Why is it so hard to find a 2 or 3 bedroom villa at Disney World?
Why are 2 and 3 bedroom villas so hard to book?
1) There aren’t many 2 and 3 bedroom villas available across Disney World so they tend to book up faster than other villa types.
2) DVC members are able to book these rooms before the general public. After about 6 months out, villas that have not been reserved by DVC members will be placed into inventory for the general public.
Great places to start your search are Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resorts, they often have availability set aside for non-DVC members.
You might also want to explore the vacation cottages at Margaritaville Orlando:
https://orlandoparksguy.com/margaritaville
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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How to Find Your Car at Walt Disney World
Use your phone to help find your car at Walt Disney World
As an Orlando local, and travel advisor, I spend a lot of time in the Disney World theme parks, which also means I drive to the parks. One thing the makes me go bonkers is the constant sound of car alarms going off across the parking lot. At any given time, 5 or 6 alarms will be going off and it’s really annoying.
No, Disney isn’t a high crime area. It’s people activating the panic button on their remote to help them find their car in the vast, seemingly endless parking lots of Walt Disney World.
Soon, Disney World will be adding a new feature to its mobile app called “Car Locator” which will help people locate their car in the parking lots.
But did you know your smartphone already has this technology built in? You can use your phone to help you locate your car in any parking lot, even outside of Disney World.
Most newer phones automatically remember your vehicle’s location whenever they are disconnected from Bluetooth.
Here’s how you can use your phone to find your car, in all parking lots, but especially Disney.
iPhone Users
How to turn on the Parked Car feature
The Parked Car option should be enabled by default, but just in case it's not, it's easy to turn it on manually. Just be sure to set it up while your phone is connected to your vehicle’s bluetooth system.
Open the Settings app.
Tap the Maps setting.
Scroll to the bottom of the screen.
Make sure the Show Parked Location toggle is switched to the On position.
How to find your car
Open Maps and tap Parked Car.
You can even ask Siri to help, just say “Hey Siri, Where’s my Car?”
Android Users
How to save where you’re parked
On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Maps app.
Tap the blue dot that shows your location.
Tap Save your parking.
How to find where you're parked
Open the Google Maps
Tap the search bar and then Parking location.
On the bottom, tap Directions.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Disney World: What if I forgot to make a park reservation?
Forgot to make a park reservation at Walt Disney World? Here are some options.
You are required to make theme park reservations for Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. Theme Park Reservations are made on the Walt Disney World website only, not on the mobile app.
But what happens if you forgot to make a reservation and the parks are at capacity? Can you still get into the park?
Sometimes same-day availability opens up, so keep checking the website everyday.
Do not show up without a reservation expecting to plead your case to the Cast Member at the gate. You will be denied entry without a reservation, assuming reservations are at capacity. Disney is firm on this. I see it happen all the time - heartbreaking!
One solution might be to add the Park Hopper option to your ticket. If you see availability at other Disney parks, make the reservation then park hop to the park you really want to visit.
Just keep in mind that park hopping begins at 2 pm.
The fee is approximately $100 per ticket, but on multi-day tickets, it will be valid for all your remaining ticket days.
I was hoping that Disney would eliminate the need for park reservations in 2023, but it appears leadership is just getting started. There are rumors that premium (paid) park reservation options may be coming.
Park reservations are subject to availability and they do book up on certain days - especially weekends.
It’s best to make your reservations as far in advance as possible. They can be adjusted later if there is availability.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Tour Disney's Vero Beach Resort
Join me as I visit and tour Disney’s Vero Beach Resort in Florida
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is located 2 hours southeast of Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
It’s actually part of the Walt Disney World collection of hotels - online check in is done through the Disney World mobile app.
The resort consists of standard hotel rooms, 1 and 2 bedroom villas, and 3-bedroom cottages.
On this trip we had an Ocean View hotel room. The extra cost for the view was well worth it.
Despite being a beach hotel, Disney has hidden the beach from any ground level area of the resort. Every possible view from the main floor or even outside on the sidewalk is blocked by thick vegetation.
I suspect this has to do with creating dark beaches for the sea turtles, so if you want to see the ocean, get an Ocean View room!
Tips for Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Sign up for activities as soon as you check-in, especially kid’s programs.
Check-in is a 4pm, rooms are seldom ready earlier. But you can arrive any time and use the pool and beach.
Beach chairs and cabanas are available to rent for a small fee or you can bring your own. Surprisingly Disney doesn’t overcharge you on the rentals.
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is in a secluded location, there’s nothing for miles in either direction. Plan to spend most of your time in the resort. The village of Vero Beach is about 20 miles away.
Plan your trip as far in advance as possible. This resort is sold out every night of the year
December though February is considered the high season. September and October are the low season months.
Recommended Dining Near Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2022
Dates and Rates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2022 at Magic Kingdom Park
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns in 2022 on select nights from November 8 through December 22, 2022. Here are the party dates, ticket prices and highlights of this holly jolly event!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2022
2022 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates and Ticket Prices.
Children ages 3-9 save $10 on the regular price. Children under the age of 3 are free.
November 8, 2022 $159
November 10, 2022 $149
November 11, 2022 $159
November 14, 2022 $149
November 15, 2022 $149
November 17, 2022 $149
November 18, 2022 $159
November 20, 2022 $179
November 22, 2022 $179
November 27, 2022 $169
November 29, 2022 $169
December 1, 2022 $169
December 2, 2022 $169
December 4, 2022 $169
December 6, 2022 $169
December 8, 2022 $169
December 9, 2022 $179
December 11, 2022 $179
December 13, 2022 $179
December 15, 2022 $179
December 16, 2022 $179
December 18, 2022 $179
December 20, 2022 $199
December 22, 2022 $199
Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party worth it?
