at least not the way it is in the US. 

You really don’t need cash at all on the island, unless you plan to buy something in the village. Even this can be added to your bill if you wish.

When you check out, you can add an optional shared tip to your final bill, but this is totally up to you. There are two shared tip pools you may contribute to – one for the dive team, and one for the local staff. This is where you can show extra appreciation to the guys who carried your gear, the bartender, the chef, and even the landscaper.

Other Wakatobi tips

This is not the ideal vacation if you’re not interested in getting in the ocean

As much as I’d like to say this is a destination for everyone, and I do believe everyone should see a reef like this for themselves, Wakatobi is not ideal for some travelers.

If you aren’t interested in getting into the water, you will likely feel left out of the fun here. It’s not a deliberate exclusion, just know that this place is a Mecca for divers and ocean enthusiasts. Pretty much all the talk at dinner and everywhere else will be about what everyone saw on the reef that day.

There are other activities, including just reading a book in a hammock, but this is not the type of resort that offers parasailing and taquila tastings, or even a pool. The playground is the incredible ocean. If this doesn’t flip your switch, you’ll probably want to consider a different destination.

By the way, kids are absolutely welcome at Wakatobi. A kids’ club is available, and kids can snorkel – and of course dive too if they’re certified.

Diving happens rain or shine

Rain is hard and heavy, often accompanied by lightning. This does not stop the dive schedule.

The good news is that the rain is warm, just like the ocean, and it doesn’t usually last too long. You always have to option to skip a dive if you don’t want to go out, but really you’re just going to get wet anyway so it’s not a big deal.

Be ready to follow a schedule

This is not the sort of vacation where you wake up whenever you want and then decide what to do for the day. You definitely have the option to opt in/out of activities, but will need to follow the set schedule.

It does take a few days to get used to the system, but then it’s really nice not making any decisions about what to do when. The dive guides are great at helping guests get the hang of it. But if you really bristle at being on a schedule, this is not for you.

There is no nightlife

Once dinner’s over, everybody goes to bed. Even night dives are done by 7:30pm. Expect early nights and early mornings at Wakatobi.

Spend a few days on Bali before Wakatobi

Getting to Wakatobi involves a morning flight from Bali, twice a week. Every guest has to arrive on Bali at least the day before.

Try to arrange a few days in Bali before heading to Wakatobi. It’ll give you time to adjust to the time zone and the culture.

After the idyllic pace on Wakatobi, Bali could be quite jarring. If you’re going to add Bali to your trip, plan to do it before rather than after your time at the resort.

See below for some quick Bali tips

Use the Wakatobi office to book your Bali transfers and tour

Wakatobi’s team is happy to help get you around on Bali, and can also arrange tours and hotels. We had a great experience using their help.

The Pelagian dive yacht

If you want an even more intensive dive experience, consider the Pelagian Dive Yacht. The yacht sails from Wakatobi resort and visits more far-flung reefs on a one-week itinerary.

Featuring twelve crew for ten guests, the Pelagian does four dives a day. Snorkelers are equally welcome and get their own guide. Since the boat is small, plan to book far in advance, probably at least a year out if you have specific dates in mind.

Quick Bali tips

Use the airport Novotel for a day stay or short overnight

If you’ve got a long layover in Bali, or are flying in the night before leaving for Wakatobi, book a room at the Bali airport Novotel. It’s right across from the airport entrance and has a decent restaurant, pool, and gym. You can reserve a night or just a few hours there.

Here’s a TripAdvisor link to the Bali airport Novotel.

For a longer stay, try the Westin Nusa Dua

We stayed three nights at the lovely Westin Nusa Dua. The location is great, right on the beach, not too far from the Bali DPS airport.

The pool is huge and is the perfect place to fight off jetlag. Plus the hotel has multiple restaurants, including a fantastic breakfast buffet, so you don’t have to worry about finding food as you adjust to the new place and time. There’s a beach path to explore neighboring resorts and their restaurants too.

Here’s a TripAdvisor link to the Westin Nusa Dua.

Take a day tour with a Wakatobi guide

If you have a couple of days on Bali, be sure to have the Wakatobi office book a tour for you. We had a fantastic day with our guide Suka.

With his excellent English, great humor, and local knowledge of Bali’s terrain and traditions, Suka helped us experience Bali in a way we never could’ve on our own. Wakatobi’s Bali office offers several standard day-tour options, but you can feel free to customize as you wish.

I highly recommend requesting a stop at a coffee plantation. It was a big highlight of our day.

