Orlando Archives - Laughing Lindsay

Holidays at Walt Disney World Guide

November 6, 2024 By Lindsay Leave a Comment

I know it seems early, but the holidays at Walt Disney World start early! In fact, the first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is on Friday! So, I thought I would do a little guide to the Christmas season at the resort!

Holidays at Walt Disney World

I’ve been lucky enough to visit the resort during the Christmas season multiple times. There’s so much to do here that I never feel like I have enough time to see everything. That being said, I will try to highlight what you can expect to see at each of the four theme parks, Disney Springs, and the resorts! Disney has said that the holiday season officially kicks-off on November 12th in 2024. So, you can expect to see special decor and entertainment after that date.

Christmas in the Magic Kingdom

I figure I’ll start with the one that kicks off the holiday season the earliest: Magic Kingdom. The park begins changing out the decor as soon as the Halloween party is over! You can enjoy the decor from early November until early/mid-January with a regular park ticket. However, if you want the full experience prior to December 21st, you will need to purchase a ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! I linked to my review of the party above. It’s a good time with a festive parade and fireworks! In fact, I even did the Mickey’s Very Merry Dessert Party last year.

If you are visiting after the 21st, you should be able to see the parade and fireworks during the regular park hours. However, you won’t get free cookies or see the special characters. Plus, the park will be even more crowded.

Christmas at Animal Kingdom

Next up is the other kingdom, Animal Kingdom! I got to experience some of this for the first time last year and loved it! The Merry Menagerie is awesome! My mom really enjoyed interacting with the animal puppets! They are gorgeous and fun to watch. The Tree of Life gets a special holiday light show, which I’ve never seen but it sounds cool. Also, you can meet Mickey and Minnie in some special holiday clothing at Adventures Outpost.

Christmas at Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios has some fantastic retro decor for the holidays that’s fun to look at. There’s also the great Sunset Seasons Greetings nighttime projection show at the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Toy Story Land gets a few additional decor pieces as do the characters. You can also eat at the only seasonal character dining experience on property at Hollywood & Vine here. I haven’t done it since before the pandemic, but it was a fun time.

Additionally, there’s also Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios. I attended the first year of it last year and enjoyed myself. I think they are even adding an ice skating show in 2024, so that should be fun!

Epcot Festival of the Holidays

Christmastime brings another fun festival to Epcot, the Festival of the Holidays. For whatever reason though, it doesn’t begin until after Thanksgiving. Beginning November 29th in 2024, it’s a fun festival filled with holiday traditions from the represented countries with Holiday Storytellers. There’s also the festival food booths! You also can’t forget the fan favorite Candlelight Processional show with celebrity narrators. I was lucky enough to do the Candlelight Processional Dining Package last year with John Stamos.

Disney Springs Christmas

Disney Springs is the separate shopping and dining destination at Disney World. It, of course, gets its own decor for the holidays. However, there’s also the Christmas Tree Stroll! They used to have the themed trees all in one spot but it was really crowded. So, now they are spread out across Disney Springs.

Christmas at the Resorts

As you would expect, each of the resorts gets specially themed decor matching each resorts theme. However, some of the resorts have gingerbread displays too! The Grand Floridian gets a huge gingerbread house that’s worth the trip over to see. Plus, it smells amazing and you can purchase little goodies. The Contemporary usually gets a gingerbread display as well. The Beach Club typically has a gingerbread carousel with a new theme each year. The Yacht Club has gotten a gingerbread lighthouse in recent years as well. Last year, Animal Kingdom Lodge even got some huge gingerbread animals!

Holidays at Walt Disney World: So much to see!

Shew! That’s a lot! Now, you understand why I have taken multiple trips and still haven’t seen everything. So, have you ever visited Disney World during the holidays? If so, what is your favorite thing to experience?

Epcot Biergarten Restaurant Review

September 18, 2024 By Lindsay Leave a Comment

October is quickly approaching and that means many people will celebrate Oktoberfest soon! Did you know that there is a buffet in Epcot where you can celebrate it all year long? I’m talking about Biergarten Restaurant! If you like lively entertainment and unique food, then keep reading for my review of this experience!

