Disney Reference and Tips


  • Download the free My Disney Experience App for your smartphone to look for dining reservations on the go. You can make last minute reservations and the app stores your reservation number for you so you don't have to write it down. Limk all the members in your traveling party so everyone can have the information at their fingertips

  • If you can't obtain a dining reservation try a walk up to a restaurant that may have new flavors or different cooking techniques. They often have openings right before the fireworks.
  • It helps to check in early for dining reservations often time you will be seated and order your meal before your official reservation time, also if you have a request like aquarium view at Coral Reef Restaurant in EPCOT  or a window seat in California Grill at the Contemporary Hotel your more likely to get your request fulfilled if you are early.

  • In 2022 when the Magical Express Bus stops from the airport Mears will no longer be offering shuttle vans to and from Orlando Airport. However you can book a luxury vehicle to pick you up. Mears isn't the only company that offers this service. There are multiple companies like: Happy Limo, Orlando Chauffeured Services and Ultimate Town Car. Do your research and find the best fit for your trip.  Orlando Chauffeured Services came recommended by many. They have different vehicle sizes and if traveling with children they offer car seats and booster seats.  They watch your flight status and help you with your luggage.

  • The medical name for the "Disney Rash" is exercise induced vasculitis (EIV) This condition is also known as Golfer's rash, Hiker's Rash, and golfers Vasculitus produced by a combination of hot weather, sunlight exposure, and sudden and prolonged periods of walking or exercising outdoors.  Elevate your legs if you can. Aloe gel and hydrocortisone cream helps and take it to the parks with you. Take breaks during the day. It will gradually clear up once your home from vacation.

  • IF you get sick while vacationing at Disney go to Centracare they are just outside of Disney and they can pick you up at the hotel.
  • Centracare Link

  • Landry is who owns TREX Restaurant and Rainforest Cafe and Yak and Yeti.  Go to their website Landry.com and signup you will receive an email for $25.00 about ten days later you can use it at these restaurants.  If you can't get a reservation or if you want to be seated earlier for your reservation show the restaurants your Landry card.  Order it early enough so you will have it for your trip.

  • Want to dine in EPCOT's Germany but are vegan?  Tell them you are vegan and the chef will speak with you and prepares amazing vegan food. 
  • Topolinos at the Riveria Hotel has wonderful views and is very romantic. If you tell them it's your anniversary they will make it magical.

  • Staying at Carribean Beach a preferred room in Martinique with a pool right near the room and a short walk to the main pool and food court. Martinique is also the first bus stop on the property so you don't have to wait for a second bus to go to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.  There is also an internal bus that takes you over to skyliner area to go to EPCOT and HS. The theming there is really amazing.

  • www.antiqueslakeland.com sells Disney Hotel and them park items from refurbishments.  You may be able to bring a little Disney home for your home !!!  Very Exciting :)

  • Airport Transfers in Orlando now that Disney Magical Express service is no longer being offered. Tiffany Towncar will also stop at the grocery store on the way to the Hotel for you . www.tiffanytowncar.com

  • If you want to use the Disney photographers while in the Magic Kingdom opt for a special picture at night with Tinker Bell Lanterns , then go to just down where Peter Pan and Small world are walk to toward Haunted Mansion and you will find the photographers for these special pictures.

  • Disney Animal Kingdom Hotel - 

Disney Springs

  • Disney Springs offers a fully sensory immersive experience call THE VOID this experience has interactive sets and real time effects with amazing technology.
  • House of Blues.
  • Aerophile Hot Air Balloon Rides (tethered)
  • Pick a pearl experience 1 pearl for $15.00
  • Movie theatre
  • Bowling Alley Splitsville - Has good nachos
  • Boat ride to Saratoga Springs
  • Boat ride to Old Key West
  • Tons of Shopping 
  • Cirque De Soliel
  • Wine Bar George - According Disney Fan's  give this place good reviews if  you are a wine lover
Note: Luxury Time Shop at Disney Springs gives you a free necklace you have to ask for it  :)


Grand Floridian Hotel  store Basin sells concentrated perfumes try Love and Wishes
Animal Kingdom Hotel doing movies under the stars - Most Hotels offer this evening activity
Riveria Resort has movies down by the pool
Horse Drawn Carriage Rides at TriCircle D Ranch

