Mitchell Family Adventures

We decided to participate in Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party in September 2016.  We went during September for a long weekend due to scheduling conflicts in October.  The event actually starts in August on select weekdays and weekends.  Prices are cheaper in August and gradually increase to October.  If you are an annual pass member there are discounted tickets sold.  Knowing this would be a short trip we did not want to be inconvenienced by transportation so we stayed in at the Polynesian.  This was also our first experience with Club Level.  Once again, we love the Polynesian because of the transportation to Magic Kingdom.  We enjoyed the water taxi especially after the party.  The crowds were minimal and it was a relaxing ride so late at night.   Though the party is from 7pm until midnight, you may enter the park at 4pm with your event tickets.  You will receive party wristbands at the gates.  You and your party will be directed to the right behind shops on Main Stre

Wilderness Lodge has our heart. There is something about the decor of the American North West that attracts us. The resort is snugly located outside of Magic Kingdom. The transportation options include water taxi and bus to Magic Kingdom as well as bus transportation to the other parks. It is too far away to walk to MK and it is not on the monorail system. The water taxi ride is efficient and also relaxing due to the scenery. The water taxi has two routes; one will take you and your guests to the Fort Wilderness camp grounds as well as over to the Contemporary Resort and the other takes you to MK. Both times we stayed at this resort we enjoyed Club Level. While we enjoyed Club Level at the Polynesian because it was our first time, we thoroughly enjoyed Club Level at Wilderness Lodge. During our first stay, we were greeted at check-in with a sign welcoming our family. Since I do not ride elevators, a Cast Member graciously walked us up the stairs to the Club Level area. I love that

One of the items on our family's WDW bucket list includes staying on each Disney resort property at least one time.  While we have not hit all of them yet, we are close!  People always ask me which property is our family's favorite.  On our way home from Disney we design our favorite by pulling bits and pieces from different properties we have been fortunate to enjoy.  Here are the resorts we have stayed at so far.   Art of Animation , Animal Kingdom Lodge , the Polynesian , Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, Port Orleans Riverside, Port Orleans French Quarter, Coronado Springs, Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club, Caribbean Beach  Below is a review of three of the above.  I will discuss more in later posts. 1.  Art of Animation The Art of Animation is a Disney value level hotel. What this title refers to is in reference to price to stay reflected in size of room and transportation options.  This is the only value resort we have stayed at.  As

Our family is a Star Wars obsessed family. While we may not be as devout as some, we love it.  Hollywood Studios allows us to get our Star Wars fix and it will definitely generate more crowds when Galaxy’s Edge opens.  Currently there are character meet and greets with Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, and BB-8. The Jawas walk around and are always ready to trade for something shiny. If you have a Disney Visa card you can do a private meet and greet with Kylo Ren.  There is also movie shorts to watch as well as the March of the Storm Troopers through the park.  The Storm Troopers will engage with you on a limited basis. I suggest wearing Star Wars gear to catch their attention. Cooper had a neon green Jedi shirt that always attracted their attention.   Cooper was ready for training but Reagan was not. She was old enough (kids must be between ages 4-12) but was hesitant to do it alone. Parents cannot accompany their children during the process. I would suggest getting to Hollywood

As a family, we created a WDW bucket list.  I will post a blog entry about each 😊 1. Stay on every Disney property at least once. 2. Take Reagan and Cooper to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. 3. Let Reagan and Cooper participate in the Pirate’s League. 4. Play the Sorcerers of Magic Kingdom. 5. Complete the Jedi Training Academy. 6. Snack around the World Showcase at Epcot. 7. See nighttime fireworks are every park. 8. Attend a dessert party. 9. Complete one Disney race as a family. 10. Do all four parks in one day. 11. Fly to Disney.  12. Attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. 13. Attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. 14.  Go to a Disney water park.

Disney does not disappoint when it comes to dining.  Whether snacks or full meals, we have seldom been disappointed with anything.  With our years of doing Disney, we have tried the dining plan and we have gone without it.  Personally for our family we find it is not the best option as we overall don’t eat much. Plus the snacks can be the best part if you know what to get.  For example, at Magic Kingdom we can not forgo a cinnamon roll from Gaston’s Tavern.  They are HUGE. We either split one as a family or we get two to share between the four of us.  We also love The Plaza ice cream.  The peanut butter sundae is tops and seasonal ones, like peppermint, can’t be missed.  At Epcot, the World Showcase will leave you stuffed if you “eat” around the world instead of “drink” around the world.  France has great ice cream and pastries. Norway has a coconut pastry that is amazing! Oh, and Morocco! You have to get the baklava. At Animal Kingdom we love the elephant ear pastry.  Of course at any