Biergarten Restaurant

For a long time, my husband and I talked about trying this place out. However, it never worked out. Last October, we finally decided to make it happen! Biergarten Restaurant is the table service restaurant in the Germany pavilion at Epcot at Walt Disney World. It would be one table service credit to eat here. It’s currently $49/adult and $27/child to eat here. However, that price includes an all you care to enjoy buffet and some entertainment!

The Food

This was a completely new experience for us both since neither of us had tried German cuisine. So, we weren’t exactly sure what to expect. The buffet featured a selection of sausages and other meats, making it a great option for meat lovers. There was also sauerkraut, as is mandatory for a German place. There was also a tasty beer cheese soup that paired well with pretzel rolls. I really liked the Nudel Gratin or macaroni and cheese! I also enjoyed the apple strudel! I tried the Black Forest Cake and discovered it wasn’t for me. My husband was thrilled to discover the fresh pineapple!

We aren’t big drinkers, but there appeared to be a good selection of alcoholic beverages to choose from. I thought it was a nice touch that our water was served in glass steins too.

The Entertainment

As I mentioned above, this place is always celebrating Oktoberfest! I really enjoyed the theme since it’s meant to look like you are eating in the middle of a Bavarian village! It was like being outside while enjoying the cool air conditioning (something that is vital in Orlando).

The tables surround a stage where a group of men come out periodically to perform! It was nice to have some live entertainment during our meal. We enjoyed seeing other people get up to dance. This is truly a lively meal. It’s not a quiet experience.

Is Biergarten Restaurant worth it?

Personally, this may have been a one and done for me. It wasn’t bad by any means. However, if I’m trying to get the most bang for my buck on the dining plan, I’m probably going to Garden Grill. Also, seeing as how we aren’t big drinkers, I think a quieter sit down meal would be more appropriate for me and my husband going forward. However, I think this place is perfect for lots of other folks.

Have you eaten here? Do you like it?

Magic Kingdom Resorts Guide

September 11, 2024 By Lindsay Leave a Comment

Today I want to give everyone a look at the Magic Kingdom Resorts or places to stay on property that are located close to this park.

Magic Kingdom Resorts

Previously, I looked at each value resort and moderate resort option at Walt Disney World. However, now it’s time for the deluxe/DVC resorts. Unfortunately, I haven’t stayed at all of those resorts. Plus, the ones I have stayed at have been refurbished since my visit. It didn’t feel fair to write a review of a resort that may be different now.

I decided to cover the deluxe resorts by writing about the various options near the different parks. First up, is the most popular one: Magic Kingdom resorts!

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the two original resorts at Walt Disney World, meaning it opened in 1971 along with the Magic Kingdom! It’s the iconic A-frame building that allows the monorail to travel through the building! There’s an additional garden wing and the DVC tower as well.

It has a plethora of dining options! My mom loves the Chef Mickey’s Character Dinner here. I enjoyed California Grill on my honeymoon and it was very nice! The views were spectacular! In fact, the picture for this post was taken from this restaurant. I’ve also heard great things about Steakhouse 71, but haven’t had a chance to visit it yet.

I stayed here once, back in 2016. I got a good deal by attending a blogging conference here. My husband and I loved our stay here. It was so nice to just walk over to the park! Plus, the views of the fireworks and Electrical Water Pageant were amazing! I would love to stay here again someday, but it’s often too pricey! If it’s in your budget, I highly recommend it. Plus, they have recently refurbished the rooms to have an Incredibles theme!

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is the other original resort at WDW. Featuring a laid back South Pacific theme, it’s a wonderful place to stay or visit! I love visiting this resort for the vibes alone! It smells amazing and everything is gorgeous! You can even watch the park fireworks from the beach here! This resort is a mix of deluxe and DVC rooms with a new DVC tower currently under construction.

The food here is amazing as well! Captain Cook’s is one of the best quick service resort options, in my opinion. I really liked the Tonga Toast here. There’s also Kona Cafe, which I sadly haven’t tried yet. There’s also the very popular Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, which is a highly themed tiki bar! Lastly, there’s ‘Ohana! There’s a Lilo and Stitch character breakfast and a very unique all you care to enjoy dinner here! I have done the breakfast twice and the dinner several times. Unfortunately, all of those experiences were pre-pandemic. So, I haven’t posted a review of them. Whenever I return, I will be sure to post about it.