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More tropical destination tips from Go Informed

Want to learn about other world-class scuba and snorkel destinations? Be sure to check out my posts about:

• Bora Bora
• Rangiroa
• Bonaire
• Big Island Hawaii

Learn more about Wakatobi on the resort’s official website here.

Bora Bora quick guide

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Your theme park vacation may be the most intensive walking experience of your year. Now’s the time to get a handle on just how far you’ll go and learn how to be ready. Here are some common Disneyland walking distances, along with tips to help you get in shape for your trip, plus a fun Disneyland-themed bingo card to track your training.

Want to find out about walking distances at Disney World and Universal Orlando? Check out this post.

Audio tutorial

Go Informed Podcast episode 77 is a discussion of how to train for your Disney vacation. Find it on your favorite podcast app, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.

Get ready to walk

A day at Disneyland can easily add up to a half-marathon of walking. Get familiar with the distances so you’ll be ready to go.

Keep in mind that the distances you see here are just one-way. Running around inside the parks can add up quickly, so be sure to have a plan to avoid a bunch of backtracking.

One of my favorite resources for planning a trip to Disneyland is the Unofficial Guide. Find it on Amazon here.

Walking distances inside Disneyland

While Disneyland is far from the largest of Disney’s parks, there is still a lot of ground to cover. Here are some common Disneyland walking distances:

• Disneyland main gate walking distance to:
  • Sleeping Beauty castle: 0.25 miles
  • Space Mountain: 0.3 miles
  • Splash Mountain: 0.4 miles
  • Millennium Falcon: 0.5 miles
  • It’s a Small World: 0.4 miles
  • California Adventure main gate: 250 feet
• Loop around Disneyland: 1.5 miles
• Disneyland monorail stop in Tomorrowland to Haunted Mansion: 0.3 miles

Want quick answers to your top Disney parks FAQ’s? Check out my theme park quick start guides here.

Walking distances inside Disney’s California Adventure

California Adventure is a compact park, with even the farthest attractions only around a half-mile from the gate. However, California Adventure doesn’t have the hub-and-spoke layout you’ll find at Disneyland. This means more meandering pathways and not always direct routes across the grounds.

Here are some common California Adventure walking distances:

• California Adventure main gate walking distance to:
  • Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout: 0.2 miles
  • Web-Slingers: 0.2 miles
  • Radiator Springs Racers: 0.3 miles
  • Incredicoaster: 0.4 miles
  • Soarin’ Around the World: 0.1 miles
  • Grizzly River Run: 0.2 miles
• Loop around California Adventure: 1.2 miles
• Grand Californian Hotel to Radiator Springs Racers, via the hotel’s direct entrance to California Adventure: 0.3 miles

Getting ready to walk is on my list of 8 things to do before your trip. Click here to find out what else to do before you go.

Walking between Disneyland and California Adventure

Because of the proximity of the two parks, most guests opt to park-hop, which means going back-and-forth between Disneyland and California Adventure. This can add significant distance to your total for the day. For instance, you’ll walk a full mile between Midway Mania in California Adventure to Rise of the Resistance in Disneyland.

Heads-up: At Disneyland you need an advance reservation to get into the park. Get my 8 quick Disney park reservation tips here.

Walking distances from Disneyland area hotels to the park gates

In addition, there are many hotels, both Disney and non-Disney, within walking distance of the park gates. Consider this distance when you choose your hotel. Here are a few landmarks to help you judge where to stay.

The Disneyland Esplanade is the plaza between the park gates for Disneyland and California Adventure. It’s about the width of a city block.

• Disneyland Esplanade walking distance to:
  • Disneyland Hotel: 0.5 miles
  • Grand Californian Hotel: 0.1 miles
  • Paradise Pier Hotel: 0.6 miles
  • Best Western Plus Park Place: 0.3 miles
  • Hyatt House: 0.6 miles
  • Anaheim Marriott: 1 mile
  • Best Western Plus Pavilions: 1 mile
  • Residence Inn Anaheim Resort Area: 1.6 miles

Get your feet ready to walk at Disneyland

One of the best ways to set yourself up for success on a Disneyland vacation is to train for your trip. Add walking into your routine weeks, or even months, before your trip. The more miles you do at home, the more miles you can do in the parks.

Start with your shoes

Make sure you have good walking shoes, and put some mileage on them before your vacation. The best shoes for Disneyland are the type that you could run a marathon in.

Two pairs of running shoes are even better than one. If you’ve got a second pair, you can rotate between them each day. And if you run into wet weather, you can change into dry shoes with no hassle.

You should also bring along some blister bandages just in case.

Think it never rains in Disneyland? Here’s the post I wrote after we experienced extreme weather there.