I’m asked this all the time and have given this a lot of thought. And let me just say I was asked this when tickets were $80 each. As you can see they are significantly higher now.
I do think it’s a terrific event and I receive only positive feedback from clients about MVMCP. If you’ve never been before I think it’s worth doing at least once.
The event doesn’t change that much from year-to-year so it might not be something you need to do every year.
And if you don’t already have a regular ticket for Magic Kingdom, you can enter as early at 4:00 PM with your Christmas party ticket, giving you 8 hours of time in the park - with 3 hours of ride time before the party starts.
Event Times
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will take place from 7:00 PM to midnight.
These date-specific event tickets do not require an additional theme park ticket or theme park reservation.
Throughout Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you can:
Delight in the amazingly festive Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show!
Gather to watch Disney Characters give a yuletide nod to the season during Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.
Get the perfect picture with Disney pals dressed in their Christmas best!
Make your night extra sweet when you explore the park searching for cookies and cocoa.
Take in the elaborate decorations that bring the spirit of the season to life!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Will the rides be operating in the park during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2022?
Yes! Below is a list of popular rides and attractions that will be operating during the event. While it might be fun to do a ride or two, you shouldn’t plan on doing many rides at all.
You’re paying a decent amount of money to be in the Magic Kingdom after hours for a special event.
The event will fly by because you’re having so much fun. Some of your time will go to reserving a good spot to watch Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show and the Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. Not to mention the various character events taking place and stopping for cookies and hot chocolate.
My recommendation is to do a ride or two, but overall it’s about the Christmas party.
Attractions That Operate during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party:
Explore each land throughout Magic Kingdom park and discover iconic attractions.
Highlights include:
Fantasyland
Frontierland
Liberty Square
Tomorrowland
And many more!
All attractions and experiences are subject to change without notice.
To add Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets to your Walt Disney World package, contact me here.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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More Character Meals Returning to Walt Disney World
First Look: More Character Dining to Return at Disney World
More character dining is returning to Walt Disney World Resort
If you have been waiting patiently to dine with Disney characters, I have some great news! Today, Disney World announced that even more character meals are returning for guests, including my personal favorite, breakfast with Stitch at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort!
The Crystal Palace: A Buffet with Characters featuring Winnie the Pooh and Friends
Returning September 20, 2022 for lunch and dinner, just off Main Street U.S.A. inside Magic Kingdom Park. Feast on prime rib, ravioli and peal and eat shrimp.
‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo and Stitch
‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo and Stitch
‘Ohana is currently opened for breakfast minus Lilo and Stitch but they’re coming back on September 27, 2022! ‘Ohana is located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, just outside the Magic Kingdom. You’ll find pineapple coconut breakfast bread, Mickey waffles of course and Lilikoi juice.
Cape May Café Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast
Join Minnie Mouse and friends at this New England inspired restaurant located inside Disney’s Beach Club Resort.
Disney character dining experiences vary in price by date, but are usually around $55 per person
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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What can we do in Epcot with small kids?
Popular Epcot rides and attractions for those with small children
What’s in Epcot for small kids? Plenty! Here is a list of some the most popular things for little ones to do while visiting Epcot.
There’s plenty of big thrills for older kids and adults as well, plus unique dining and entertainment throughout the park.
Beauty and Beast Sing-Along
Located at the France Pavilion, this short film has the audience singing to popular songs from Disney’s animated feature, Beauty and Beast.
Disney Pixar Short Film Festival
Watch popular Disney and Pixar shorts with 3D glasses in a very unique, 4D theater.
Epcot Character Experiences
Meet the Disney characters and princesses around World Showcase. Belle, Anna, Elsa, Alice in Wonderland, Mickey and pals, and Mulan are just some of the characters you’ll find - just be sure to look up when and where they are scheduled to appear, using the Disney World app.
Frozen Ever After | Norway Pavilion
Frozen Ever After
A musial boat ride into Norway where you’ll pass scenes from the film, Frozen. This is one of the most popular rides in Walt Disney World.
Gran Fiesta Tour | Mexico Pavilion
Gran Fiesta Tour
A slow moving boat ride that takes you on a musical journey through Mexico.
Harmonious | World Showcase
Harmonious Nighttime Spectacular
An incredible and uniquely Disney fireworks and projection show with a new take on classic Disney music.
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
A slow-moving dark ride where Figment takes you on a tour through the sensory labs of the Imagination Institute.
Kidcot Fun Stops
Have your little one interact with the Kidcot Cast Members and collect small souvenirs from each of the 11 countries around World Showcase.
Living with the Land | The Land Pavilion
Living with the Land
A gentle boat ride through the past, present and future of farming with beautiful scenery and greenhouses.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure | France Pavilion
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure
A whimsical, gentle dark ride attraction where Remy from the Disney - Pixar film Ratatouille takes you on exciting 4D adventure. It’s one of the most popular rides in Walt Disney World!
SeaBase at The Seas Pavilion
One of the largest aquariums in the world right inside Epcot! See coral reefs, sharks, manatees, sea turtles, and more in a beautiful, underwater atmosphere. Tip! Ride the Seas with Nemo and Friends first.
The Seas with Nemo and Friends | The Seas Pavilion
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
A slow-moving dark ride attraction where you go under the sea to find Nemo. You’ll exit this attraction into SeaBase.
Turtle Talk with Crush
An interactive show with Crush from Finding Nemo designed just for little kids. Parents will find it hilarious too.
Spaceship Earth
Go inside the “Epcot ball” on a slow-moving tour of the past, present and future of human communication, with interactive touch-screens.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Disney has started piloting an airport luggage assistance program at select Disney World hotels!