I have been fortunate enough to stay here once. My husband and I did a resort only stay here for two nights back in 2018 when we rented DVC. I loved it! I wish it was more affordable to stay here and I loved everything about it. It’s probably my favorite resort with the laid back vibe, beautiful theme, and delicious food! It’s just so expensive!

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Opened in 1988, Disney’s Grand Floridian is a very luxurious resort and spa! It has a Victorian theme with little touches of elegance around every corner! It is also a mixture of deluxe hotel and DVC rooms. You can see the park fireworks from the beach here too. It also gives me nostalgia as I recall seeing this resort on “Full House” back in the 90’s!

If you are looking to stay somewhere with very nice dining options, this is the place for you. There’s the newly re-imagined character dining at 1900 Park Fare. I dined there pre-pandemic and enjoyed the strawberry soup! There’s also more adult dining at Narcoosse’s and Citrico’s. Let’s not forget the award winning Victoria and Albert’s is here as well! The quick service restaurant here is Grand Floridian Cafe. Having not eaten at any of those locations makes me think I need to eat here more often.

I was able to stay here for my honeymoon for a few nights back in 2016 using the blogging conference discount. I hope to someday stay here again, but it’s just too expensive. Just entering the lobby of this resort makes me feel fancy!

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Lastly, there’s Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, which opened in 1994. While it’s not on the monorail (unlike the others listed above) nor is it walking distance to the park, it’s technically considered a Magic Kingdom resort by Disney since it is located in the same area. It’s a beautiful, rustic American Northwest themed resort! Fort Wilderness is also located nearby, but is a bit far removed from everything.

Wilderness Lodge has several good dining options. There’s the uber popular Story Book Dining at Artist Point, which I was able to enjoy a few times pre-pandemic. There’s also Whispering Canyon Cafe with its fun antics that I ate at once in the before times. Quick service options here include Geyser Point and Roaring Fork.

Fort Wilderness has Trail’s End and the last remaining dinner show on property, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue!

Unfortunately, I’ve never stayed at either of these lodging options. I think the cabins are more affordable than the other things listed in this post though. I enjoy visiting these resorts with their natural theme and peaceful vibes.

Magic Kingdom Area Resorts

If you plan on spending lots of time at the Magic Kingdom or if MK is your favorite park, then staying at a nearby resort is a wonderful idea. My one and only complaint about all of these options is the price. Every one of these is so expensive! Have you ever stayed at one of these resorts?

Disney Parks Halloween Parties Compared

August 28, 2024 By Lindsay Leave a Comment

The Disney Parks Halloween Parties are very popular on both coasts. So, I thought I would do a post comparing the two options for anyone considering attending one of them.

Disney Parks Halloween Parties

Both Disneyland and Walt Disney World hold separately ticketed Halloween events every year. I’ve attended the one at Magic Kingdom several times and the one at Disney’s California Adventure once. So, I think I am qualified to discuss the two parties and their differences so you can decide which one is right for you.

Mickey’s Not So Scary

MNSSHP is held every fall at Magic Kingdom at Disney World. Tickets usually go on sale around halfway to Halloween with resort guests getting first dibs on tickets. It starts in early August with parties being held on Tuesdays and Fridays in August. As you get closer to Halloween, they add more nights. So, September has parties on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. By October, there’s parties on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays! The party officially kicks-off at 7 PM and ends at midnight, but you can enter the park at 4 PM. The parties have a history of selling out in advance in recent years, but not immediately. If you are looking for some general Mickey’s Not So Scary Tips, check out my guide to it.

Oogie Boogie Bash

Oogie Boogie is held at DCA in the fall. It starts in mid/late August and runs until Halloween. The party begins at 6 PM and runs until 11 PM, but you can enter the park at 3 PM. The party is pretty consistently held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays for the whole season. Tickets went on sale on June 27, 2024 this year and most dates sold out quickly. However, a few dates remained over the weekend for purchase before selling out. There’s a passholder pre-sale that typically sells out very quickly. Basically, to attend this one, you need to know months in advance and keep an eye on Disneyland’s social media in June/July for ticket sales. You can read my review of the 2023 Oogie Boogie Bash for a deeper dive into what the party entails.

Ticket Differences

Thanks to pent up demand and social media, Oogie Boogie sells out quickly. So, you need to know when you plan to attend by June. Not So Scary doesn’t sell out as quickly, so you have some time to cement your plans before purchasing tickets.