Animal Kingdom - You have to experience Flight of Passage and Navi River Ride in the Pandora area, Harambe Safari, Kali River Rapids,
Eating at the park has many options Tiffins ($$$), Yak & Yeti ($$), Restaurantosaurus ($), Rainforest Cafe ($$) all sitting in and reservations are needed. Good quick service like Sautil Canteen, Harmabe Market , Flame Tree BBQ, Yak and Yeti Mobile Order

Animal Kingdom Fun Fact - At night after the park closes the animals retreat to their shelters for security purposes. Getting them into their enclosures is easier than you might think. They have been conditioned audibly so each species responds to a designated sound just for them. cowbell for zebras, coach whistle for giraffes.  They are cared for and fed once they get to their enclosures.

When taking the safari ride - They say Kwaherini but it is only said to a group of people the response back to the driver should be Kwaheri which is Swahili for  "Go Well" as they don't like to say good bye. :)

In Animal Kingdom walk around Pandora at night is very breathtaking!!

All of Disney Pools are heated to 82 degrees...

Signup for MouseDining.com Alerts are free and are sent to your email .

Planning a Trip to Disney...

To get excited about Disney watch these blogs Paging Mr Morrow. Super Enthused, DFB Guide, PCDevv, Kyle Pallo, Tim Tracker

Don't forget about birthday celebration - when you check in at hotel pick up celebration badges,  If you forget go to main street city hall to get badge, Disney has a florist and gift baskets to  make the celebration nice  you can have delivery awaiting when checking in.

Pizza Delivery for Hotel

Off Disney Property Pizza Delivery - GIORDANOS - 407-239-8900 -  They deliver and close at 11 PM - orders.giordanos.com -  they have locations in Orlando and Kissimmee they offer pizza, appetizers, soup , sandwiches, pasta dishes and dessert.  They get great reviews!! They offer mozzarello Triangles, Calamari, Greek Salad, Fettuccine Alfredo, Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce,  Thin Crust Pizza - Spinach and Cheese, Super Veggie,  Deep Dish Pizza -  Make your own mushroom,  peppers and onions, Spinach and Cheese, Super Veggie Deep Dish - Mushrooms , green peppers, onions , garlic, broccolli, spinach , black olives.

Off Disney Property Pizza Delivery - FLIPPERS - 407-938-9635 - They deliver and had good review they are five minutes from Disney World. Sunday - Thursday 11:00 am to 10 PM and Friday and Saturday 11;00 AM to - 1:00 AM      FlippersPizzeria.com  They also have roasted veggie sub 9.99,  Create your own calzone, Penne Marinara 10.29, Farmers Market Salad 9.99,  The California Classic Pizza sounds good - Basil Pesto Sauce, spinach , red onion, mozzarella, Roasted red peppers, grape tomatos and artichokes 3 sizes 10.59, 17.99 and 22.99

The Campania Pizza also sounds good- Crushed Marzano tomatoes, red onions, red roasted peppers, grape tomatoes, garlic, spinach, fresh Mozzarello, Olive Oil fresh oregano and Basil.  3 sizes 10.59, 17.99 and 22.99

If using Lift or Uber from Orlando International Airport to Grand Floridian it costs between $45 and $50 

The Edison - Disney Springs - Ready to be a spectator.....Head to downstairs bar area or linger along the upstairs railing to watch a grand spectacle. You'll spy everything from burlesque style dancers donning vintage flapper style dresses to awe inspiring aerialists. While wandering around the venue, be sure to get your picture taken with roaming stilt walkers and steampunk  clad inventors who'll wow you with their sleight of hand tricks.  The adult only show starts at 10:00 PM

It is a lively place you can experience signature craft cocktails and hit the dance floor as the Pearl Street Players house band busts out bluesy renditions of old favorites.

House of Blues  & Paradisco 37 in  Disney Springs - will have performing singers which passerby can enjoy


Animal Kingdom - If you are going to the park after it is open and the lines are long  cut through Rainforest Cafe gift shop and use the entrance to scan your wrist band . Note:  The gift shop isn't open when parks first open.

Animal Kingdom Scavenger Hunt - You get a map of African area and there are wood carvings of Lion King Characters that you have to find. Once you find them all turn map in for a a small prize. Kids Love This !!