Track your progress

One of my favorite ways to track distance is in terms of the parks. Instead of counting miles on your neighborhood walks, imagine how many times you’ve walked to the castle.

Disneyland neighborhood walk Bingo card

I’ve created a Bingo card you can print to track your training. Use your phone or a fitness watch to see how far you walked today, then mark off those distances on the Bingo card.

There are about 13 miles total, which is easily how far you could walk in just two days at Disneyland. See if you can do this distance within a week at home.

Get your whole family walking

Make sure the rest of your group can go the distance too. If you’ve got kids in strollers, include them on your training walks. They’ll need to be ready for all that extra time in the seat.

Be realistic

It’s also important to recognize any limitations in your group. If you just know all this walking is going to be a difficulty, start working on a mobility plan B. It’s easy to rent a wheelchair or scooter right at the Disneyland main gate. Prepare for it ahead of time so everything goes smoothly.

Don’t miss my TOP TEN Disneyland tips right here!

Get theme park tips while you walk

Listening to a podcast is a great way to pass those training miles. Check out the Go Informed Podcast on your favorite podcast player. You get tips like:

• Super-quick guide to Disney Genie and Lightning Lane
• My Christmastime at Disneyland trip report
• Everything you need to know about Avengers Campus
• How to get your family to the park in time for rope drop
• How Universal Studios Hollywood compares to Universal Orlando

and lots more! Search your podcast app for Go Informed: Build A Better Vacation now.

Recent Go Informed Podcast episodes

Printable park maps and Disneyland walking distance bingo card

Here are the links to get PDF versions of the park maps and bingo card:

• Disneyland park maps with walking distances
• Disneyland-themed neighborhood walk bingo card

Want an Orlando parks bingo card too? Head over to this post for a Disney World/Universal Orlando themed bingo card.

Bonus tips delivered straight to your inbox

Be sure to join the Go Informed newsletter list to get twice-monthly bonus tips delivered straight to you. Sign up here.

Is Paris Disneyland on your bucket list? Click here to find out how you can do it in just ONE day!

60-second guide to Paris Disneyland

This post contains affiliate links.

The post Disneyland Walking Distances appeared first on Go Informed.

In 2021, Disney unveiled a major revamp of its long-standing FastPass system. Gone are the Disneyland days of running across the park to get paper tickets, and the months-in-advance Disney World FastPass reservations. Guests can still skip the regular line, but the system has a new name, new technology, and a new cost. Here is a bare minimum guide to Disney Genie and Lightning Lane.

July 2024 note: Disney has made some updates to the Genie+ system, including changing the name! Read this post first.

Go Informed Podcast episode 76

These are the show notes for Go Informed Podcast episode 76. Click below to listen to the audio tutorial.

1 – Goodbye FastPass, hello Lightning Lane

FastPass has existed long enough that it’s become part of our everyday language, a brand-name like Kleenex or Band-Aid. Which makes it extra surprising that Disney has chosen to abandon this term.

If you’ve been to a Disney park in the last twenty years, you will recall FastPass as the system that allows guests to skip the regular line. It’s essentially a reservation to get in a shorter line at a specific time, thereby allowing more time to explore the park and skip a long queue.

During the 2020 park shutdowns, and subsequent reopening, Disney completely eliminated FastPass as an option. All guests waited in the same line for however long it took to ride.

It’s called Lightning Lane Now

Today FastPass is back, but without its legendary name. When you skip the regular queue, it’ll be a Lightning Lane you use. And you’ll get your Lightning Lane access using the Disney Genie app.

What else has changed since 2020? Here’s my glossary of the most commonly used Disney Parks words and phrases.

You can only book your Lightning Lane selections using Disney Genie

Disneyland’s paper FastPass kiosks are gone. If you want to get into the Lightning Lane you’ll need to use the electronic Disney Genie system. And it will not be free.

Got 60 seconds? Here’s a super-quick look at Genie and Lightning Lane

2 – Disney Genie is part of the Disney World and Disneyland app

You can access the Disney Genie system through the official Disneyland and Disney World park apps. It is not its own app.

As soon as you log into the park app, you’ll see the Disney Genie button. There is not a dedicated app called Disney Genie.

3 – Disney Genie is free, Disney Genie+ is not

Adding to the confusion, there are several different levels to the Disney Genie app.

Disney Genie provides tips and access to Individual Lightning Lanes

The basic Disney Genie service is free. It offers “plan your day” tips for where to go at the park. If you tell Disney Genie what you want to experience it’s supposed to give you a detailed park itinerary to make your day efficient and easy.

