It’s the biggest mistake you can make when planning your Disney vacation. But it’s really easy to avoid, if you know how.

Disneyland Park Reservations

The Disneyland Park Reservation system was introduced as a way to limit capacity when the resort re-opened following the 2020 shutdown. State regulations required the parks to reduce capacity to ensure plenty of space between guests during the unprecedented time.

For some reason, we’re still dealing with this system more than 3 years later. The parks seem busier than ever, and reservation availability for Magic Key holders are harder to secure than a membership at Club 33.

All guests to Disneyland must have a ticket and reservation for one of the two parks. Guests without a park reservation will be turned away. While guest relations can sometimes book a same day reservation on your behalf, there is no guarantee.

But, securing your park reservation is as simple as 1-2-3.

Buying Tickets Directly From Disney

Booking your trip directly on the Disneyland website is the simplest way to secure your park reservations.

First, select the ticket type you would loke to purchase.

Complete the selection by entering the number of tickets and confirming single or park hopper passes.

Click the dates of your visit.

Finally, select the park where you will start your day. The Disneyland parks open at 8:00am, most days. Guests with park hopper tickets can move between the two parks beginning at 11:00 am.

Park Reservations for 3rd Party Purchases

Of course, there are lots of savings to be had by purchasing a ticket to the parks from a third party seller. From Target Red Card discounts, to credit card point redemption, or independent authorized sellers like Undercover Tourist.

But these retailers are only able to sell the tickets, you’ll still need to book your theme park reservations – here’s how.

Before buying tickets from a third party, make sure to check the Park Reservation calendar for availability as most tickets are non-refundable.

Link your newly purchased tickets to your Disneyland account, by entering the ID number. You can also scan the barcode on your ticket with the mobile app.

Next, visit the Theme Park Reservations page and click “Make or Modify reservations”

Park Reservations for Magic Keyholders

If you’ve just purchased your Magic Key – congratulations! You’re now officially part of the club. Depending on which Magic Key you’ve purchased you’ll be able to hold 3 to 6 park reservations at a time.

Passholders can use the reservation portal to secure their dates. Click book theme park reservations.

Select the tickets or group members you’re making reservations for.

Click the date and park you are planning to visit.

Finally review your reservation before confirming to make sure everything is right.

Additional Reservations for Magic Keyholders

If you’re traveling from outside of Anaheim to visit the resort, consider booking a Disneyland hotel room at one of the three resorts. Not only will you get to experience the luxurious amenities, but you’ll also be able to book park reservations in addition to the number your pass grants.

And that’s how you secure your spot at the Disneyland parks! Let us know in the comments what other questions you have about planning your next Disneyland vacation!

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First things first, let’s talk about the magic of Disneyland. As a child, there’s nothing quite like seeing your favorite Disney characters come to life and experiencing the thrill of the attractions. But as a parent, planning a trip to Disneyland can be daunting. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the park and make the most of your visit.

Best Time to Visit Disneyland

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit Disneyland during the off-season. The best times to visit are early Fall and early Spring. The weather tends to be more mild, schools are in session so crowds are less, and prices are often reduced.

But if you’re planning a trip during peak season, there are still ways to make the most of your visit. Be sure to arrive early and take advantage of the park’s Lightening Lane system, which allows you to skip the lines on select attractions.

How Young is Too Young at Disneyland for Kids?

There are so many reasons to bring your young kids to Disneyland, whether they’re old enough to remember it or not – you will. My oldest niece had her fist big Disney trip at 2, and that was across the country from San Diego to Disney World.

She doesn’t remember many details, but I do. I remember how she jumped up and down when she met Tinkerbell, dressed in her own green fairy dress. I remember her playing and laughing in the Epcot splash pads, and the tears afterward when we had to rush back and get a change of clothes.

A few years later, when she was 7 and finally tall enough for the big kid rides – I remember how she made us all go on Expedition Everest 9 times in a row. Back to back to back, and her smile had never been bigger.

Just last year I took my 4 year old niece on a rollercoaster she thought she was ready for (she wasn’t) and her older sister talked me into a ride she thought I was ready for, Pixar Pal-A-Round (I wasn’t).

The point is that a memorable family vacation is less about what little kids will remember and more about what they’ll get to experience. Also, kids under 3 are free – so, bonus.

Age-Appropriate Disneyland Experiences

One of the most common questions parents have when planning a trip to Disneyland is whether or not it’s worth taking young children to the park. The answer is a resounding yes! There are plenty of attractions and entertainment options that younger children will love! From the classic “It’s a Small World” ride to the whimsical “Alice in Wonderland” attraction.

Here’s our top tips for kid’s attractions; minimal height restrictions, low scare factor, and always a hit with my young nieces (4, 8, and 15)!

Family Friendly Attractions

• Alice in Wonderland
• Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster – 35″
• Disneyland Railroad
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• ‘it’s a small world’
• Jungle Cruise
• Mad Tea Party
• Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride (they love this one, but tread with caution)
• Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Engaging Entertainment at Disneyland for Kids

Everyone thinks about rides when they think about theme parks, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg at Disney! From iconic character meet and greets to lively stage productions, super hero stunt shows, and more!

• Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome
• Disney Jr. Dance Party
• Turtle Talk with Crush
• World of Color
• “Magic Happens” Parade

Planning And Preparation

If there’s one thing to know about ThePixieDustedPlanner.com, it’s that we’re going to talk about pre-trip prep. From how to prep your phone, to packing for a rainy day – we’ve got you covered. And when it comes to planning a family trip with kids, there’s quite a few thing you’ll want to prepare for.

Strollers

It’s a big question on folks mind when making their reservations. Will your child need it, use it, should you pack yours or rent locally? What’s the best stroller for the parks? After many trips to Disney parks on both costs I can tell you with great confidence – bring the stroller.

Kids as old as 8 or 9 might be fine walking to and from school, but the 10-20k steps in a Disney day hit different. Whenever I am in the parks with any of the littles under 12 in my life, there’s a stroller. They may not be happy to see it, but by the end of the day it gets used.

Take a Break

In the middle of the day. There are lots of hotels near to Disney by my absolute favorite is the Anaheim Inn. Located across the street from the main park entrance, you can be at security within 10 minutes. The benefit of not having to collapse, rebuild, and repack your stroller and kids beats the few hundred steps it adds to your day.

And staying so close allows you to pace yourselves. There’s a lot going on inside the parks from attractions and entertainment to lines, people’s bad habits, and a persistent level of sound and activity that can build to be overwhelming for any of us.

Pack a Snack

There’s nothing worth than a hangry child, except maybe an entire family of hangry folks. You’ve seen them before, realizing at the last second that they should have already eaten. But it’s too late now – no one can decide what they want to get, the line you’re in is taking forever, and suddenly there are no available order windows in the next hour.

So, bring some light snacks to keep everyone moving and grooving. Fruit snacks, chips, granola bars – nothing major. Besides helping to keep everyone happy, you’ll save big bucks buy not buying every treat that someone walks by with.

No matter how old your littles are now, it’s always a good time to think about a Disney vacation. Even if it’s just a far away dream. What memories do you most look forward to making with your kids at Disneyland?

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Is anyone else’s for you page on social absolutely filled with deluxe Disney resorts, or is that just me? It seems like week long stays at the Grand Floridian are the new normal for folks! And while I love living in the lap of luxury once in a while – these fancy resort rooms can cost more than $1,00 per night!

What is a Split Stay at Disney World?

Simply put, a split stay is when you stay at more than 1 hotel during your Disney trip. That can mean a few days at Pop Century and a few days at Art of Animation. It could be a split between the Poly and Boardwalk.

Recently we spent a full week at All Star Sports and finished our trip with 2 days at Animal Kingdom Lodge – club level. Now did those last couple days cost more than the week prior, absolutely. But they cost a lot less than if we had stayed there the whole time.

Why Consider a Split Stay

There are so many reasons to consider a split stay, it’s actually more difficult to think of reasons against it.

Budgeting

The biggest reason, of course, is the cost! Staying at a moderate or deluxe hotel at Disney World can cost anywhere from $400 to well over $1,000 – and that’s for a standard room. Even the newest “value” resort, Art of Animation, is regularly around $200 per night. A

A split stay allows you to experience and enjoy these amazing locations (because they are amazing) when you’ll actually be able to enjoy them. Most of the time on a Disney trip is spent in the parks. Your hotel room, usually, is just the place to store your souvenirs and sleep. Instead of booking a full trip at The Contemporary, stay at All Star Sports and add a day or two at the end to unwind and actually relax at a fancy hotel.

