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Magic Kingdom Resorts Guide

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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

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

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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 Party

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?

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Guide with Tips

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It’s hard to believe but Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is back in the Magic Kingdom beginning Friday, August 9th! So, I thought I would do a little guide to the event as well as a few tips from my own experiences.

Mickey's Not So Scary

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

For those who don’t know, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a separately ticketed event held on select nights at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Unlike at other parks, this party is pretty much the only way to experience Halloween at Walt Disney World. There’s fall decor up all day in the park, but the special entertainment and characters are party exclusives. It’s similar to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party but for Halloween and with candy instead of cookies!

Trick or Treat

This party is the only way you can trick or treat in the Magic Kingdom! In fact, the young and young at heart are given a bag upon entry to get your fill of candy! It’s so fun to walk down Main Street with a bag of candy while being dressed up. Additionally, this is the only time adults can wear costumes at Disney. Many adults go all out with their costumes. Some people don’t. It’s up to you!

Not So Spooky Spectacular

This is the party exclusive fireworks show! Personally, I consider this is a must-see experience of the party. Usually, you can even book a fireworks dessert party to beat the crowds. I booked a dessert party at the Tomorrowland Terrace back in 2019 on a solo trip. I really enjoyed having a place to sit and desserts to nibble on. However, I will caution people that the view from the Terrace isn’t good for viewing the projections or any extra stage characters. 😉

Mickey’s Boo-to-You Parade

This party exclusive parade is my other can’t miss event at the party. My husband and I really like seeing the gravediggers since they drag their shovels across the ground and emit sparks. It’s a really cute parade that everyone should see at least once. They haven’t made many changes to it over the years, but they do sometimes rotate in different characters. Plus, the music is so darn catchy! The good news is that this parade happens twice a night. So, you have two chances to catch it.

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular!

This is a party exclusive castle stage show. I’ve seen it a few times and it’s cute. However, the show hasn’t changed since it was first introduced. So, I tend to prioritize getting candy, seeing special characters, or riding rides. If it’s your first time attending or you are a huge Hocus Pocus fan, then you should make time to see it. It’s usually shown several times during the party and I recommend looking over the times guide if this is important to you.

See Special Characters

Around the park, you will be able to see special party exclusive characters as well as more regular characters in their Halloween costumes! I loved meeting Winnie the Pooh and Friends in their costumes back in 2019. I also met Donald and Daisy in their costumes in 2016. I enjoyed meeting Elvis Stitch in 2019 since I was wearing a Lilo dress. There’s even a very popular Jack and Sally meet and greet during this party! However, the wait for them is typically pretty long.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Tips

  • Purchase tickets in advance – The parties tend to sell out weeks in advance. If you wait until the day of the party, you will probably be out of luck. So, buy tickets as soon as you know when you are going.
  • Eat early – You can enter the park as early as 4 PM even though the party doesn’t begin until 7. Typically, I use this time to eat dinner. Although, in the future I may delay heading over to the crowded park and grab dinner at a monorail resort prior to the party.
  • Stake out a spot for the parade early – Unfortunately, there’s not a seated option for the parade unlike at the Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party. So, you will have to stake out a spot for the parade in advance. I recommend at least half an hour in advance, if not an hour. Lots of people have advised that the second parade is less crowded, but I’m not sure that’s true anymore. Either way, you will need to stake out a spot in advance.
  • Enjoy some treats – There’s plenty of free candy to be had. However, they also sell party exclusive foods too. So, be sure to save some room for those!
  • Have a rough plan – Consult the park’s schedule and party map ahead of time. Have a list of must-do’s and tackle those first. Then, do the nice to-do’s.
  • Trick or treat later in the night – Maybe get some early in the party to snack on while waiting for the parade, but save the rest for later in the night. This way, you won’t get tired carrying around a bag full of candy.
  • Be prepared for the heat – It’s probably going to be hot. So, drink lots of water and wear a light costume. I say skip the heavy face makeup and wigs/hats.

It’s really not so scary…

Have you ever attended this party? What are your must-do’s or tips?

Walt Disney World vs Disneyland

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Many people assume that the US Disney parks are the same, but there are many differences between Walt Disney World vs Disneyland. So, I thought I would do a post to help anyone starting to plan a trip to one of these destinations with experience visiting the other location.

Disney World vs Disneyland

Disney World vs Disneyland

While both are theme parks owned by Disney, they operate very differently. In fact, I sometimes struggle with planning for Land because I’m so used to visiting World. So, let’s jump into some basics.

Walt Disney World is located in Orlando, Florida. It consists of four theme parks and two water parks. There are 25+ resorts on property to choose from. This is a sprawling resort covering lots of land and there are several different free modes of transportation to travel across the property including: bus, boats, and Skyliner. It’s important to understand that the vast majority of people visiting WDW are traveling from somewhere else and not locals. So, the policies here tend to favor people staying on-site.

Disneyland is located in Anaheim, California. It’s the original Disney theme park and its construction was overseen by Walt Disney himself! It’s much more compact than World. In fact, there’s just two theme parks and they are across from each other. You can simply walk across the esplanade to visit the other park! There’s also three on-site resorts, but lots of off property ones nearby (as in walking distance). An important difference to know is that unlike in Florida, there are far more locals attending this park than people traveling to visit. So, their policies tend to favor passholders instead of hotel guests.

Advance Dining Reservation Differences

Disney World has an overwhelming number of dining options. However, one perk of staying on-site here is the ability to book advance dining reservations for the length of your trip 60 days out from the first day of your stay! Clearly, this policy favors people staying on-site instead of locals.