As of this writing, I do not recommend using Disney Genie to plan your day. The suggestions are not useful and won’t maximize your park time.

You can also use the free Disney Genie service to make Individual Lightning Lane selections. These are different from Lightning Lane, as you’ll see below.

Use the TouringPlans app to plan your day instead

TouringPlans.com offers a hugely useful free in-park touring app called Lines. This app really will help you get the most out of your day, including on-the-fly touring plans, ride wait times, dining info, and a lot more. It runs circles around Disney Genie’s functionality and will for sure make your day better.

You can also improve your park experience by getting an Unofficial Guide from TouringPlans.

4 – Disney Genie+ provides access to Lightning Lane reservations

Disney Genie PLUS is a paid add-on to the Disney Genie service. There is a daily charge to use this service, and every guest must have paid Disney Genie+ to get Lightning Lane reservations. (But not Individual Lightning Lane. Why Disney why??)

Disney Genie+ cost

Currently the cost to use Disney Genie+ is $20 per day at Disneyland and $15 per day at Disney World. Per person. Disneyland’s Genie+ includes the entire day’s PhotoPass photos but Disney World’s doesn’t.

Lightning Lane selections using Genie+

This is a bare-bones Disney Genie post so I will not get into step-by-step instructions. The main thing to know is that if you have paid Genie+ you can get Lightning Lane selections throughout the day, just by using the app.

Once you use a Lightning Lane reservation you can get another one. And since there’s no more running across the park to get a FastPass ticket the app is really quite convenient. You can get your next Lightning Lane pass while standing in line to ride something else.

Almost every attraction at Disneyland and Disney World has a Lightning Lane option, so if you really know your stuff you can avoid long lines most of the day.

5 – Individual Lightning Lanes using Genie

So, to recap: Lightning Lanes are the new version of FastPass, which you need to pay a daily fee to access. But there is also something else called Individual Lightning Lanes.

The top attractions in each park will not be available using the regular Genie+ Lightning Lane service. Yes, you can still get on these rides by standing in the regular standby queue. But if you want to skip the long line you will need to spend your way into the Individual Lightning Lane queue.

Individual Lightning Lanes are pay-to-ride for headliner attractions

The types of rides that require Individual Lightning Lane are Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Avatar: Flight of Passage. For most guests, these are the must-see attractions in each park. Especially during peak season, lines can be very long – sometimes two hours or more – for these rides.

To skip the regular queue, guests must use Disney Genie to buy access to the Individual Lightning Lane on these headliner attractions. You will pay somewhere between about $7-$15 per person to get those Individual Lightning Lane passes, regardless of whether you’ve also paid for Genie+ or not.

Note that Individual Lightning Lanes can sell out early in the day. If you plan to use this service, be ready to book those attractions first thing in the morning.

Quick look at Disneyland’s Avengers Campus

6 – The paid Lightning Lane system can be worth it

Yes, FastPass isn’t free anymore. But the new paid Lightning Lane system can be worth it. You will definitely save time in line, and using the app makes getting your next pass easy. Do your homework to decide if you’ll need to buy Genie+ for every day of your trip, or maybe just a day or two, and whether you’ll want to use Individual Lightning Lanes.

Check out this issue of the Go Informed newsletter for more Genie+ cost/benefit analysis.

7 – Disney Genie is new and evolving

Be sure to check for current information about which attractions have Lightning Lanes and Individual Lightning Lanes. As the system has rolled out, Disney has begun adding fireworks and parade viewing, and character meets, to the Lightning Lane options. Individual Lightning Lane attractions are subject to change too.

The cost to use Genie+, and the functionality will all be evolving as well. Be sure your research includes up-to-date information from several sources.

Disney Genie Bonus tips

• Plan ahead
  • If you spend the money for Genie+, having a plan will maximize your investment. As these illustrative TripAdvisor reviews demonstrate, showing up with no preparation can lead to disaster.
• Bring an extra battery
  • You’ll be on your phone a lot to get those Lightning Lanes. Toss an external battery into your park backpack.
• You don’t have to get Genie+ for every day
  • Check a crowd calendar to see if some days are busier than others. You may be able to just use the standby lines for part of your trip.
• Follow my Pinterest boards for more info
  • There’s a ton of great info out there about Disney Genie. I’ve shared some of my favorite resources on these Pinterest boards:
    • Go Informed Disneyland Pinterest board
    • Go Informed Disney World Pinterest board

More tips for your Disney vacation

Here on GoInformed.net, and on the Go Informed: Build a Better Vacation podcast, you’ll find lots of tips to make your theme park vacation the best ever. Check out these posts:

• 55 things to know before you visit Disney World
• How to get your family to the parks in time for rope drop
• Disney World complete hotel guide
• All about Avengers Campus at Disneyland
• 33 things to know before you visit Universal Orlando

Bonus tips delivered straight to your inbox

Join the mailing list to get my twice-monthly bonus tipsheet. It’s like a little blog post made especially for you! Get your bonus tips here.

