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Author Archives: Meredith Smisek

Meredith Smisek is a kid at heart who works as an elementary school counselor. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, son, and corgi. Meredith is a DVC member who loves music, podcasts, crafting, and "talking Disney" with anyone and everyone.

How Best to Experience Disney If You Haven’t Planned Ahead

Castle Balloons

Have you just booked a last minute trip, or perhaps didn’t realize the level of planning that can go into a Disney trip?  Not to worry. You can still have an absolutely magical vacation, and we’re going to tell you how to do it! True, last minute planning takes many of our regular recommendations out of the equation.  Making dining ...

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How Best to Experience Disney If You Haven’t Planned Ahead

Citricos

4.  Get up early & rope drop FastPass+ is incredibly helpful, but getting up early and “rope dropping” still remains one of the absolutely best tips that gives guests the most advantage, allowing them to see the most attractions with the shortest wait times without FastPass. When exactly is “rope drop?”  If the park opens at 9am, you’ll want to ...

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How Best to Experience Disney If You Haven’t Planned Ahead

6.  Enjoy quick-service dining & snacks Even though you can absolutely find great dining reservations last-minute, you don’t actually need dining reservations to have great food!  And here’s an unintended bonus- choosing counter service dining locations will save you time and money on your trip!  Whether you’re looking to eat healthy or ready to indulge, there are so many counter ...

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Disney Vacation Club Resorts and What You’ll Love About Them

Grand Floridian . _Disney Vacation Club Resorts _ disney fanatic

Disney Vacation Club, or DVC, is Disney’s equivalent to a timeshare.  Members have contracts worth a certain amount of points that can be used to reserve deluxe accommodations.  For travelers who want to visit Disney properties year after year, membership affords them the ability to save money on those accommodations over time. Many of the deluxe resorts at Walt Disney ...

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5 Tips for Eating Healthy Meals & Snacks at Walt Disney World

Tangierine cafe

1. Know where to go for some delicious meals and snacks!

 Regardless of where your party has reserved a meal, you’re likely to find a healthy option or two on the menu.  The less planned, on-the-go dining is more of a challenge if you haven’t looked in advance. Here’s a list of a few particularly delicious Quick Service options for ...

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5 Tips for Eating Healthy Meals & Snacks at Walt Disney World

Dole Whip

3.  Snack smarter Eating around the “World” might be tempting, but those snacks you grab during the day can add up.  Skipping snacks is sure to make you cranky, though, so let’s focus on the ones that won’t weigh you down.  One of the most popular treats, the Dole Whip, is actually not terrible for you at all. Coming in ...

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5 Tips for Eating Healthy Meals & Snacks at Walt Disney World

Artists Point

Are you someone who tries to eat balanced, healthy meals, even on vacation?   I’m trying to make improvements in my eating choices, and I must admit that thinking about “dieting” on vacation is a bit stressful- but so is the thought of gaining those extra pounds.  The good news? Eating healthy food at Walt Disney World is actually easier than ...

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7 Brilliant Tips For Carrying Out Your Dream Disney Vacation

Tomorrowland Dessert Party

4.  Reserve the “Extras” That Are Right for You Disney offers many experiences that incur additional costs.  Some families avoid these altogether- and who can blame them? There’s plenty to do at Walt Disney World.  For others, it can be tempting to reserve several extra-special experiences.  Looking for a happy medium? Try to hone in on one experience that will ...

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7 Brilliant Tips For Carrying Out Your Dream Disney Vacation

Memory Maker

2.  Strike the Vacation Balance that’s Right for YOUR Family Despite my best intentions to “relax more” when I head to Walt Disney World, I often find myself up at the crack of dawn, hurrying my little boy into his sneakers, and gearing up the stroller to get to the park for “rope drop.”  We thrive on commando-style morning park ...

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7 Brilliant Tips For Carrying Out Your Dream Disney Vacation

Castle Balloons

You’ve booked your trip- the dates are set, the travel arrangements have been made, and the resort is reserved.  Now it’s time to get into the fun of tackling the smaller details- both before and during your trip. Here’s an assortment of tips that I’ve found useful over my many Disney trips that are likely to apply to most families. ...

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