Disneyland, on the other hand, allows everyone to book dining reservations one day at a time, 60 days in advance. So, you will have to get up early multiple days in a row to get in demand restaurants. However, it also levels the playing field since everyone can make reservations beginning at the same time. This is the reverse of Disney World and allows the locals to grab in-demand reservations just as easily as people traveling to the resort.

Word of advice for both locations: keep checking for reservations to open up. Just because you don’t get a desired reservation 60 days out doesn’t mean you won’t get it. You can set up a reservation finder to notify you when something pops up and you can continue to check yourself up until the day of.

Hotel Differences

Walt Disney World has so many different resorts on property that they have different tiers: Value Resorts, Moderate Resorts, Deluxe Resorts and DVC (Disney’s timeshare or Disney Vacation Club). There are also off site properties, but those won’t come with free park transportation and you will need to account for that in your budget. However, the resort is so spread out that very few of the resorts are walking distance to a park. Also, you will have to get familiar with the various forms of transportation available at your specific resort.

Disneyland is much smaller. There’s only three official resorts: Pixar Place Hotel, Disneyland Hotel, and Grand Californian Hotel. All three are considered Deluxe or DVC Resorts. Additionally, all three are walking distance to the parks, but so are lots of other off-site hotels. The Grand Californian and Pixar Place have their own entrances to Disney’s California Adventure. Most people stay off-site when visiting Disneyland due to the high prices and compact layout.

Skip the Line Differences

Disney has struggled with their skip the line program since the pandemic. In fact, it just recently underwent some new changes in policies and naming, again. Suffice it to say, I encourage you to look up the most up to date policies when you plan your next trip. Currently, Walt Disney World allows you to book 3 experiences a week out but Disneyland does not.

Disney World vs Disneyland Special Events

Walt Disney World has a regular rotation of special events. There’s the festivals at Epcot, Halloween and Christmas parties at Magic Kingdom, and Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios. There’s also the After Hours events. Besides Jollywood Nights, there hasn’t been a new ticketed event in several years at Disney World.

However, due to Disneyland’s reliance on locals, they tend to have new events pretty regularly. Their Disneyland After Dark events are massively popular and seem to have new themes every year. Disneyland also gets new seasonal costumes for the characters, unlike Disney World. Basically, you can expect new stuff at Disneyland pretty often.

Special Event Ticket Differences

Once again, their individual special event ticket policies favor different groups. Walt Disney World typically puts special event tickets on sale to resort guests first. Disneyland on the other hand often has passholder pre-sales that allows passholders to purchase tickets before the general public. Although, Disney World will often give a minimal (~$10) passholder discount on the special event tickets.

Disneyland vs Walt Disney World

Shew. This is a long post. I debated splitting it up into multiple posts, but I wanted an overall guide. So, what do you think? Is this helpful?

Break Day at Disney World Guide

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When you are planning a trip to Disney parks, you may be wondering should I build in a break day at Disney World? Also, what activities are available for a non-park day? If that’s you, this post is for you.

Break Day at Disney World

Should you have a non-park day?

A theme park trip can be pricey. So, the idea of taking a break day may sound weird. So, I thought I would start this post with a list of pros and cons of taking a break day.

Pros

  • Time to relax – Most theme park days at Disney are go, go, go! So, it can be nice to sleep in and not worry about rope dropping the park or an early restaurant reservation.
  • Can enjoy non-park activities – There’s so much to do at Disney World and in Orlando that a non-park day doesn’t have to be boring.
  • Feel better – Taking a rest day can help you feel better when you return to the parks the next day or when you return home.
  • Can save money – This sounds counter-intuitive, but you are paying for one less day in the parks. Note, this wouldn’t mean anything for passholders.

Cons

  • Added expense – You will have to pay for another night at a hotel and a whole day’s worth of food and possibly entertainment.
  • Longer trip – I know how difficult it can be to schedule time off of work or to leave things at home. So, another day may be too much.
  • Some people may get bored – If you prefer to constantly be moving, then maybe you don’t need a break day.

What to do on a break day at Disney World

Here are some ideas for things to do outside the parks!

  • Go swimming – Most resorts have nice pools and a break day is a wonderful day to take full advantage of them! I’ve heard good things about the pools at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and the main one at Coronado Springs is pretty.
  • Go shopping – My mom loves to hit up the local outlet malls. We prefer the one near Universal but they are both good.
  • Watch tv – I know it doesn’t sound exciting, but it can feel refreshing to just catch up on a favorite show or watch an old Disney cartoon on tv.
  • Enjoy the resort – Lots of resorts have fantastic restaurants to enjoy. Plus, some deluxe resorts have great entertainment options. For instance, Fort Wilderness has the Tri-Circle-D Ranch that anyone can visit. I keep thinking I will visit someday, but never have time. You can even book a carriage ride at certain resorts!
  • Go fishing – Yes, there are several resorts on property where you can go fishing!
  • Play golf – There are two mini golf courses as well as three full golf courses on property!
  • Visit Disney Springs – There’s lots to see and eat at Disney Springs!
  • Visit a water park – There are two water parks on property, with one being open at a time.
  • Visit Orlando – You could visit Kennedy Space Center or another theme park! There’s lots to do in Orlando besides Disney or other theme parks. There’s even a Medieval Times in Orlando!

What do you do on a break day at Disney?

Do you take break days at Disney? If so, what do you do on those non-park days?