Here’s an archived newsletter you might like: 8 Ways to Skip the Line at Universal and Disney

The post 7 Disney Genie and Lightning Lane Bare Essentials to Know Now appeared first on Go Informed.

Marvel fans: assemble! Disneyland’s Avengers Campus brings the MCU multiverse to life, and it’s a must-see destination for every Marvel fan. The land combines immersive theming with the living presence of favorite heroes and two headliner thrill rides. Here is everything you need to know about Disneyland’s Avengers Campus.

These are the show notes for Go Informed Podcast episode 75. Click below to hear the show now, or search for Go Informed: Build A Better Vacation on your favorite podcast app!

Avengers Campus is in Disneyland’s California Adventure theme park

The newest land at Disneyland resort, Avengers Campus is located in the California Adventure theme park. Disney’s imagineers have cleverly converted some old spaces and added new to create an immersive land straight out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The land is themed to resemble the Avengers Campus that Marvel fans are familiar with. Huge-scale buildings sprawl through what purportedly was an old Stark Industries factory site. Looming above it all is the Collector’s fortress.

Just exploring the land can take hours because big and small details are everywhere. On top of the Headquarters building sits a full-size Quinjet. Around the corner you’ll find Doctor Strange’s ancient sanctum with its supernatural Orb of Cagliostro. Keep a sharp eye for the many Spider-Bots that have escaped the WEB workshop.

Plan your Disneyland vacation like a pro with these top ten tips!

Disneyland’s Avengers CAMPUS backstory

How did all this get here anyway? The story goes that this site was known for its mystical properties going back centuries. Back in 1940’s Los Angeles, Stark Industries built a factory complex on this property. Then, years later, Tony Stark invited Doctor Strange to the abandoned site. That’s when he unveiled the ancient sanctum, opening up the multiverse and allowing Avengers superheroes to visit the campus across time and space.

The CAMPUS name is actually an acronym for “Centralized Assembly Mobilized to Prepare, Unite and Safeguard.” Part of its purpose is to train new recruits, so be prepared for a few challenges – especially on the Web-Slingers and Mission: Breakout rides.

Marvel character interactions and shows

At Avenger’s Campus you can meet a ton of Marvel characters. Watch for Captain Marvel and Black Widow prepping the Quinjet. Loki and Thor may appear on the Headquarters rooftop too, bantering with recruits below. Other regular visitors include Ant Man, the Wasp, Captain America, Iron Man, and Black Panther. You’ll see them both on the rooftop and on the street greeting guests.

Spider-Man performs his fantastic feats on the WEB labs rooftop. This stunt show takes place multiple times during the day and is definitely worth stopping for. After Spidey climbs down from the roof he hangs around to meet the new recruits.

At the ancient sanctum, Doctor Strange captivates guests with an impressive display of his powers. The show is even better at night when lighting effects intensify the wonder.

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Be on the lookout for seemingly random character processionals too. One of the most impressive is the Dora Milaje, who put on a demonstration several times a day.

Did you know you can also experience Marvel attractions at Universal Orlando and at Disney World? Here’s my post about where you can find Marvel in the US theme parks.

The rides at Disneyland’s Avengers Campus

There are two major attractions at Disneyland’s Avengers Campus. Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout is a top-tier thrill ride, while Web-Slingers is an interactive dark ride. Both are well-worth rope-dropping for.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout

While technically not a new ride, Mission Breakout takes on a new sense of place now that it’s surrounded by the Avengers Campus. The attraction was originally the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, but got its new Marvel theme back in 2017.

Just like the original, inside the tower is an intense drop ride. Unlike the original, Mission Breakout places a lot more emphasis on the “up” part of the ride rather than “down”. Just like the Guardians movies, soundtrack plays a big role here. The drops are timed to flow with some of the best music from the movies and the story features all your favorite Guardians characters and plenty of humor.

Backstory for this ride is that the Collector has captured the Guardians and locked them away in the tower. You are part of the mission to break them out. How did the Collector end up putting his fortress right in the middle of Avengers Campus? Apparently Tony Stark gave him permission to put it there.