Parties Entertainment Differences

Mickey’s Not So Scary has a good bit more entertainment than Oogie Boogie. Not So Scary has a parade, a stage show, and fireworks! Oogie Boogie just has the parade this year, with the removal of the party exclusive stage show and fireworks being held over in Disneyland park. Although, it also has the party exclusive Villains Grove that is super cool! Admittedly, unless additional entertainment is announced for Oogie Boogie, it appears to be lacking in the entertainment department.

Disney Character Differences

Both parties allow you to meet special characters. So, on the surface that sounds even. However, Oogie Boogie tends to rotate in a few new characters every year. Not So Scary rarely adds many new characters to the party. Additionally, a key difference here is the Treat Trails at Oogie Boogie. Both parties allow you to trick-or-treat regardless of age. However, Oogie Boogie gives you treats and allows you to interact with a villain as you walk by. It’s actually a really neat, unique experience.

Candy Differences

Mickey’s Not So Scary tends to have a good variety of candy available. However, I was surprised by the plethora of other items handed out at Oogie Boogie last year. Candy was handed out, but so were Goldfish treats, baby carrots, and Sunchips! I thought it was a nice change of pace to add some real food to the mix!

Disney Parks Halloween Parties Overall

While they both have characters, entertainment, and trick-or-treating, there are slight differences. It’s hard to say one is better than the other as it depends on what you want to experience at the party. If you want to see a variety of villains, then Oogie Boogie is better. If you like stage shows and fireworks, then Mickey’s Not So Scary is better. Also, I would wager that your distance from the parks is an important factor too.

So, which party do you prefer?

Universal Endless Summer Suite Review

August 14, 2024 By Lindsay Leave a Comment

If you are wondering what the Universal Endless Summer Suite rooms are like, then here’s my review to help you.

Universal Endless Summer Suite

For those who don’t know, Universal Orlando Resorts has three value resorts Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Endless Summer – Dockside and Surfside. Dockside and Surfside are sister resorts under the Endless Summer name and are across the street from one another. I posted a Dockside Inn review and a separate Surfside Inn review previously. However, I thought today I would focus on the popular two bedroom suite option found at both places.

Two Bedroom Suite

When you first enter the room, you see two queen beds, a tv, and a kitchenette area. There’s a picnic table along with a microwave and mini-fridge in this area. Then, you encounter the one bathroom of the suite. There is a double vanity outside the bathroom to allow more people to get ready. Lastly, there’s the separate bedroom with a tiny closet, a queen bed, and tv.

Universal markets these as “two bedroom” suites. However, there’s only one separate bedroom apart from the main two bed area of the suite. So, I think that’s something that you should know immediately. It’s really a separate bedroom for one queen sized bed. It’s great for parents with older children or a group wanting a little more space. I just don’t agree with the two bedroom advertising.

Pros

Most affordable suite – This is probably the most affordable suite you will find in Orlando, especially at an official theme park resort.
Extra space – The suite provides an additional bed(room) over the regular room.
Kitchenette – The addition of the microwave and picnic table was very useful.
Universal Orlando perks – Both of these resorts come with the perks of free park transportation and early theme park entry!
Nice theme – Each resort is themed slightly differently and looks relaxing.

Cons

Temperature control – We found that it was difficult to pick a good temperature for the suites as the separate bedroom has an air vent right over the bed, which leads to it being cooler than the front room.
Noise – Noise is always an issue whenever I stay at a value resort. The walls are paper thin and the air vent in the separate bedroom allows voices to travel from other rooms.
Groups – Due to the pricing, both places are a hit with tour/sports groups. So, you will encounter them in the lobby and possibly hear them running around.
Better quality bedding elsewhere – The bedding is fine. However, I noticed a marked upgrade in bedding at the more expensive resorts.
Lack of storage – There’s only one small open closet in the separate bedroom.

Overall Thoughts on Universal Endless Summer Suite

I think the suites are a good value for larger families on a budget and groups traveling together on a budget. It’s good for anyone who wants extra space or needs a kitchenette. Personally, I prefer to spend the extra money and stay at either Cabana Bay Beach Resort or Aventura. Have you stayed in one of these rooms? What did you think?