Pixie Pointer: For an extra budget friendly hack check out our guide to renting DVC points, for HUGE savings.

You can even stay (gasp) off-property for the bulk of your trip, and move over for a celebration day.

Location, Location, Location

Disney World is the same size as Manhattan or San Francisco. There is a LOT to see and do, and it’s all spread out across 47 acres. The bus ride from the Animal Kingdom are to the Magic Kingdom area can be more than an hour at times.

Split stays let you spread your time across the entire resort. I find it especially useful for Magic Kingdom days. It’s the most isolated park, especially if you are driving yourself. If you are taking the bus, you’ll quickly see how crowded they can get! Planning an MK day at the start or end of your trip, let’s you stay nearby and take the resort boat or monorail.

Variety and Experience

Even if you’ve won the lottery and have the ability to teleport to park entrances, a split stay can offer you a whole new experience.

There are more than 20 hotels at Disney World. Each of them with unique theming and a variety of amenities. I love the charm and community of the original value resorts. The entire place is bustling by 8:00 am because everyone there means business! We are rope dropping and park hopping till the sun goes down.

But I also love the quiet calm of a slow resort morning. Filling a plate in the Kilimanjaro club lounge and taking it back to watch the zebras and antelope from the comfort of my savannah view balcony. Or a full pool day at the Beach Club complete with water slide and lazy river, followed by a night out at Jellyrolls across the Boardwalk.

Planning Your Disney Split Stay

Now that you are fully persuaded, let’s talk about how to actually book a split stay at Disney World. And don’t worry, it’s actually pretty easy!

• Check Availability: Visit the Disney World Website and see which resorts are available during your stay.
• Research Resorts: Check out the rooms and amenities at each to see which stands out
• Write it Down: Split stays can get complicated if you book the wrong dates or place by accident, so write it down to keep track
• Book Away: Book each stay for the dates and hotel you’ve chosen.

Words of Caution

Split stays at Disney can be the best opportunity to experience more of the resort while sticking to a budget, but there are a few things to consider.

Each hotel that you book is considered, by Disney, to be a separate trip. If you are purchasing a ticket package, you will need to do so for each hotel. Unfortunately, this could prevent you from fully realizing multi-day ticket discounts. Rather than purchasing an 8-day ticket, you would need to purchase a 6-day ticket and a 2-day ticket. Or however your trip is split.

The same applies to the Disney Dining plan. This additional package must be purchased separately for each hotel.

Making the Most of Your Split Stay

From packing, to transportation, pricing discounts, and more! Here’s our top tips to maximize your next split stay!

• Consider a travel agent. They’ve seen it all and can help navigate package options and discounts.
• Save your hotel upgrade for rest and resort days, plan to actually spend time where you’re spending all that cash!
• Transfer at the beginning or end of your trip. It just works out better for ticket pricing and dining plans
• Pack like a planner. Consider a separate suitcase, or packing cube, for the shorter stay. No need to unpack and repack repeatedly.
• Try the dining package for your upgraded hotel. With fewer days the cost is less, and if you’re going to be lounging anyway – might as well plan to take full advantage!

What are your top tips and reasons for booking a Disney World Split Stay?

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With park reservations, Genie+, and Lightening Lanes – planning and preparation are more important to your Disney trip than ever. And that includes dining reservations. Where there’s a will there’s a way, but the first step to securing those coveted spots is to make a wish list.

How Do Disney Dining Reservations Work?

Disney World is home to four different service types:

• Quick Service – or takeaway. Place your order with a cashier, or on the mobile app, and pick it up at the counter window
• Table Service – you’ll be seated at a table inside of the dining location. A server will come to take your order, bring out your meal, and help answer any questions you might have
• Character Dining – similar to Table Service, but characters will be roaming the restaurant and greeting guests
• Signature Dining – includes all aspects of Table Service but at upscale (fancy) locations such as California Grill or Victoria and Albert

While you can walk up to a quick service location at any time during operating hours – table service, character and signature dining all require reservations.

And these are some of the best dining options at Disney World, so you won’t want to miss them.

When to Book Disney Dining Reservations

Dining reservations open at 6:00am ET, 60 days in advance, for all park guests. Park reservations are recommended, but not required.

Those staying on property at a Disney World resort, or select nearby locations, are able to book reservations for the entire length of their stay 60 days before their arrival. If you are staying at a Disney hotel from April 1 – 10, you would be able to book reservations for the entire trip beginning on January 25th.

This effectively allows you to book 70 days in advance. Giving you a 10 day advantage over non-resort guests. Talk about an onsite benefit!

Tips and Tools for Securing Dining Reservations

Which brings us to our next tip:

Book Backwards

Take full advantage of this resort guest benefit by planning your most in-demand reservations at the end of your trip.

You’ll have a better chance of booking what you want, and after a few days in Disney World a sit down meal at a nice restaurant is going to sound even better.

There’s just no better way to cap off a trip than the rooftop firework viewing at California Grill.

Mark It On Your Calendar

As soon as you know you are going to Disney World, mark your calendar with the date that you can make your dining reservations.

There are so many moving parts and pieces in planning a vacation, especially to Disney World. It’s easy to forget something and miss the chance or a lifetime visiting Victoria and Albert.

Setting a reminder in your calendar, with a notification, will ensure you are up and online when the clock strikes 6am.

Use Your Travel Agent

It might come as a surprise but anytime you book a Disney stay, you’re paying for a travel agent. Whether you are using one or not, the cost is already built into the price of your trip.

Now, there are lot’s of reasons to consider using a travel agent. It’s free, they’re job is literally to know everything about Disney. But one of the best reasons is to avoid waking up at the crack of dawn to make dining reservations.

ADR’s open at 6:00am eastern. That’s 3:00am on the west coast, and midnight (or 1:00am) in Hawaii. Get a travel agent, sleep in, and secure top tier reservations to your favorite restaurants.

Notification Apps

My favorite thing about the internet is how easily creative and cunning folks can share their creations. Which is why we love the Mouse Dining webapp.

Mouse Dining receives information from the Disney World website to display up to the minute data about dining reservations. Simply pick the restaurant you’re interested in and view a complete calendar of availability.

Don’t see the date and time you’re looking for? Not to worry, just set an alert to receive an email when something opens up. This is a great way to secure last minute reservations.

Popular Dining Spots at Disney World

But where will you use all this new found knowledge? Nothing could be worse than going through the work only to have a disappointing experience that let’s you down. And trust me, it happens. Just look at our Rose and Crown dining review.

Break out that bucket list because here are the most in-demand dining reservations at Disney World

• Victoria and Albert is the only Michelin star rated location on Disney property
• California Grill Dinner located on the top floor of the contemporary, guests dining during the Magic Kingdom fireworks are able to access a rooftop viewing area. It’s the show of a lifetime, just don’t look down!
• Ohana located in the Polynesian resort, near Magic Kingdom. Famous for their noodles and bread pudding. Infamous for the Stitch character breakfast.
• Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is a very upscale experience. Everything here is delicious, but the mac and cheese is so good it had to be brought back by popular demand after being briefly removed from the menu.
• Crystal Palace Breakfast Magic Kingdom’s signature character breakfast features friends from the Hundred Acre Woods including Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, and Rabbit.
• Takumi Tei service a (pricey) prix fix menu, you will feel like you have teleported to Japan and not just the pavilion.
• Monsieur Paul Epcot is home to a litany of amazing dining options, but this location in the France pavilion may take the cake.
• Tusker House this Animal Kingdom classic is a favorite among guests young of all ages.
• Sanaa you might go for the bread service, but you’re going to come back for the butter chicken.
• Round-Up Rodeo BBQ an all you care to eat family style BBQ in the middle of Hollywood Studios’ Toy Story Land. There’s even a full plant-based prix fix option, yum!
• Be Our Guest a wish list requirement for fans of Beauty and the Beast. Dine here to be transported to the Beast’s castle. You can even eat in the East Wing.

What to Know

It’s important to mention that a credit card is required to secure all dining reservations. And, missing a reservation could cost you $20 per person on the reservation.

Dining reservations can be modified and canceled up to 2 hours before you’re scheduled arrival time. Reservations are typically held for 15-20 minutes, in case you are running late. So the risk of missing your window is slim.

Disney World is full of amazing entertainment, rides, and festivals. But failing to plan some epic eats along the way, is planning to fail my friends. We absolutely love a mid-day dining break, or a fancy feast to end a trip.

What’s your favorite dining location at Disney World?

The post How to Score Those Hard to Get Disney Dining Reservations appeared first on .

