disney's animal kingdom Archives - Go Informed

Tips for Your First Day in the Disney World Parks – Go Informed Podcast Episode 018

Sue Winter — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 10:00:51 +0000

Episode 18: Tips for Your First Day in the Disney World Parks

Hit the ground running on your first day in the Disney World parks. Learn how to use your Magic Band to get into the park, what time you should get there, how to avoid a meltdown, and how to keep the magic going for your entire Disney World vacation.

These are the show notes for episode 18. Click the Play button to listen to the episode for lots more detail about this topic.

Or listen on your favorite podcast app! Just search for the Go Informed Podcast.

This is day 10 of the Go Informed podcast series 10 Days to a Better Disney World Vacation.

Starting Your Day at the Disney World Parks

Don’t forget to bring your ticket or Magic Band to the park!

Top Tip: Be there first!

Plan to arrive at the park at least 30 minutes before the scheduled opening time.

You can listen to me talk about strategies for early mornings at Disney World on episode 19 of the Disney Hack podcast.

Bring a backpack or bag with your supplies, like hats, sunscreen, and a poncho. Check out the previous episode to find out more about the things you should buy before you go to Disney World.

Wear shoes that you could run a marathon in. And good socks so you can avoid blisters.

Have a plan so you know where you’re going first, and make sure that everyone you’re with agrees with the plan before you get there.

How do you get your family up and moving for a day at the park? Get my tips to help you Master Your Theme Park Morning here.

Getting Into the Disney World Parks

There will be a security check before you enter the park. This may be right before the park gate, or before you get on the monorail or boat. Here is Disney’s info about the current security procedures.

Security will need to look into any bag you’re carrying. You may also have to pass through a metal detector.

Here’s Disney’s list of what you can/cannot bring into the Disney World parks.

Instead of turnstiles, Disney World’s park gates have posts with scanners to scan your ticket or Magic Band.

After you scan your ticket or Magic Band, you’ll also scan your fingerprint into the system. Remember which finger you use for the scanner – you’ll need to scan this same finger every time you enter a Disney World park.

If you arrive before park opening, you may still have to wait even after you get through the ticket gate. This is called rope drop and it means you’ll be one of the first people on the rides.

Don’t forget to pick up a park map when you first walk in the gate.

If you’re planning to visit Magic Kingdom during morning Extra Magic Hour, I have a bonus podcast episode about this topic. Unlock and listen here.

Booking.com

Tips to Make Your Day in the Disney World Parks Easier

Pay attention to the attraction wait times. You can watch wait times on the My Disney Experience app or the Lines app.

Here’s a link to the TouringPlans.com website I mention in this episode. If you own a copy of the excellent Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World you get a discount on the TouringPlans.com subscription.

Keep an eye on the weather. Use a weather app like Weather Channel.

Plan to shop in the afternoon. Ride lines are almost always shortest in the morning so use the morning for rides.

Take breaks, have snacks, and stay hydrated! You can get free ice water from any quick service counter.

Don’t force your kids to do something they don’t want to do. Pay attention to what they love and focus your time on this.

Get lots of pictures. Use Disney’s PhotoPass photographers.

Wash your hands. Purell or anti-bacterial wipes are nice to have on hand.

Stay flexible. Lots of things can affect how your day plays out. Consider hopping to another park if you have a park hopper ticket.

Know your theme park etiquette. Review all the tips from Miss Maven’s theme park charm school before you go.

Using Your Magic Band in the Disney World Parks

Ride Photos: There will be a Magic Band scanner under the photo screens when you get off the ride. Tap your Magic Band to the reader when you see your photo come up on the screen. This will automagically add the photo to your Memory Maker account.

FastPass+: Tap your Magic Band to the scanner at the start of the Fast Pass line at the attraction queue.

Pay for Purchases: At most every cash register in Disney World, you’ll find a Magic Band scanner. Just tap your band and enter your PIN to make a purchase. You’ll set up the PIN when you check in to your Disney World hotel.

Kids can also use their Magic Band to make purchases in the Disney World parks. They will need to know the PIN to make these charges.

PhotoPass/Memory Maker: PhotoPass photographers will scan your Magic Band when they take your picture. This adds your pictures directly to your Memory Maker account.

Start Thinking Ahead

Pay attention to how this day unfolds. Don’t be afraid to alter future plans based on your experience on this first day.

Last-minute dining reservations often come up, and it’s easy to change FastPass+ and dining reservations right from the My Disney Experience app.

Have a Magical Vacation!

Comment Below

What did you think about this series about Disney World? Please leave me a note in the comments below.

Leave a Rating or Review on Itunes

Here’s a link to the podcast on iTunes. Thanks for listening, and for your review!

