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Since Disneyland is practically in our backyard, that’s usually my point of reference when I am talking about “Disney”. Except this year, my family and I were invited to visit Walt Disney World for the first time. Though there are many similarities, there are also many attributes that makes them both unique in their own regard. Disneyland, Walt’s first adventure, is a smaller, much easier space to navigate. I personally love the nostalgia and feel of the 1950′s found in the look and decor, with some modern updates adapted into the mix. I love knowing that I am riding in the same Tea Cups and pushing through the same turn-styles my mom did as a young girl, and that my kids are doing now. There has always been the allure of Disney World, however, imagining the differences of the rides, the shows, the castle…exploring the different parks and being enveloped in Walt’s dream. Mobile Magic App…The first two days there, the kind folks at Disney World treated us to world class meals, and access to major attractions with a behind the scenes perspective. With them, I was quickly able to work my way through 3 massive theme-parks in a matter of 48-hours. Magical, indeed. But there was the small issue of having to do it alone, with my mother and two kids for the remainder of our trip. I can walk through Disneyland blindfolded. I know the short cuts, how to avoid crowds, when to escape for a nap and in what order to hit up the Fast Passes. Disney World, however, is a whole other beast. My mom and I would stand there frustrated and lost; stuck in the crowds, wishing we knew the back way or a short cut. At first, we were like Disney tourists, pulling out our maps every few feet, standing on the sideline, hoping the crowds would die down a bit. Then, something magical happened…as we were riding on the bus from where we were staying, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, to the Magic Kingdom, I saw an advertisement that changed the rest of our trip.

Faster than you can say, “They have an app for that?”, the Disney Mobile Magic App was downloaded on my iPhone. I want to tell you why this app is a fantastic resource for your next trip, and what’s even more amazing, it works for both Disneyland and Disney World.

• Lists daily operating hours and Magic Hours for each Theme Park and Entertainment Areas
• Identifies times of each parade, show or special event
• Map can be Virtual or by List identifying each Land, Ride and Hours of Operation
• “Favorite” the attractions that are important for you and your family- they are then added to your list. From there, the app let’s you know Wait Time, which Favorite attraction you are closest to, and Fast Pass information
• Characters are broken down into categories i.e.: Mickey and Friends, Princesses and Princes, Pixar Pals, etc., and located for you throughout the park

• Direct flight options on Southwest airlines from Las Vegas to Orlando
• Utilizing Disney Vacations makes a planned vacation more affordable with payment plans and options
• Meal and dining plans can be pre-paid to allow more availability of your spending budget
• Park Hopper can be added onto your ticket for an additional cost
• Resort hotels are available to accomodate every budget and every type of traveler (luxury, family, multi-generational, etc.)

Now that I’ve been, I would like to go back again. This time, my trip would be planned around a special event like Halloween, Christmas or the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. We have friends who live on the East coast, and this would be a great middle meeting spot with the kids. Only having been there for 5 days, there is stil so much more to see and explore, restaurants to eat at and hotels to stay in. The redesigned Fantasyland opens in early 2013, with a new roller coaster concept with a Snow White theme, Beauty and the Beast castle and restaurant that I can’t wait to see. In a few more years, I would love to go back with the whole family, and maybe even add a cruise onto our vacation. I found the weather in Florida to be quite comparable to that of Hawaii, and I have to tell you, Southerners know how to cook. We did not have a bad meal anywhere. Walt Disney’s vision of Disney World was to be a place full of magic. Where families could come to relax, no troubles, no worries. Escape reality for a bit and travel into a space and time that provoked good old fashion family fun and create memories for years to come. Can’t say he didn’t succeed…the whole time on our trip, I felt like I was no where else but in the happiest place in the world!

A special thank you to the Walt Disney World Public Relations division for inviting my family and me to experience Walt Disney World, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, experiences and special attractions. All opinions and statements are of my own accord.

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