Outdoor Kitchens

The food booths at Flower and Garden are referred to as outdoor kitchens by Disney, and they are everywhere around the park. Most especially in World Showcase.

Each kitchen offers a menu of themed food and beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Most booths will have 2-3 food items and at least 3 specialty drinks, usually more.

Tips for Tasting the Festival

There are sixteen outdoor kitchens during the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. That is a lot of options and a LOT to eat. Here are a few tips for the best trip!

Space the Festival Over Multiple Days

I think of Epcot as the food court of Disney World. By far it is the best park to eat at on property. So make the most of it! If you have a park hopper, plan to spend a long lunch luxuriating around World Showcase.

Make a List

There are more than 60 new menu items in 2024. That means there was already more than that many options, and now there are more. Check out the menus (below) and write down anything that really jumps out at you.

Go with a Group

With that many choices you want to try as much as you can! Portions are already economically sized, but if you visit with a small group you can share items (and costs) so you’re able to try more.

Look for Fun

There is so much to do at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. The food isa HUGE part of it but there’s also a live concert series called Garden Rocks, a scavenger hunt, and plenty to see.

Full Outdoor Kitchen Menus

At long last – let’s see those menus!

BRUNCHCOT (near Test Track)

Food:

• Avocado Toast with Marinated Tomatoes and Plant-Based Cheese Crumbles on Toasted Ciabatta (plant-based, Garden Graze item)
• (NEW) Biscuit and Gravy with Impossible Chicken Fried Steak and Impossible Sausage Gravy
• Fried Cinnamon Roll Bites with Cream Cheese Frosting and Candied Bacon

Beverages:

• Froot Loops® Shake (nonalcoholic)
• Peach Bellini
• Coffee Cocktail: Joffrey’s Coffee with Milk, Vanilla Vodka, Kahlúa Rum and Coffee Liqueur

EPCOT Farmers Feast (neat Test Track)

Food:

• (NEW) Veal Loin with Spring Pea Risotto featuring Ben’s Original International Grains Arborio Rice and Red Wine Syrup
• Strawberry Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake with Crème Fraîche Whipped Cream

• Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with Savory Garlic Spread and Plant-Based Cheese (plant-based, Garden Graze item)

Beverages:

• Hibiscus Lemonade Cocktail featuring Islamorada Brewery and Distillery Hibiscus Gin
• Frozen Lemon Tea Cocktail with Bärenjäger Honey and Bourbon

The Citrus Blossom (Odyssey Pavilion)

Food:

• Orange Sesame Tempura Shrimp with Orange-Chile Sauce
• Lemon Meringue Pie: Lemon Curd, Lemon Mousse and Toasted Meringue

Beverages:

• Orange-Lemon Smoothie in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Cup (nonalcoholic)
• (NEW) Key Lime Wine Slush
• (NEW) Left Hand Brewing Lemon Drop Shandy, Longmont, CO
• (NEW) Southern Tier Brewing Company Orange Twist Imperial Ale, Lakewood, NY
• (NEW) Stone Brewing Tangerine Express Hazy IPA, Escondido, CA
• Beer Flight

Florida Fresh (near Disney Traders)

Food:

• (NEW) Grilled Warm Lobster Tail with Key Lime Butter
• (NEW) Cubanito with Mojo-Marinated Pork Belly, Ham, Swiss Cheese, Pickles and Stone Ground Mustard Sauce
• Florida Strawberry Shortcake (plant-based, Garden Graze item)

Beverages:

• Cucumber Watermelon Slushy (nonalcoholic)
• Cucumber Watermelon Slushy with Gin

Jardin de Fiestas (Mexico Pavilion)

Food:

• (NEW) Flan de Guayaba: Vanilla Flan with Guava Coulis, Whipped Cream and Fresh Fruit
• (NEW) Sope de Chilorio: Guajillo Pepper-Braised Pork on Fried Corn Shells with Black Beans, Shredded Cabbage, Crema Mexicana, Queso Fresco and Chives
• (NEW) Tamale de Rajas: Poblano Peppers, Corn and Cheese in Masa topped with Poblano Cream Sauce, Crema Mexicana, Pickled Carrots and Onions with Chives

Beverages:

• (NEW) Lychee Margarita: Centinela Blanco Tequila, Lychee Liqueur, Citrus Juice and Agave Nectar
• (NEW) Floral Margarita: Cherry Liqueur, Mezcal, Hibiscus Tea and Lime Juice
• Craft Mexican Lager

Lotus House (China Pavilion)

Food:

• Spicy Mala Chicken Skewer with Creamy Peanut Sauce
• House-made Cheesy Crab Wontons
• Pan-fried Vegetable Dumplings

Beverages:

• Mano Bubble Tea (nonalcoholic)
• (NEW) Dragon Dynasty: Baijiu Spirit, Light Rum, Dragon Fruit, Piña Colada Mix and Soda Water
• (NEW) Lucky Peach: Peach Whiskey, Oolong Tea, Honey, Lemon Juice and Soda Water
• Brew Hub Honey Jasmine Lager Draft Bee
• Tropical Moon: Vodka, Triple Sec, Passion Fruit, Soda Water and White Boba Pearls

Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market (Germany Pavilion)

Food:

• Potato Pancakes with House-Made Apple Sauce (plant-based, Garden Graze item)
• Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with Black Forest Ham and Melted Gruyère Cheese
• Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries

Beverages:

• Bitburger Premium Pils, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
• Stiegl Brewery Radler Raspberry, Salzburg, Austria
• Flensburger Dunkel, Flensburg, Germany
• Apfelschaumwein: Sparkling Wine and Apple Liqueur
• Beer Flight

Primavera Kitchen (Italy Pavilion)

Food:

• (NEW) Arrabbiata: Pennette Pasta, Spicy Tomato Sauce and Buttery Shrimp
• (NEW) Bocconcini: Mozzarealla Bocconcini, Grape Tomatoes and Pesto Sauce
• (NEW) Chocolate Cannoli: Chocolate-Covered Cannoli Shell with Peanut Butter-Ricotta Filling
• (NEW) Quattro Formaggi: Pennette Pasta and Four-Cheese Sauce

Beverages:

• Peroni Brewing Peroni Pilsner
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Prosecco
• Italian Sangria Red or White
• Italian Margarita with Limoncello and Tequila
• Italian Mineral Water

Magnolia Terrace (American Adventure Pavilion)

Food:

• Bananas Foster Bread Pudding
• Muffuletta Panini with Ham, Salami, Mortadella, Provolone and Swiss with Olive Salad
• Spicy Chicken Gumbo with Andouille Sausage and Long Grain and Wild Rice

Beverages:

• (NEW) Schneider Weisse Love Beer Weissbier, Kelheim, Germany
• (NEW) Urban Artifact Capy Snacks Fruit Punch Fruit Ale, Cincinnati, OH
• Bayou Cocktail: Spiced Rum, Coconut Rum, Fruit Punch and Orange Juice
• Parish Brewing Co. Ghost in the Machine Double IPA, Broussard, LA
• Beer Flight

Hanami (Japan Pavilion)

Food:

• (NEW) Ramen Cup: Ramen Salad shaken in a cup with Fresh Vegetables, Grilled Chicken and Dashi Broth with Chili Oil and Yuzu
• (NEW) Steam Bun filled with Vegetables and Plant-based Soy Meat (plant-based, Garden Graze item)
• Frushi: Strawberry, Pineapple and Lychee wrapped in Coconut Rice and Pink Soy Wrap served with Whipped Cream, Drizzled Raspberry Sauce and Toasted Coconut

Beverages:

• (NEW) Watermelon-Strawberry Lemonade (nonalcoholic)
• (NEW) Ichigo Breeze Cocktail: Sake with Strawberry and Watermelon
• (NEW) Orange Blossom Brewing Co. Cherry Blossom Green Tea Pilsner
• (NEW) Ozeki Pineapple Nigori Sake

Tangierine Cafe (Morocco Pavilion)

Food:

• Grilled Kebabs with Carrot-Chickpea Salad and Garlic Aïoli
  • Lamb Kefta
  • Chermoula Chicken
• Mediterranean Flatbread with Chermoula, Roasted Vegetables, Artichoke, Olives and Feta Cheese
• Orange Blossom-Saffron Cake

Beverages:

• (NEW) Keel Farms Pear Honeysuckle Hard Cider, Plant City, FL
• (NEW) Woodchuck Imperial Sippin’ Citrus Hard Cider, Middlebury, VT
• 3 Daughters Brewing Pomegranate Hard Cider, St. Petersburg, FL
• Cider Flight
• Pomegranate Mimosa

La Isla Fresca (Between Morocco and France)