Scooters Review
Traveling with someone who needs a scooter?  Recovering from an accident? Surgery? Traveling with Elders ...Read On....
Buena Vista Scooters come highly recommended a better scooter than  Scooterbug and they charge the same price but scooterbug are old scooters.

Yellow Scooters offers good service
Gold Mobility Scooters although they are a little big and dont think two would fit on the skyliner  they are bit pricey
Tanner Mobility cheapest scooter and a good scooter and met in the parking lot by the hotel room instead of having to go to the front of hotel.

Dental Emergency ? This emergency dentist comes to your hotel : MOBILE DENTAL ER

Yacht and Beach Club Hotel -
Yacht club is quieter than beach club, Beach club closer to EPCOT.  They share the same pool. They are the same but have different decor and they smell different. They do have main food courts but doesn't always get great reviews. Have to investigate.  If you are coming to the Hotel on a theme park bus they drop off a beach club first.  If you are going to the theme park then they pick up at Yacht club first.

Beach club has a better location but a larger percent of the rooms do not come with balconies so if matters to you remember to ask before booking.

Yacht Club does a nice dinner date.

The Ale and Compass at Yacht Club is a great place to unwind after a day at the parks. Also has a place called Ariel's.

Caribbean Beach Resort - 
 The standard rooms are closer to skyliner, The preferred rooms are closer to the main building, food court, and main pool
Note Building 26  Martinique is close to the main area, dining main bus stop. The pool is really nice and they offer good food 
options.   Aruba 5101-5164 right across from the main bridge. Its most central to everything and have a five minute walk which is better than a 15 minute walk to some things and one minute walk to other things. Jamaica 4107 is right near the skyliner which is nice when there are downpours.


Coronado Springs Resort
Coronado is a multi stop resort. The tower part of coronado springs and the buses do stop there it is station one. The first stop however is always station two, then it goes to station three then goes to station four and then the last one is station one.  The only time its different if you are on a bus from Disney Springs.  

Dolphin Hotel  Resort

Dolphin Hotel is not owned by Disney they are owned by the Marriott so the vibe is a little different but still gets good reviews. Todd English's BlueZoo is located in the Dolphin Hotel. Bluezoo has a beautiful lounge and also offers a raw bar and has a great list of appetizers. They also offer a full menu.  Although I don't drink and Disney Fans say their Martini Menu and specialty drink are amazing. The mixologists will make you custom drinks as well.   You can walk to the boardwalk , Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Great location and has an awesome grotto pool and has bus to parks.

Swan Hotel Resort

Swan Hotel is right near Dolphin Hotel and is not owned by Disney but also has a good vibe and gets good reviews very elegant.  Shula restaurant is located in the Swan.  You can walk to the boardwalk , Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Great location and has an awesome grotto pool and has bus to parks.

Polynesian Hotel

Polynesian Guava juice drink has amazing reviews. A Disney fan says you can find it in a Latino aisle at the grocery store that taste just like Disney.  Pineapple Lanai Lounge also gets great reviews.

Trader Sam's Tiki Terrace Restaurant gets great reviews as does Trader Sam's Grog Grotto which is open to midnight.

The Boardwalk 
Has a little lounge on the second floor that offers board games and drinks. There is a tucked away bar off the lobby as well that Disney Fans give good reviews too.  I have never been.

Coronado Springs

REVIEW and PHOTO TOUR: The NEW Dahlia Lounge in Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort!


Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

has expanded to the new 545-room Gran Destino Tower, and atop that tower is a new lounge that is not to be missed!

Dahlia Lounge

Dahlia Lounge is inspired by the Disney short film Destino which was, in part, storyboarded by artist Salvador Dali. It told a fascinating story about a mortal, Dahlia, who catches the eye of Chronos, the Greek figure who represents time.

Dali’s surrealist’s spirit infused the film, and it has infused Dahlia Lounge as well. Warmth, visual interest, and expert mixologists (artists in their own right!) are found here.  And of course the rooftop lounge offers one other sought-after quality: expansive views.