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The post Tips for Your First Day in the Disney World Parks – Go Informed Podcast Episode 018 appeared first on Go Informed.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Tour – Go Informed Podcast Episode 016

Sue Winter — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 10:00:24 +0000

Episode 16: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Tour

Today we go on a virtual walk around the Animal Kingdom theme park at Disney World. You’ll learn about the layout of the park, what attractions you’ll find here, and tips for dining, shopping, and touring Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

These are the show notes for episode 16. Listen to the episode for lots more detail about this topic.

Or listen on your favorite podcast app! Just search for the Go Informed Podcast.

This is day 8 of the Go Informed podcast series 10 Days to a Better Disney World Vacation.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

View or download an Animal Kingdom park map on the Disney World website here.

Animal Kingdom opened in 1998. It was the last theme park to open at Disney World, and its theming is all about animals and nature.

You can arrive at Animal Kingdom by bus or car. It’s located in the southern end of the Disney World property.

Animal Kingdom covers about 400 acres, making it about four times the size of Magic Kingdom!

Episode 74 is all about Disney World’s unique animal experiences. Be sure to read the post and listen here.

Find out what Animal Kingdom is like during the Christmas season here.

Animal Kingdom Attractions, Restaurants, and Other Discoveries Discussed in This Episode

Here’s a really cool time-lapse video showing the construction of Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life

It’s Tough to Be a Bug

Dinosaur

Primeval Whirl

Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures

Rivers of Light

Here’s some Rivers of Light planning advice from WDW Prep School.

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

The monkeys in Asia

Maharaja Jungle Trek

Here’s some video of the Animal Kingdom tiger cubs!

Rafiki’s Planet Watch

Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

Tusker House Restaurant

Pandora – The World of Avatar

In case you want to re-visit the movie Avatar, here’s an Amazon.com link.

Satu’li Canteen

Windtraders – this is where you can adopt your own banshee.

Avatar Flight of Passage

Na’vi River Journey

Tiffins Restaurant

Nomad Lounge at Tiffins

Leave a Rating or Review on Itunes

Here’s a link to the podcast on iTunes. Thanks for listening, and for your review!

Tomorrow’s episode, Day 9 of 10 Days to a Better Disney World Vacation, is loaded with tips for how to get ready for your trip to Disney World. Click here to listen now.

Additional Resources for Planning Your Trip to Disney World

55 Things To Know Before You Visit Disney World

Adding a Visit to Universal to Your Disney World Trip

The guidebook I recommend: Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World

My Walt Disney World board on Pinterest

The Go Informed Podcast

Find all the episodes in the series 10 Days to a Better Disney World Vacation here.

Find all episodes of the Go Informed podcast here.

Join me on social media

Facebook.com/goinformednet

Instagram.com/goinformednet

Pinterest.com/goinformednet

This post contains affiliate links.

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Disney World: The Basics – Go Informed Podcast Episode 009

Sue Winter — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 10:00:00 +0000

Episode 9: Disney World – The Basics

This is the first episode in the series 10 Days to a Better Disney World Vacation. Today we’re talking about the big picture: how big is Disney World, what you’ll find there, and what to expect.

Over these 10 episodes I’ll go into detail about these topics to help you make your Disney World vacation the best ever. These episodes will publish daily so be sure to subscribe to the Go Informed Podcast on your favorite podcast app and stay tuned!

These are the show notes for episode 9. Listen to the episode for lots more detail about this topic.

Or listen on your favorite podcast app! Just search for the Go Informed Podcast.

First Disney World Basic: Disney World is BIG

Disney World isn’t just a giant Disneyland. It covers an area that’s about the same size as the city of San Francisco.

There are Four Theme Parks at Disney World

There are Over 30,000 Hotel Rooms at Disney World

On the Disney World property there are 36 hotels, plus a campground!

30,000 hotel rooms = LOTS of visitors every day of the year. Having a plan and knowing what to expect can help you beat these crowds.

Disney World Has Its Own Language

Disney jargon can be confusing. Listen to the next episode to learn some of the Disney World commonly used words and phrases.

Disney World Has Its Own Transportation System

This includes buses, trains, monorails, and boats, and a gondola system called the Disney Skyliner.

Learning About Disney World Before You Go Will Help You Build a Better Vacation

Stay tuned for the upcoming episodes to find out all about the parks, where to stay, and how to plan your touring at Disney World.

Tomorrow’s episode, Day 2 of 10 Days to a Better Disney World Vacation, will help you learn the language of Disney World. Click here to listen now.

Additional Resources for Planning Your Trip to Disney World

55 Things To Know Before You Visit Disney World

Adding a Visit to Universal to Your Disney World Trip

Universal Orlando and Disney World Books to Read Before You Go

My Walt Disney World board on Pinterest

The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World is my favorite Disney World guide book.

The Go Informed Podcast

Find all the episodes in the series 10 Days to a Better Disney World Vacation here.

Find all episodes of the Go Informed podcast here.

Join me on social media

Facebook.com/goinformednet

Instagram.com/goinformednet

Pinterest.com/goinformednet

This post contains affiliate links.

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