Food:

• (NEW) Impossible Jamaican Beef Patty with Spicy Papaya Syrup (plant-based item)
• Coconut Tres Leches: Vanilla Cake soaked with Oat, Almond and Coconut Milks with Toasted Coconut (plant-based, Garden Graze item)

Beverages:

• Tropical Slush: Lemonade, Grapefruit and Simple Syrup (nonalcoholic)
• (NEW) Wicked Weed Brewing Mango Wowie Hazy IPA with Mango, Asheville, NC
• Florida Orange Groves Winery Tropical Perception White Sangria, St. Petersburg, FL
• Tropical Breeze with Don Q Límon Rum

Fleur de Lys (France Pavilion)

Food:

• (NEW) Gâteau au Crémeux Citron, Lavende et Thym, Compote de Fruits Rouges: Warm Cake filled with Lemon, Lavender and Thyme-Infused Cream served with Berry Compote
• (NEW) Parmentier de Canard A L’Orange: Pulled Duck Confit with Orange Sauce and Garlic-Rosemary Mashed Potatoes
• Beignet Caramélisé, Fourré Crème Vanille, Glacé au Caramel Fleur de Sel: Caramelized Beignet filled with Vanilla Cream and glazed with Caramel Fleur de Sel
• Croissant au Fromage de Chèvre, Herbes et ail Rôtie: Croissant with Goat Cheese, Herbs and Roasted Garlic

Beverages:

• (NEW) Jean Bojour Val de Loire: Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley
• Kronenbourg Blanc 1664 Draft Beer
• La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush: Vodka, Grey Goose L’Orange, St. Germain Liqueur, White and Red Cranberry Juices
• Sparkling Raspberry Cocktail: Sparkling Wine with Raspberry Flavor

Northern Bloom

Food:

• Beef Tenderloin Tips, Mushroom Bordelaise Sauce and Whipped Potatoes with Garden Vegetables
• Seared Scallops with French Green Beans, Butter Potatoes, Brown Butter Vinaigrette
• Chocolate Maple Whisky Cake

Beverages:

• (NEW) Collective Arts Brewing Beyond Reason Micro Pale Ale, Hamilton, Ontario
• (NEW) Collective Arts Brewing Grapefruit Lime Sour, Hamilton, Ontario
• (NEW) Florida Orange Groves Sparkling Blackberry Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
• Glutenberg Blonde Ale, Montreal, Quebec
• Beer Flight

Trowel & Trellis (near Port of Entry)

Food:

• (NEW) Chocolate Mousse Terrarium with Matcha Crumble and Chocolate Soil
• Impossible Farmhouse Meatball with Lentil Bread, Spinach, Marinated Vegetables and Creamy Herb Aioli (plant-based, Garden Graze item)
• Soy-Glazed Sticky Ribs with Green Onions and Peanuts

Beverages:

• (NEW) Raspberry and Lemon Herbal Tea: Twinings® Raspberry & Lemon Herbal Tea and Simply® Limeade (nonalcoholic)
• (NEW) Surreal Brewing Co. Natural Bridges Kolsch Style Non-Alcoholic Beer, Sacramento, CA (nonalcoholic)
• (NEW) Brew Hub Strawberry Heatwave Berliner, Lakeland, FL
• (NEW) Raspberry and Lemon Herbal Tea with Gin: Twinings Raspberry & Lemon Herbal Tea, Simply Limeade and Conniption Kinship Gin

The Honey Bee-stro (Near Port of Entry)

Food:

• Chicken and Waffles: Crispy Chicken and a Honey Sweet Cornbread Waffle with Whipped Honey Butter and Spicy Honey
• Honey-Glazed Cauliflower with Honey-Roasted Carrot Puree, Wild Rice Pilaf, Spring Vegetables, Honey-Blistered Grapes and Sunflower Brittle

Beverages:

• Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze with Streusel (nonalcoholic)
• (NEW) Copperpoint Brewing Co. Bee’s Squeeze Blonde Ale, Boynton Beach, FL
• Florida Orange Groves Winery Orange Blossom Honey Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
• Honey-Peach Freeze with Blueberry Vodka and Streusel

Pineapple Promenade (Near Port of Entry)

Food:

• Spicy Hot Dog with Pineapple Chutney and Plantain Chips
• DOLE Whip® (plant-based)

Beverages:

• Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (nonalcoholic)
• DOLE Whip with Fanta® (nonalcoholic)
• (NEW) Copperpoint Brewing Co. Tropical Hibiscus Blonde Ale, Boynton Beach, FL
• (NEW) Wicked Weed Brewing Perni Haze Hazy IPA, Asheville, NC
• 3 Daughters Brewing Tropical Hefe, St. Petersburg, FL
• DOLE Whip topped with Sōmrus Mango Cream Liqueur
• Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Pineapple Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
• Playalinda Brewing Company Violet Lemonade Ale, Titusville, FL
• Pineapple Beer Flight

The Land Cart (The Land Pavilion)

Food:

• (NEW) Açai Parfait with Greek Yogurt, Fresh Berries and Granola
• (NEW) Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with Cucumbers, Olives and Multigrain Crackers
• Strawberry Fruit Bar (plant-based item)

Beverages:

• (NEW) Florida Smoothie: Pineapple, Orange and Mango

Connections Eatery

Food:

• (NEW) Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich: Southern-Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Pickles on a Brioche Bun
• Orange Bird Liege Waffle

Beverage:

• (NEW) Blood Orange Hibiscus Margarita: Teremana Tequila, with Hibiscus and Blood Orange Syrup and Orange Juice

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

Joffrey’s in World Discovery (Near Mission: SPACE)

• (NEW) Iced Honey Jasmine Latte – Espresso, Honey Jasmine Syrup, Milk, Whipped Cream and Graham Cracker Crumbles
• Spirited option available featuring Bailey’s Irish Cream Liquer

Joffrey’s in the Canada Pavilion

• (NEW) Citrus Frosted Iced Tea – Frozen Lemon, Minute Maid Lemonade, Iced Tea and Orange-Tangerine Syrup garnished with a Glazed Orange Peel
• Spirited option available featuring Grey Goose Vodka

Joffrey’s in the American Adventure Pavilion

• (NEW) Tropical Frosted Iced Tea – Frozen Lemon, Minute Maid Lemonade, Iced Tea and Hawaiian Island Syrup garnished with a Glazed Orange Peel
• Spirited option available featuring Grey Goose Vodka

Joffrey’s Near Disney Traders

• (NEW) Iced Berry Chai Latte – Chai Tea, Blueberry Syrup and Milk topped with Whipped Cream and Cinnamon
• Spirited option available featuring Bailey’s Irish Cream Liquer

Refreshment Outpost (Between China and Germany Pavilion)

Food:

• (NEW) Seasonal Fruit Parfait with Sweet Chili Sauce and Mango DOLE Whip (plant-based, Garden Graze items)
• Ice Cream Float: Soft-Serve and Barq’s® Red Creme Soda
• Tangerine Soft-Serve

Beverage:

• (NEW) Crooked Can Brewing Sorpresa Picante Pale Ale Winter Garden, FL
• (NEW) SweetWater Brewing Co. Half-A-Gummie Fruit Punch IPA, Atlanta, GA
• (NEW) Woodchuck 802 Barrel-Aged Hard Cider Middlebury, VT
• Lavender Martini: Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka with Lavender and Lemon

Refreshment Port (Near the Canada Pavilion)

Food:

• Plant-Based Buffalo Chicken Tender Poutine on Crispy Potato Barrels with Plant-Based Ranch and Blue Cheese Crumbles (plant-based, Garden Graze item)

Beverages:

• (NEW) Country Boy Brewing Orange Cream Hard Cider, Lexington, KY
• Frozen Mojito with Boyd & Blair Rum
• Villa Maria Earth Garden Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

Funnel Cake (American Adventure Pavilion)

Festival Item:

• (NEW) Funnel Cake with Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Ice Cream, Strawberries, Whipped Cream, Strawberry Glaze and Strawberry Crunch

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Guess what’s blooming at Epcot this spring? If you’re thinking about the stunning flower displays and mouth-watering food booths, you’re half right. But there’s more! The Garden Rocks Concert Series is making a comeback, and it’s going to be music to your ears—literally!

What’s the Garden Rocks Concert Series?

Imagine swaying to live music under the stars, surrounded by the most beautiful gardens and topiaries. That’s the Garden Rocks Concert Series for you! It’s a part of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, where bands and artists from various genres come together to perform. From rock and roll to pop to country, there’s a beat for every music lover.