Grand Floridian 

The Grand Floridian offers the Enchanted Rose Lounge that offers Crab Macaroni and Cheese Appetizers and More. They also offer a wide array of drinks with great reviews

Grand Floridian also has Narcoossee's Restaurant with spectacular panoramic views. This is elegant dining experience. The restaurant is known for seafood. Offers Shrimp and Crab Cakes, Lobster Bisque, Swordfish, Salmon, Plant Base Offering, Pan Seared Scallops

The Contemporary

The Contemporary Hotel offers the Outer Rim Lounge that gets great reviews. Also offers light menu items including plant based items.  The Contemporary Hotel also has a place called THE WAVE that offers appetizers, dinner and desserts.  Here is just a sample of appetizers
The Wave Appetizer (not full menu just a sample)
lump crab-florida rock shrimp cakes and sauteed sea scallops $15.99
Lump Crab-florida Rock Shrimp Cakes$12.49
with cucumber and tomato salsa and remoulade sauce
Seasonal Soup$7.99
with chefs accompaniment

Contemporary also has a roof view of the Water Parades that float by. 

Steakhouse 71 Opening Soon - Vegetable Wellington

Chef Mickey's - 

All you can eat breakfast  served 7:30 to 12:00
Dinner has several offerings
Note : Baby Carrotts with Djion Tarragon Butter and Brown sugar look delicious and would like to try them :)


Animal Kingdom Lodge

Animal Kingdom Lodge offers Victoria Falls Lounge.  Its a peaceful spot.  Also offers Mushroom Flat Bread or a  Goat Cheese Dip and more...gets great reviews.

Park Hopping during covid - You call this number 407-560-5000 when you are ready to hop to another park and it gives you a recording to tell you what parks are available for park hopping.  Park Hopping is only allowed after 2:00 PM



Buzz Lightyear  Ride - Arcade Tips and Hints to Achieving Galactic Hero 
  • The targets that are the highest and farthest away are worth the most points
  • When you get into the first room look for the orange robot if you shoot his left hand you will score 100,000 points 
  • then shoot the claw for another 100,00 points
  • When you get to the second room the top of the volcano is worth 50,000 points
  •  Make sure you shoot the spinning target that one is worth 25,000 points
  • When you get to the third room look for the target on Emperor Zurigs ship its work big time points
  • Also aim for the batteries at the bottom of the ship they are worth 50,000 points

  • Wilderness Has a lot of stairs for a similar vibe stay at Animal Kingdom a lot less stairs

  • IF you are staying at any resort other than Disney Caribbean Beach Resort, you need to get off the skyliner at Caribbean Beach to swap to another line which will take you to either EPCOT or Disney Hollywood's Studio


  • Orlando Chauffeured Services come highly recommended - They offer different size vehicle options and car seats and boosters for  the children. They watch your flight status and help with your luggage.


You can rent DVC points with a price range you have so many options. Disney Visitor had 5 nights at old key west and 2 at the polynesian for $1400 in September (Crystal Lynn Resslet on Facebook offered to answer questions through private PM on facebooK)


Hollywood Studios

Dinner conflict with ROR  - Cast member said do your restaurant first tell them you are missing your timeslot they will make sure you get done faster. And then make sure you show your food receipt when you get to ROR they will let you on.  Cast member said take a picture of your boarding pass as proof  - Disney vacationer said was a great ride and worth the wait.


Yacht and Beach Club

Great Location - Walking Distance to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios and Boardwalk. Skyliner is right there too.


Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza deliver to Old Key West

Looking for a bakery use Gideons.  Amorettes was disappointing and very expensive

Note: New Table Service Restaurant coming to Toystory Land named Roundup Rodeo BBQ


OLD KEY WEST BUS STOPS ORDER

  • Peninsular Road
  • South Road
  • Turtle Pond
  • Millers Road
  • Hospitality House
Note: The Disney Sprints Bus stops at Hospitality House First the Penisular Road 

Missed Last Bus at Hollywood Studios ?
If you have a late dinner reservation at Hollywood Studios and the park is closed when you finish dinner and the buses only run one hour after closing and you missed the last bus if that does happen at Studios you can ask a security cast member  to assist or to walk you to boardwalk or EPCOT to catch a bus from there because they are open later so the bus is still running 



Breakfast Suggestions

  • Mobile Order Ale and Compass Dark Chocolate Waffles and eat on bench by the lake before you start your day at the parks
  • Little Quick service at Boardwalk have amazing sandwiches
  • Take Skyliner to the Riveria and go to Prima Piatto - Best Quick Serve Breakfast :)



Tips:

  • TuTu Italian Epcot is suppose to have really good lasgna