Web-Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure

Web-Slingers is a brand-new ride with lots of technical bells and whistles. A supercharged version of Toy Story Midway Mania, Web-Slingers challenges guests to capture an onslaught of rogue Spider-Bots while zooming around underneath Avengers Campus.

The attraction starts with an amusing introduction to the WEB workshop, hosted by Peter Parker. Something goes terribly wrong and suddenly spider-bots are everywhere. It’s up to the tour guests to help Spider-Man capture the bots and save the day.

In an incredible display of theme-park technology, riders zap the spider-bots using only hand-motion. The ride zips from scene to scene and there are seemingly an endless number of loose spider-bots to capture. Guests with lots of gaming experience will do best here. Think of this attraction as a 21st century shooting gallery. It’s both a ride and a game.

Big warning to arachnophobes out there – while the spider-bots definitely look mechanical, they move like real spiders. Depending on your sensitivity, you may want to completely skip the Web-Slingers attraction.

Avengers Campus Dining Options

Avengers Campus offers some of the most interesting and heavily-themed dining options at Disneyland. While there is no table-service restaurant, there are several quick service options and a cocktail bar.

Pym Test Kitchen

Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Pym Test Kitchen offers unusual twists on typical theme park food. Since it’s the Pym test kitchen, this is a place for giant pretzels and tiny eggs. All of the food is delicious and definitely a step above the usual quick-service offerings.

For breakfast, try the Calculated Breakfast, which features a very tiny fried egg.

For lunch and dinner, get the Not-so-Little Chicken Sandwich, which is basically a huge piece of delicious chicken schnitzel on a slider bun. Or, if your group – or your appetite – is big enough, order the gigantic Family Size Pym-ini. It’s big enough to serve 6-8 adults!

Shawarma Palace

A Tony Stark favorite, Shawarma Palace has been invited to set up two shawarma carts at Avengers Campus. If you like gyros, you’ll love the pita wraps filled with chicken shawarma. Plant-based fans can get the equally delicious falafel wrap.

Shawarma Palace is great for a light meal or a quick pick-me-up anytime of day. You’ll find the carts at both ends of Avengers Campus – near the WEB labs building and near Mission Breakout.

Pym Tasting Lab

Located right next to the Pym Test Kitchen, Pym Tasting Lab focuses on artisan beer and cocktails. An open-air space, the tasting lab is a great place to stop for a cold drink and take in the Campus atmosphere. And it’s one of my top 5 places to get a drink at Disneyland.

Terran Treats

Get your sugar fix at the Terran Treats cart near Mission: Breakout. Here you’ll find churros, cream puffs, and bottled soda.

Shopping at Avengers Campus

There are of course several shops at Avengers Campus where you’ll find Marvel gear. For Spider-Man merch, and accessories you can use inside the Web-Slingers ride, check out WEB Suppliers. The Mission: Breakout ride gift shop is your source for Guardians gear.

Hidden underneath the Quinjet you’ll find Avengers Vault, a collectables shop with all sorts of Marvel gadgets and gear.

Touring tips for Avengers Campus

Visit Avengers Campus in daylight and after dark

Be sure to make time to see Avengers Campus both during the day and at night. The nighttime lighting and sound effects make the campus completely different than during the day. I especially recommend catching the Doctor Strange show at night.

Rope drop Web-Slingers

Make Web-Slingers a priority if you’re planning to rope drop at California Adventure. As a new ride, this one will be very popular almost anytime you visit. Getting there first will save you a lot of wait time.

Mission: Breakout is also a solid choice for rope drop. Get there first and you may be able to ride multiple times before a real queue even starts to develop.

What’s rope drop? It’s when you arrive at the park before the gates have officially opened, and it’s a great way to save a ton of time waiting in line later. Here’s how to do it.

Early entry for Disney hotel guests is a huge advantage for the Avengers Campus attractions

If you stay in one of the Disney hotels (Grand Californian, Disneyland Hotel, or Paradise Pier), you’ll get a 30-minute head start in the parks every day. This extra-early rope drop will put you in a virtually empty Avengers Campus.

Check out this post and podcast episode to find out how we used our early entry to walk-on to Mission Breakout, have a leisurely stroll around the campus, then beat the crowd for Radiator Springs Racers. It’s Go Informed Podcast episode 78.

Here’s a quick look at what makes staying on-site at Disneyland totally worth it.

Disneyland is now undeniably a multi-day destination

With the addition of Avengers Campus at California Adventure, and Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland, you absolutely cannot see it all in one day. To truly experience everything Disneyland resort has to offer, give yourself at least three days.