The Lineup

We’re continually shocked by the performers that turn up each year! From Simple Plan to The Plain White T’s, Rick Springfield, and more! Bands that many of us grew up with, and paid far too much money to see touring, just burning up the stage at Epcot. These world renown artists are scheduled during weekends (Friday through Monday), with local performers taking the floor the rest of the week (Tuesday through Thursday)

Noticeably absent from the lineup this year, however, are Boyz II Men and Joey Fatone and Friends (which usually includes Lance Bass among others). Fingers crossed it’s because they’re going on tour again.

• The Vybe — February 28-29, 2024

• Jason Scheff — March 1-2, 2024
• Richard Marx — March 3-4, 2024
• Evolution Motown — March 5-7, 2025
• Berlin — March 8-9, 2024
• Rick Springfield — March 10-11, 2024
• Dian Diaz — March 12-14, 2025
• Modern English (NEW) — March 15-16, 2024
• Commodores — March 17-18, 2024
• Foreigners Journey — March 19-21, 2024
• The Orchestra — March 22-25, 2024
• Funkafied  — March 26-28, 2024
• Mike DelGuidice — March 29-30, 2024
• Pointer Sisters — March 31 and April 1, 2024

• The Female Collective — April 2-4, 2024
• Blue October — April 5-6, 2024
• Crowder (NEW) — April 7-8, 2024
• Hooligans — April 9-11, 2024
• Jo Dee Messina — April 12-13, 2024
• A Flock of Seagulls — April 14-15, 2024
• M-80’s — April 16-18, 2024
• Plain White T’s — April 19-22, 2024
• Champagne Orchestra — April 23-25, 2024
• Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas — April 26-27, 2024
• Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone — April 28-29, 2024

• Southbound — April 3o, May 1-2, 2024
• Monsieur Perine — May 3, 2024
• Rick Acosta and Oro Solido — May 4-5, 2024
• Fonseca (New!) – May 6, 2024
• Gilly and the Girl Band — May 7-9, 2024
• Simple Plan — May 10-13, 2024
• Element — May 14-16, 2024
• The Spinners — May 17-18, 2024
• Sister Hazel – May 19-20, 2024
• Epic — May 21-23, 2024
• Lit (New!) — May 24-25, 2024
• Casting Crowns – May 26-27, 2024

How to Catch the Concerts

Performances take place three times per night at the America Gardens Theater, near the American Adventure pavilion in World Showcase. You can usually catch performances at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. Be sure to check the times guide on the day you are visiting though.

During the week, for regional performances, guest may begin lining up about an hour before each performance. That’s normally earlier enough to beat the weekday crowds that tend to be lighter in the Spring. But when a big name is scheduled during the weekend, there will also be big crowds and big competition to get a seat.

Garden Rocks Dining Package

Returning for the 2024, the Garden Rocks Dining Package! Available at popular eateries around Epcot, book the Dining Package to enjoy a meal and guarantee yourself a seat for a performance on the same day.

• Each dining package includes: appetizer, entrée and dessert OR a full buffet (where applicable), as well as one nonalcoholic beverage
• Spice Road Table Package Includes: 2 small plates, a shared tagine, a shared dessert platter and a nonalcoholic beverage

Show times can be selected while booking your reservations. Upon arrival to your meal a Garden Rocks seating badge will be provided to each guest who purchased the Dining Package. One seat per meal purchased.

While you will be guaranteed a chair, seating is still provided on a first come first serve basis. Meaning, you will still need to join a queue and your choice of seating will be impacted by your place in line. If you want to be in the front row, you’ll want to be in the front of the line.

Participating Dining Package Location

Making the Most of Your Visit

To make your day extra special, here are a few tips:

• Arrive Early: Epcot is a treasure trove of beauty during the festival. Give yourself plenty of time to explore the gardens, try the food, and find your concert spot.
• Explore Everything: The butterfly garden and the outdoor kitchens, there’s so much to see and do. Make a day of it!
• Pick a Good Spot: If you’re going the standby route, find a spot where you can enjoy the music and maybe even catch a glimpse of the fireworks later.

Why You Can’t Miss It

There’s something truly magical about listening to live music in the heart of Epcot. The energy, the people, and the sheer beauty of it all make for an unforgettable experience. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to create special memories with your friends and family.

The Garden Rocks Concert Series is a highlight of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, and this year’s lineup is shaping up to be spectacular. I can’t wait to share more details with you!

Who’s excited? Drop a comment below and let me know which act you’re most looking forward to!

Looking for more festival coverage, check out these posts below

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When is the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival?

The Flower and Garden Festival is an annual event which takes place in Epcot, at Disney World. Admission for the event is included in your park ticket price, however food as well as special activities and events will be an additional cost. This year the festival runs from February 28, 2024 through May 27, 2024.

Read More About This Year’s Festival

Outdoor Kitchens

What would a festival at Disney World’s cafeteria (Epcot) be without exclusive food?! A joke, it would be a joke.

Not to worry, though, Disney has it covered with seventeen outdoor kitchens. But that’s not all; an additional five non-festival locations will be offering even more exclusive treats. If you’re counting that’s twenty-two opportunities to try something new. Stack up those snack credits!

• BRUNCHCOT (near Test Track)
• Epcot Farmer’s Feast (near Test Track)
• The Citrus Blossom (The Odyssey)
• Jardin de Fiestas (Mexico pavilion)
• Lotus House (China pavilion)
• Baurenmarkt: Farmer’s Market (Germany pavilion)
• Primavera Kitchen (Italy pavilion)
• Magnolia Terrace (American Adventure)
• Hanami (Japan pavilion)
• Tangierine Cafe (Morocco pavilion)
• La Isla Fresca (between Morocco and France)
• Fleur de Lys (France pavilion)
• Northen Bloom (Canada pavilion)
• The Honey Bee-stro (near Port of Entry)
• Pineapple Promenade (near Port of Entry)
• Trowel & Terllis (near Disney Traders)
• Florida Fresh (near Disney Traders)

Non-Festival Locations

• Connections Cafe & Connections Eatery (World Celebration)
• Funnel Cakes (American Adventure)
• Refreshment Outpost (bewteen China and Germany)
• Refreshment Port (near Canada pavilion)

Global Gardens

Strolling through Epcot you might notice that things look a little bit different. More colorful, maybe?

We can thank the Global Gardens (and the amazing cast members who put them together) for that! There is a world of things to do at Epcot (get it? ‘a world‘ because World Showcase?!) and it can be easy to overlook some of the best details about the festivals. But the Global Gardens are certainly not to be missed!

Our favorite? The tiny miniature village and train in Germany. Did you know they celebrate each of the festivals inside this tiny town as well? How cute!!

• The Community Garden (World Celebration)
• Festival Blooms (World Celebration)
• Connections Conservatory Garden (World Celebration near Connections Eatery)
• Songbird Meadow Presented by Wild Birds Unlimited (World Discovery)
• Camp Get Out ‘N’ Play Garden Presented by OFF! (World Discovery)
• Prehistoric Garden (World Discovery near Mission: SPACE)
• Floating Gardens (World Nature)
• Bold Bromeliads (World Nature in The Land Pavilion)
• Butterfly Landing Presented by AdventHealth (World Nature near Imagination!)
• The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board® (Rosewalk near Imagination!)
• Blossoms of Fragrance Presented by Scentsy (World Showcase Bridge)
• Extraordinary Orchids (Mexico pavilion)
• Desert Garden (Mexico pavilion)
• Bamboo Garden (China Pavilion)
• China Penjing Garden (China Pavilion) NEW!
• Gnome Garden (Germany Pavilion) NEW!
• Miniature Garden (Germany Pavilion)
• Garden Italiano (Italy Pavilion)
• Bonsai Collection (Japan Pavilion)
• Kokedema Garden (Japan Pavilion)
• Shishi Odoshi (Japan Pavilion)
• Spice Garden (Morocco Pavilion)
• Bouquet Garden (France Pavilion)
• English Tea Garden Presented by Twinings® (United Kingdom Pavilion)
• Shakespeare Garden (United Kingdom Pavilion)

Character Inspired Topiaries

You certainly won’t be able to miss these magnificent Flower and Garden Festival Topiaries scattered throughout the park. They are literal works of art and can take months to create!

Each year these bountiful bushes are pruned and shaped to look just like some of our most beloved characters. You’ll even be able to catch two new additions to the line up in 2024!

• Asha, Valentino and Star from Wish (Main Entrance) NEW!
• Figment, Flower Topiaries and Flower Towers (World Celebration Plaza)
• Huey, Dewey and Louie (World Celebration Plaza)
• Donald Duck (Community Garden Near Connections Café in World Celebration)
• Bambi and Friends (near Imagination! and Refreshment Port)
• Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy  (near Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind) NEW!
• Buzz Lightyear (near Mission: SPACE)
• Woody, Bo Peep and Her Sheep (between Imagination! and The Land Pavilion)
• Rafiki, Simba, Mufasa and Sarabi (near The Land Pavilion)
• Pumbaa and Timon (near The Land Pavilion)
• Goofy (Rosewalk)
• Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Chip, Dale and Pluto (Bridge to World Showcase)
• Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela and Luisa from Encanto (World Showcase)
• Miguel and Dante from Coco (Mexico Pavilion) NEW!
• Anna and Elsa (Norway Pavilion)
• Troll (Norway Pavilion)
• Pandas (China Pavilion)
• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Germany Pavilion)
• Lady and the Tramp (Italy Pavilion)
• Tiana ( The American Adventure Pavilion)
• Dragon (Japan Pavilion Near Torii Gate)
• Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy (between France and Morocco Pavilions)
• Beauty and the Beast (France Pavilion)
• Lumiere and Cogsworth (France Pavilion)
• Butterfly and Flower Towers (International Gateway)
• Winnie the Pooh and Friends (Rabbit, Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger)
  World Showcase – United Kingdom Pavilion
• Tinker Bell’s Fairy House Garden
  World Showcase – United Kingdom Pavilion
• Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Tick Tock Croc (between United Kingdom and Canada Pavilions)
• Geese (Canada Pavilion)

Special Activities

Between the food and flowers, what more could you possibly need? How about two scavenger hunts and a treat challenge? Returning in 2024 are the Garden Graze, Spikes Pollen Nation Exploration, and the Eggstravaganza!

Garden Graze

The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival isn’t all about plants, but it is a big part! So, to celebrate all things growing Epcot invites you to tickle your taste buds with some plant based treats. Grab a guide book from locations throughout the park, including each Garden Graze eatery, and check out which dishes are on the menu.

Try (and buy) five or more of items and receive a free limited edition Dole Whip. Talk about a sweet deal!

Participating Locations for Garden Graze

• BRUNCHCOT
• Florida Fresh
• Refreshment Outpost
• Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market
• Tangierine Cafe
• La Isla Fresca
• Trowel & Trellis
• The Land Cart

Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration

Back for 2024, this festival scavenger hunt is a must do – especially if you are visiting with kids! Grab your map near the entrance to World Showcase and let the game begin!

Find Spike! He’s been out pollenating the Global Gardens of World Showcase, but he may have gotten a bit lost. Visit each country pavilion and try to find Spike. Once you do, place a sticker on your game map. Once you’ve found them all, return your map for a special prize.

Locations to Purchase a Game Board

• Disney Traders
• World Traders

Prizes for Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration

Images of the 2024 Pollen Nation prizes have not yet been released by Disney. But here are some of last year’s prizes!

Garden Rocks – Concert Series

As the day starts to wind down, the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival heats up with live entertainment. And this is not your ordinary Disney parks entertainment. Regular park shows and streetmosphere are fantastic, don’t get me wrong.

But the Garden Rocks line up is phenomenal year after year with guests like Boyz II Men, Sugar Ray, and Simple Plan. Not to age myself, but (most of) NSYNC are regulars here. Do you remember how much those concert tickets were when they were touring?

Check out the latest line-up and plan a trip to see your favorites.

Special Tours at Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

Yes, there is still more to see and do here! Epcot Festivals are truly a multi-day experience, they’re vacation destinations all on their own.

English Garden Tour

Visit the UK pavilion in World Showcase for to learn more about English horticulture with this 30 minute tour. Complimentary for park guests you can enjoy this one on your own, self guided, or alongside fellow guests and led by an information cast member. Check the Disney World parks app or festival guide for specific tour times.

Behind the Seeds Tour

Although not exclusive to the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, its certainly fits the motif. Behind the seeds is a group tour through four greenhouses of Living with the Land. The experience takes around 60 minutes and costs between $39-45, per person.

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival Merchandise

No trip to Disney is complete with a bit of merch to prove you were really there, right? You’ll have plenty of options at the Epcot International Flower and Garden festival. With exclusive shirts, popcorn buckets, bags, ears, and more – there’s something for everyone.

In 2024 there are three merch collections available to park guests:

• Orange Bird Collection
• Coco Collection
• Butteflies Collection

Orange Bird? How freaking cute?!

Annual Passholder Collection

Guests who have an active Annual Pass for Disney World will be able to purchase merchandise from a fourth, even more exclusive, collection as well. Images have not yet been released by Disney, but we’ll be sharing them ASAP!

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Fantasyland first opened in 1955 and was inspired by fairy tales and classic Disney stories. Since then, it has undergone several renovations and updates to bring new magic to each generation of park-goers. Fantasyland is a place where visitors can step into their favorite stories and live out their wildest dreams.

Iconic Attractions in Fantasyland

Fantasyland is home to several of Disneyland Park’s most popular attractions. Let’s take a closer look at some of these beloved rides and experiences.

Sleeping Beauty Castle

One of the most iconic landmarks in Disneyland Park is Sleeping Beauty Castle. This castle has stood tall in the heart of Fantasyland since the park’s opening in 1955. Visitors can take a walkthrough tour of the castle to learn about the story of Sleeping Beauty and see stunning displays of artwork and tapestries.

Peter Pan’s Flight

Embark on a high-flying adventure with Peter Pan’s Flight. This ride takes visitors on a journey through the skies of London and Neverland, complete with dazzling special effects and memorable scenes from the classic Disney film. One of our favorite dark rides and a must for any Disney day!

It’s a Small World

Take a trip around the world with It’s a Small World. This beloved attraction features over 300 audio-animatronic dolls dressed in traditional costumes from around the globe. The ride’s message of unity and peace is as relevant today as it was when the attraction first opened in 1966.

Mad Tea Party

Join the Mad Hatter and his friends for a wild ride on the Mad Tea Party. This spinning attraction is based on the classic scene from Alice in Wonderland, and visitors can control the speed of their teacup as they spin around the colorful teapot centerpiece.

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride

This classic dark ride will take you on a wild and wacky ride around Toad Hall. Jump aboard your town car to see what surprises are lurking around each corner. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride can only be found here in Disneyland, one of the parks most unique offerings.

Snow White’s Enchanted Wish

Experience the magic of Snow White’s story with Snow White’s Enchanted Wish. This attraction has undergone a major renovation in recent years, featuring stunning new effects and immersive storytelling that brings the classic tale to life.

Pinocchio’s Daring Journey

Join Pinocchio on a daring adventure through the dangers of Pleasure Island and beyond. This attraction features memorable scenes from the classic Disney film, including the transformation of Pinocchio into a donkey.

Must-Try Snacks and Eateries

No trip to Disneyland Park is complete without indulging in some delicious snacks and meals. Here are some of the must-try options in Fantasyland.

Red Rose Taverne

Step into the world of Beauty and the Beast with Red Rose Taverne. This restaurant features a menu inspired by the classic Disney film, including the Grey Stuff Gateau and Gaston’s Famous Brew. Red Rose Taverne is one of just a few restaurants that offer breakfast in the park.

Maurice’s Treats

For a quick snack on the go, be sure to visit Maurice’s Treats. This eatery offers both sweet and savory options, including the popular Cheddar Garlic Bagel Twist and Boysen Apple Freeze.

Troubadour Tavern

For heartier fare, check out Troubadour Tavern. This eatery features delicious meals like the Bratwurst Sausage and Bavarian Pretzel. Plus, the cozy atmosphere is the perfect place to relax and recharge.

Entertainment and Live Performances

Fantasyland is also home to several live shows and performances that are sure to delight visitors of all ages.

Storytelling at the Royal Theatre

Take a seat at the Royal Theatre for live shows featuring your favorite Disney characters. These interactive performances are a great way to get up close and personal with the classic stories and characters you love.

Pearly Band

Get ready to dance along to the upbeat tunes of the Pearly Band. This talented group of musicians and performers bring a touch of magic to Fantasyland with their lively performances.

Meet-and-Greets with Disney Characters

Fantasyland is also home to several meet-and-greet opportunities with your favorite Disney characters. Be sure to bring your camera and autograph book for a chance to snap a photo with your favorite princess or hero.

Mickey’s Mix Magic

A day at Disney just isn’t complete without fireworks above the castle. It’s the kiss goodnight that brings the adventure to a close. You can catch Mickey’s Mix Magic on select nights. The show is visible throughout most of the park, but there’s an extra bit of sparkle to watching from the backside of the castle in Fantasyland.