Three-day park hopper tickets will give you lots of time to explore Avengers Campus day and night plus check out the new Star Wars offerings at Disneyland. Even with just two parks compared to Disney World’s four, Disneyland has almost the same number of rides. Do yourself a favor and book a nearby hotel for a few nights.

More places to find Marvel and the Avengers

Anaheim is not the only home for the Avengers. Disneyland Paris opened its version of Avengers Campus in the summer of 2022. Disney has said that the Avengers need more than one campus worldwide so Paris is a companion to Disneyland, but not exactly the same.

Here’s my post about how to visit the Disneyland Paris parks on your European layover. Yep, you should definitely add this to your bucket list.

You can also find Marvel-themed attractions in Florida. Universal Orlando has a Marvel-themed land at Islands of Adventure, and in summer 2022 there will be a new Guardians of the Galaxy themed coaster at Disney World’s Epcot.

Learn more about Marvel in the US theme parks here.

More theme park tips

Here on GoInformed.net you’ll find lots of tips to improve your theme park vacation, including:

• Top ten tips for Disneyland
• Universal Hollywood vs Universal Orlando
• How to get your family up early for a day at the park
• How to use the single rider line
• 55 things to know before you visit Disney World
• 33 things to know before you visit Universal Orlando

The Go Informed Podcast

This post is based on episode 75 of the Go Informed Podcast. Catch that episode, and the rest, on your favorite podcast app, including:

• Apple Podcasts
• Google Podcasts
• Spotify

Bonus tips delivered straight to your inbox

Join the mailing list to get twice-monthly bonus theme park tips, delivered right to your inbox. Click here to sign up.

This post contains affiliate links.

The post Live Your Superhero Life at Disneyland’s Avengers Campus appeared first on Go Informed.

Way more than a zoo, Disney World offers an abundance of adventures for animal lovers. The resort boasts an entire theme park designed around the wonder of animals, an aquarium full of aquatic friends, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a safari lodge complete with grazing zebras and giraffes. Here are some of the many places to find animals at Disney World.

These are the show notes for Go Informed Podcast episode 74. Click below to listen to the episode and get the complete details.

Watch this chat on Facebook video

This post and podcast episode were originally produced as a Facebook live chat. You can watch the original video here.

Enchanting animal encounters at Disney World

Animal Kingdom theme park

Celebrating creatures of all stripes, Disney’s Animal Kingdom park is a must-see for every animal lover. The largest theme park in the world, Animal Kingdom houses about 300 different animal species in a lush natural setting.

Kilimanjaro Safari

A huge highlight in Animal Kingdom is the Kilimanjaro Safari ride. Open-air vehicles carry guests though the African savanna for close-up views of everything from lions to rhinos to bighorn Ankole cattle. Using the best of Disney magic, even the cheetahs appear to have no boundary between them and the guests.

The safari is a real treasure for photographers. For the best shots, sit on the side or in the back row. Often the animals come right up to the safari trucks and sometimes stop in the road, bringing the whole tour to a halt.

Because the animals are free to go about their business, every safari ride is different. Make time to try a few different times of day. Early and late are especially interesting on the savanna.

Watching the animals can be a great way to slow down and relax during your busy day. Here’s a list of 7 more ways to find some Zen on a theme park vacation.

Animal Kingdom walking trails

With so much space, Animal Kingdom offers miles of walking trails to explore. The trails are highly themed and feature all sorts of animals. For tiger fans, be sure to venture through the Maharajah Jungle Trek. To see gorillas, hippos, and a very cool aviary, take the Gorilla Falls trail near the safari.

The area around Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life also offers the chance to discover animals. Check out the Oasis and Discovery Island trails to see exotic birds, lemurs, and wallabys. You may also run into a famous Disney character here, like Mogli, or Kevin from Up.

You may have guessed, there is a lot of walking at Animal Kingdom. Here are my tips for how to get ready to walk at Disney, along with some common distances you’ll want to prepare for.

Conservation Station

For a behind-the-scenes look at animal care, hop on the Wildlife Express steam train to the Conservation Station. On this end of the park you’ll see cotton-top tamarins – basically the cutest monkeys on the planet – as well as an indoor education center.

The Conservation Station features windows into a veterinary lab, science center, and a kitchen where food is prepared for the animals. Animal caretakers are often available to interact with guests and answer questions. This is a must-see for any aspiring veterinarians in your group.

Tours at Animal Kingdom park

If you really want to get up-close, consider booking a special tour at Animal Kingdom. Disney offers several options daily. Here are the current tours at Animal Kingdom park:

• Caring for Giants – an up-close look at the elephants on the savanna
• Savor the Savanna – you’ll have a picnic amongst the animals!
• Up Close with Rhinos – behind-the-scenes tour of the rhino enclosure
• Wild Africa Trek – a privately-guided walking tour through the savanna

Get more info about the tours on Disney’s website here.