Shopping for Souvenirs

No trip to Disneyland Park is complete without bringing home a few souvenirs to remember your trip. Here are some of the best places to shop for Disney-themed merchandise in Fantasyland.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

For a truly magical experience, head to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Here, young visitors can be transformed into their favorite Disney princesses, complete with royal accessories and a photo session.

Fairy Tale Treasures

Looking for the perfect souvenir to take home? Check out Fairy Tale Treasures, where you’ll find exclusive Disney merchandise and unique gifts for all ages.

Mad Hatter Shop

For a whimsical touch, head to the Mad Hatter Shop. This store features a variety of hats and headwear, including customizable options that let you create your own unique look.

Tips and Tricks for a Magical Day

To make the most of your visit to Fantasyland, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Genie+ Recommendations

To avoid long lines, consider using Genie+ to reserve your spot on popular attractions. Be sure to check the Disneyland app for availability and recommendations.

Best Times to Visit Attractions

To make the most of your time in Fantasyland, be sure to visit popular attractions during off-peak hours. Early mornings and late evenings are often the best times to avoid crowds and lines.

Making the Most of Character Interactions

Fantasyland is one of the best places to see characters at Disneyland – and that’s saying something since Disneyland is known for roaming characters! You can catch many favorites from Alice to Aladdin and many more in between! Be sure to bring a camera and autograph book for photo opportunities and keepsakes. And don’t be afraid to interact with your favorite characters for a truly immersive experience.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through Fantasyland at Disneyland Park. We hope this guide has inspired you to explore this magical land and create memories that will last a lifetime. Be sure to share your favorite moments and experiences with us in the comments below. See you soon in Fantasyland!

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Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to make the most of your time at Animal Kingdom.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a unique Disney park that combines the magic of Disney with real-life animal conservation and education, making it a must-visit destination for any Disney fan. The park is divided into six distinct lands. Each with its own theming and attractions that will transport you to different parts of the world.

• Oasis
• Discovery Island
• Pandora – The World of Avatar
• Africa
• Asia
• DinoLand U.S.A.

Animal Kingdom is home to some of Disney‘s most popular attractions, including Avatar Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, and Kilimanjaro Safaris. It’s also the only Disney park with a focus on animal conservation and education, making it a unique and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Planning Your Visit

Before you visit the parks, it’s important to do a bit of planning to make the most of your time in the park. Here are some tips to help you plan your visit:

Best time of year to visit

Animal Kingdom gets busy during the Summer and Holidays, just like the rest of the Disney World Resort. Unfortunately, many of the slower times of year have even been fairly busy in recent years.

Increased interest in the parks, combined with more RunDisney and sports events, have driven a lot more annual visitors.

There are still times of the year that are better to visit than others, early Spring and mid-late Summer are some of the best. Our best recommendation, though, is to check a crowd calendar.

Park hours and crowd levels

Check park hours and crowd levels before your visit, to plan your day. Arriving early or staying late can help avoid the busiest times. Keep in mind that Animal Kingdom closes much earlier than the other Disney World park, usually at 7:00 pm.

Rope Drop

One of the best ways to maximize your time in Animal Kingdom is rope drop. Guests staying on property at a Disney World resort, or a participating hotel in the Disney Springs or Epcot area, are able to enter the park 30 minutes before the posted opening time.

However, you’ll want to arrive at the park even earlier still! We recommend being in line outside of Animal Kingdom at least 1 hour before the posted park opening.

Once the gates open, you’ll be able to enter the park and head to your favorite part of the park.

Non-Resort Guests

Unfortunately, guests staying off property are at a BIG disadvantage for rope drop. Resort guests will already had 30 minutes to get in line, before non-resort are even able to enter the park.

It may not seem like a large amount of time, but the queue for Avatar: Flight of Passage jumps to 45 minutes, plus, almost immediately.

Animal Kingdom tends to have higher morning crowds than the other parks. Between the early park close time, and most of the animals being more active earlier in the day – rope dropping is a popular strategy.

Which attractions to prioritize

The top priority at Animal Kingdom is Avatar: Flight of Passage. This is still one of the most popular rides in all of Disney World. If you are a non-resort guest, skip this.

Next you’ll want to pick between Na’vi River Journey and Kilimanjaro Safari. Na’vi River Journey will be closer, but Kilimanjaro is infinitely better in the morning than any other time of day.

Genie+ Strategy

One of the newest systems at Disney parks is Genie+, which allows you to skip the regular lines for a fee. Here’s how to use minimize wait times with Genie+ at Animal Kingdom:

How to use Genie+

Genie+ can be purchased through the My Disney Experience app. The price varies based on the day, crowds, and the park you are visiting. Animal Kingdom tends to range from $15-25 per person, per day.

Guests are able to make a Lightening Lane reservation for select attractions. Essentially this gives you a window when you’ll return to a ride and be able to board with little to no wait.

Avatar: Flight of Passage is not included in Genie+. An Individual Lightening Lane must be purchased to ‘skip the line.’ Again, the price will vary from day to day but $20 per person is common.

Ride Priorities for Genie+

The most popular Lightening Lane in Animal Kingdom, is the meet and greet at Adventures Outpost. This experience closes before the park and is a great chance to say hi to Minnie and Mickey. It’s the only place you’ll find them in their Safari outfits!

Na’vi River Journey is our second priority. Morning return times will go fast! We recommend grabbing this one early in the day to stack for the afternoon.

After securing these two popular Genie+ attractions, Expedition Everest is the next priority.

Kilimanjaro Safaris

Another popular attraction, but timing matters. On Kilimanjaro you’ll board an open air vehicle and drive through large expanses of animal habitats. These animals are most active early in the morning and near sunset.

Genie+ return times are too difficult to predict, to ensure a good window for the safari. You can book this one as an alternative to those above, or after them, and modify the return time throughout the day. Or check out the next section for later afternoon strategy.

Tips for maximizing your Genie+ reservations

Use your Genie+ reservations strategically to minimize wait times. For example, if you have a reservation for Expedition Everest at 10:00 AM, try to get another reservation as soon as you scan into the queue. You can also use the My Disney Experience app to check wait times for other attractions and make additional Genie+ reservations throughout the day.

Maximizing Your Time

Animal Kingdom is a sprawling park, and it can be easy to luxuriate walking from one attraction to another. Here are some tips for avoiding crowds and minimizing walking:

Overview of Animal Kingdom layout

Familiarize yourself with the layout of the park before your visit. Animal Kingdom does not have the hub-and-spoke design of many other Disney parks.

Late Afternoon Strategy

Maybe the best kept secret at Disney World is afternoons at Animal Kingdom. The park closes early and is home to one of the most popular attractions.

People go early. Animal Kingdom is a rope-drop park and morning is one of the busiest times of the day. But, it’s a half day park.

Lots of guests leave after lunch or even for lunch. Taking the Disney bus to eat at Sanaa is one of my favorite day plans.

Late afternoon is quite possibly the slowest time of day at Animal Kingdom.

Ride Priorities

Popular shows like The Lion King and The Big Blue and Beyond, last performance of the day are early. You’ll want to see these first, and check the schedule ahead of time.

Try to time a ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris near sunset, but before it gets dark. You’ll need to keep an eye on the queue wait time. Entering the queue about an 1-1.5 hours before sunset, works well.

Save Avatar: Flight of Passage for last! Make the most of your time by entering the this line within the last hour of park close. As long as you enter the line before the park closes, you will get to ride. Maximize the hours Animal Kingdom is open for everything else, and move the longest wait to after close

Which is the Best Strategy?

Each strategy works well, it just depends on how you like to roll!

We do NOT recommend Genie+ for Animal Kingdom unless it is a peak day. Spring Break, Christmas time – sure. But there are not enough attractions or long enough waits to justify it.

DO buy the Avatar: Flight of Passage Lightening Lane, if it’s within your budget to do so. You’ll save more time than using Genie+.

So how do you do Animal Kingdom? Are you an early bird?

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Visiting a Disney park is a bit of a marathon. There’s so much ride, see, and try you’re going to be running in every direction. With a bit of prior planning you can minimize some of the milages you rack up, but even a planning pro like me racks in 15 to 20k steps in a single day at Disney. 

That’s the equivalent of 7 to 10 miles. 

The good news is that you’ll be having so much fun, you probably won’t even notice. That is unless you opt for the wrong pair of shoes. 

Make that mistake and you’ll be in for a world of hurt and blisters well before lunchtime – and nobody wants that. So we put our toes to the test, trying all the best – and worst, shoe choices for your next trip to Disney. 

Break New Shoes In

Now before we dive headfirst into our list of favorite products, we’ve got a few recommendations to go along with them. These are our tried and true tips to improve the experience of any type of shoe. And trust me, we learned these the hard way so that you don’t have to. 

Say it with me now “no. new. shoes.” 

Some things you pack for Disney can, and should be, brand new. Those matching shirts you spent hours picking out, the hand-crafted Minnie ears, and all the toiletries and lotions you can squeeze into a 3-gallon bag. But shoes are not one of them. 

Have you ever gotten blisters from a new pair of shoes? It hurts! And I’m willing to bet it happened when you were walking less than 3 miles a day. Heck, I used to get new-shoe blisters while working at my office job. 

Literally sitting all day, and still got blisters. 

Now, imagine how much worse that would be if you are walking twice or even three times as much. Ouch city. 

How to Break in New Shoes

Believe it or not, there’s actually a bit of strategy involved with breaking in new shoes. There’s no right or wrong way, just different methods that work for different people. 

As a show choir veteran who spent 6 years dancing on stage in 4 inch high heels, I’ve got a few, maybe unorthodox tricks up my sleeve. 

Double Up Your Socks

New shoes are tight, and that’s actually what causes blisters. The sides are rubbing against the delicate skin around your ankle non-stop and there’s no give. After a while the fabrics, which tend to be rugged, durable, and generally uncomfortable, create blisters and if you’re especially unlikely they pop. 

Now that you’ve got that wonderful visual in your brain, allow me to offer up a solution. 

Wear your new shoes around for an hour a day for 2 weeks, with 2 pairs of socks. (I know you thought that was a no-brainer until the end, right?) Doubling up your socks forces the sides of the shoes to expand more-so (and faster) than they would if you wore just 1 pair. It also provides you with an extra layer of protection to avoid running into the exact issue we’re working against, blisters. 

Could you simply wear the shoes for 2 days straight? Sure, if you want to stock up blister bandages. At that point, you’re just getting the process out of the way, rather than avoiding it altogether. 

Wearing your new kicks for just an hour a day let’s you gradually break them in and completely avoid any blisters.

 Hairspray Your Heels

Okay, okay. I know this one might sound weird at first, but give me a chance to explain. 

With the exception of running shoes, most new pairs will have perfectly smooth soles. You know what I’m talking about, the kind that looks like a freshly mixed cake batter so perfect you can’t stand the thought of them touching the filthy ground. 

No, just me? Moving on…

While the pristine condition of new shoe soles may look satisfying, they’re actually a bit of a hazard. Especially if you’re prone to accidents ( like me). So, another old choir trick we used was to spray the soles of new shoes with hairspray and rub them together. 

You just need a light coat, aerosol works best, and let it set for 5 seconds before rubbing the soles together. What this does is create a tackiness that will give you better traction as you’re walking around the parks. No matter what the surface (concrete, tile, polished wood, or wet walk-ways) you’ll have no trouble gracefully making your way through!

Just Say “No” to These

There are a few types of footwear that I’m 100% never going to recommend for a trip to Disney, ever. At all. Because they are just way too impractical for an everyday trip for most people. Now, if you’re going for a special occasion, like Dapper Day, or for a specific purpose, hello Instagram photo shoot, that’s a different story. 

But for the most part, avoid these options like the plague.

Cheap Flip Flops

I’m talking about the $1 bin special from WalMart and Target. The ones you buy ten at a time when they finally drop in the stores mid-spring. They’re perfect for lounging by the pool or quick trip to the grocery store, but worthless for just about anything else. 

There are some flip flops and sandals that make the grade and found their way onto our approved list, which you’ll see in just a bit. But it’s super important to go with the brand and model that were suggesting and not a cheap knock-off that looks similar. 

High Heels

Honestly on a day to day basis, I cannot for the life of me understand wearing high heels to any theme park. I’m sure everyone has their reasons, but unless I’ve hired a photographer to document it you couldn’t pay me enough. Here’s why – 

• Blisters, popped blisters, for days. Gross.
• Squished toes – ouch
• Sore heels and Achilles tendon 
• Hello twisted ankle
• My poor, poor, mistreated calves
• Not to mention the wear and tear on my gorgeous shoes

And for those reasons, there are no high-heels that will make it onto our approved and recommended list. 

Cheap Designer Shoes

Something my mother always told me; you get what you pay for. We are always on the lookout for affordable options for all the Disney trip supplies we recommend! 

But this old sentiment, for the most part, holds true. The exception is usually athletic shoes. 

I say this with caution but, most of the time big-box store athletic shoes will work just fine. That means WalMart, Target, KMart (is Kmart still a thing), etc. In fact, I wore these babies for 10 straight days at Disney World just a few years back and still wear them for Disneyland trips most of the time.

The best part? They were $14. You cannot beat that. On the other hand though are the riding boots, rain boots, sandals, and ballet flats that look adorable but won’t last a full day. So, just skip them and try these on for size instead. 

Best Shoes for Women for Disney

Alright, let’s get down to business. We know this is what you came for (ayy oh ayy, ayy oh ayy – Neo? anyone?) Here are our top 4 choices for the best shoes for women to wear at Disney!

Athletic Shoes

The most tried and true and always a great choice are, unsurprisingly, athletic shoes! Why? Well, because they’re made for walking. These shoes are meant to be used and abused. As long as you’re sticking with truly athletic shoes and not mock tennis shoes (looking at you Converse), you can’t really go wrong.

But these are some of our favorites that passed the test, and are super cute to boot. 

Sanuk Yoga Slings

These are heaven. If you’re like me and live most of your life in flip-flops you need these. They’re unbelievably comfortable in any situation but absolutely perfect for a Disney trip. 

The sole of this sandal is thin but dense, it offers amazing support for your arch, cushions your heels, and stands up over time. The thong and strap are made of a breathable lightweight material which means it will never rub against your skin uncomfortably or promote any unwanted odors. 

Not only are Sanuk’s super comfy, but they’re also surprisingly affordable and really freaking cute. 

I bought these because I’d heard people raving about them for Disney trips and I wanted to see for myself. They’re now my go-to pair of flip-flops, even replacing the throw-away $1 pairs I used to buy by the cart-full. If you’re still on the fence, take a look at the reviews on Amazon and see what others are saying. 

Tom’s Avalon

Tom’s have been around for quite a while, and you probably recognize them as that one company that donates a pair of shoes for every pair that you buy. As if that wasn’t reason enough to give them a chance, they’re actually really great shoes. 

What I love about Tom’s, in general, is that they are so lightweight and breathable that it doesn’t feel like a tennis shoe. But they still give you all the same great support of one. The Avalon’s, in particular, are great because they run truer to size (which means you don’t find out they’re too small 2 days before you leave for vacation), they have more give and flexibility, and are sturdier than the originals. 

These also make up a few extra points when it comes to fashionability because of an amazing trend on Etsy…Custom Toms! And they’re just so gosh-darn adorable I can’t help but show you exactly what I’m talking about. 

Kamik Heidi Rain Boots

It’s a safe bet, if you’re headed to Disney World, that it’s going to rain. In fact, on average it rains 75 days a year in Orlando, that’s once every 5 days! Most of that rain comes down in late Spring and through the summer, so this is an especially good option if you’re traveling during those times. 

California doesn’t normally see that much rain, but it rained 23 of the first 58 days of 2019 in Anaheim – so it does happen (accueweather.com). What’s worse is that because rain is so rare, Disneyland just isn’t built for it. So if there is rain in the forecast for your trip, you should consider picking up some rain boots as a precaution just in case. 

There are countless options for rainboots on the market today, but I really love these for a few reasons. First and foremost – they’re affordable. You might be surprised to find that a good pair of boots can be upwards of $100, which sure threw me for a loop. 

The Kamik Heidi Rain Boots are not the cheapest pair you’ll find, because they’re far more comfortable and durable than most. 

The slim fit will keep your feet warm and dry, while the comfortable trim around the top protects your legs from the stiff plastic. You’ll most likely need to order a size up, because of this fit, but if you use the Amazon link above there is sizing assistance and of course free returns for Prime members. 

I love that you can grab these in just about any color under the sun, almost as much as I love the slip-proof tread soles (remember, I told you I’m a huge klutz). 

We Want to Hear From You!

Everyone’s got their two cents, and we want to hear it! Let us know how you liked, loved, or despised our picks and tell us what you recommend! 

We’re constantly on the hunt for great products to feature for our readers, so drop us a message in the comments below or by e-mailing Rebecca@ThePixieDustedPlanner.com

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