There are more than just animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park. Listen to my virtual audio tour of the park right here.

Epcot’s Seas Pavilion

Animal Kingdom isn’t the only Disney World park where you’ll find wild animals. Epcot is home to one of the largest aquarium tanks in the world. It’s part of the Seas with Nemo and Friends attraction and is a must-see for anyone who loves fishy friends.

Epcot’s aquarium

Epcot’s main aquarium tank is home to over 2,000 sea creatures, ranging from tropical fish to rays and sharks. Cast members are almost always on-hand to answer questions about what’s swimming by. Be sure to look for a hidden mickey on the bottom of the tank.

You may also see snorkelers or scuba divers in Epcot’s aquarium. This is because guests can take guided tours inside the tank. Learn more in this post I wrote for my friends at Disney Park Princess.

Dolphins

Dolphins also live at the Seas pavilion and frequently during the day you’ll see them swim into view. Watch for training sessions where the dolphins’ human assistants demonstrate the incredible brain power of these sleek swimmers. You’ll see it in the main tank area.

Manatees

Epcot is home to a couple of rescued manatees named Lou and Lil’ Joe. These quiet giants love to paddle around their tank, which you can view from above and below. The manatees are tucked away in a corner of the building, so be sure to seek them out.

Coral Reef restaurant

Stop for lunch at Epcot’s Coral Reef restaurant, which has windows that look straight into the main aquarium tank.

Animals at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

Main Street horses

Even at Magic Kingdom guests can encounter live animals. Watch for horses pulling old-fashioned trolleys down Main Street USA. You can hop on for a ride and enjoy a throwback form of transportation found these days pretty much only at Disney.

Fantasy animals

Magic Kingdom is of course home to a menagerie of fantastical animals. Not only will you encounter a very famous mouse, but almost every attraction includes an animal element.

Some of the best places to see Disney animatronic animals include the Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, the Enchanted Tiki Room, and the Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

You could even make your own scavenger hunt by trying to find all the animals in Magic Kingdom.

Animal experiences at the Disney World resorts

Besides the parks, Disney World’s hotels offer some delightful animal encounters. For animal lovers, it’s hard to beat a stay at Fort Wilderness, Wilderness Lodge, or especially Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Want to learn more about the Disney World hotels? Be sure to read my Disney World hotel guide here.

You don’t have to be staying at these resorts to visit the animals, so these are great activities for non-park days.

Animals at Disney’s Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge

Tri-Circle-D ranch

The Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge resort area has a working horse stable, called the Tri-Circle-D ranch. This is where Magic Kingdom’s Main Street horses live. Guests can walk through the stables to view the many horse breeds, including Clydesdales, Belgians, Appaloosas, and Shetland ponies.

From the ranch, guests can take guided horseback and pony rides.

Wagon, carriage, and sleigh rides

Take a quiet horse-drawn carriage ride through the Fort Wilderness landscape, or go with a bigger group on a horse-drawn wagon. During the holidays, your carriage becomes a festive “sleigh” ride.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge savanna rooms

Animal lovers of all ages will delight in the savanna view rooms at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Built in homage to the great African safari lodges, Animal Kingdom Lodge features a soaring lobby with open fire and a backyard filled with African wildlife.

All of the savanna view rooms look out onto the open prairie where zebras, giraffes, kudu, and exotic birds roam. It’s hard to beat waking up right on the savanna, especially for an animal lover.

Dine with the animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Guests at Animal Kingdom Lodge can also book a special safari dinner that takes place on the savanna. Or just make a reservation at the excellent Sanaa restaurant and watch the animals while you eat.

Horse-drawn carriage rides at Port Orleans resort

At Disney World’s Port Orleans Riverside resort, guests can take a relaxing horse-drawn carriage ride along the shore of the Sassagoula River.

Get ready for your Disney vacation

Here on GoInformed.net and on my Go Informed podcast, you’ll find tons of tips to help you have a fantastic Disney vacation. Start with these recommend posts:

• 55 things to know before you visit Disney World
• Disney World walking distances
• How to add Universal to your Disney World vacation
• 33 things to know before you visit Universal Orlando

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Live Disney chats

This post and podcast episode were originally produced as a live discussion on Facebook. You can join me, along with my friend Joey – the Disney Hack – most Tuesdays at 11:00am Pacific time on my Facebook page. Scroll up to the top of the page to watch the video.

You can catch all our archived discussions here.

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