My Magical (and Not-So-Magical) Disney World Adventure
A lot has changed since 2017, but the magic still finds a way!
This might be a long read, but if I can help even one person plan their dream Disney trip, it's worth it! So much has transformed since our last visit to Disney World in 2017. We still made incredible memories, but my overall feeling is that Disney has strayed quite a bit from Walt Disney's original vision of an accessible, fun place for everyone.
🌟 My Favorite Moments & Must-Haves from This Trip 🌟
Despite the changes, some aspects truly shone brighter than Tinker Bell's pixie dust!
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Disney Staff: The True Magic Makers!
I don't even know where to begin! The dedication and care the Disney staff show their guests are simply unparalleled. On our very first day, during our first ride (the Haunted Mansion!), I actually passed out in the stretching room. I woke up surrounded by my family and compassionate Disney employees. They immediately closed off the room for my privacy, constantly checked on me, and offered First Aid or even calling Reedy Creek Fire Department. I knew it was just the heat, so I declined, but their swift response was incredible.
They got me a wheelchair and wheeled me **backstage** (how cool is that?!), and then a Disney SUV, driven by an amazing employee, took us directly back to our hotel room. Every single person was phenomenal! As if that wasn't enough, they even gave my husband and daughter some free Lightning Lane passes so they could go back and enjoy Magic Kingdom while I rested. I genuinely cannot praise them enough.
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Minnie Vans: Your VIP Ride!
This amenity is a game-changer! At the end of a long, hot, and tiring day, there's nothing better than ordering a Minnie Van. They pick you up right at any park or Disney Springs and whisk you away to your hotel, not just the main lobby, but directly to your building. Talk about convenience!
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The Skyliner: Gliding Through the Sky!
Confession time: I was totally against using the Skyliner before this trip. But midway through our stay, we moved to Pop Century Resort and decided to give it a try for Disney's Hollywood Studios. OMG! It was such a quick and easy trip. The best part? Each family gets their own gondola! After being hot and tired from the crowds, it was so nice to just have that private, peaceful ride.
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The Disney App: Your Pocket-Sized Park Guide!
This app was an absolute lifesaver in so many ways! From checking park times and instantly viewing Memory Maker photos to keeping track of our dining plan balance, knowing where to go next, and checking ride wait times – it did it all. I could go on and on; it has so many fantastic features that make navigating the parks a breeze.
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Gluten-Free Food: A Celiac's Dream Come True!
Our daughter has celiac disease, and finding safe gluten-free food when eating out can be incredibly challenging. Disney is a culinary haven for allergy sufferers! At *every* restaurant, including quick-service spots, there's an allergy chef available to speak with. They're incredibly knowledgeable about all allergies and will prepare fresh, safe meals. My daughter made it her mission to try as many gluten-free options as she could, and she was thrilled!
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Accessibility: Making Magic for Everyone!
Unfortunately, I had a fall on our first day, which meant I couldn't walk long distances and needed a wheelchair or scooter. It was the last thing I wanted, but with the intense heat, it truly allowed me to experience all the parks with my family. Each park offers scooter or wheelchair rentals right at the entrance. A fun fact I learned: when you rent a scooter, it's yours for the entire day! If you need to leave and come back, they'll hold it for you, which was incredibly helpful. They also provide complimentary wheelchairs to get to the buses. Magic Kingdom even has complimentary wheelchairs by all the bus areas, making arrivals and departures super convenient.
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Hollywood & Vine Disney Jr. Breakfast: Pure Heartwarming Joy!
Even though we have a teenager now, she's a Disney kid at heart! We absolutely adore this breakfast, and I honestly think anyone with small children who watch Disney Jr. *needs* to experience it. The characters were fantastic! This time, we saw Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, Fancy Nancy, and Goofy. At one point, we saw Fancy Nancy sitting on the floor playing with some kids. It was truly heartwarming and brought tears to my eyes.
💔 Not-So-Favorite Aspects of This Trip 💔
Not everything was pixie dust and rainbows, and some changes definitely made us sigh.
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No More Magical Express from the Airport: A Beloved Service Gone!
This was such an incredible perk! You'd land in Orlando, hop on a dedicated bus, and be transported directly to your resort. You never had to worry about your luggage; it was delivered straight to your room, no waiting at baggage claim. The absence of this service was keenly felt.
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Lightning Lane: Pay-to-Play Frustration!
In essence, Lightning Lane is a way to pay to jump ahead of the lines. It's incredibly confusing to use, and if you wait until you're already at Disney, it's often too late – all the good times will be gone. And let's be honest, for the most popular rides where you'd actually consider paying to skip the line, there's rarely a Lightning Lane readily available, or it comes at a premium price. It feels like a fundamental shift away from the inclusive Disney experience.
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The Disney App (Again!): Head-Down Experience
I know some people are just glued to their phones, and that's life now. But how do you walk through Disney with your head constantly buried in your phone? You're missing out on the sights, the sounds, the smells – *everything* that makes Disney magical! While the app is helpful, it encourages an experience that pulls you away from the present moment.
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Be Our Guest Restaurant: Missing the Beast!
We absolutely love dining here; the food is fantastic, and yes, it's expensive, but it's vacation, it's Disney, right? We were so disappointed this time to find out you can no longer meet the Beast for pictures. He walks through the dining room during your meal but doesn't come to tables, and you can't get his autograph or a photo with him. This feels like a significant downgrade for such a special dining experience.
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Port Orleans Riverside Resort: The Long Haul!
We've stayed at this resort twice, and I swear both times our room was as far from the dining area as humanly possible! I genuinely don't love how massive this resort is. After walking miles in the parks all day, the last thing you want is another mile just to grab a drink or visit the gift shop. I also really dislike their dining hall – it didn't feel clean, the service was poor, and the food options weren't great. Maybe it's because they have other restaurants on property, but with kids, you just want a good, quick meal. On our first day, we didn't have the dining plan and just wanted a drink. The cashier didn't have any disposable cups visible, and even though I asked, he upsold us on refillable mugs. Then we sat down and saw others with disposable cups and felt completely duped!
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Accessibility (One Glitch): Magic Kingdom's Lead!
While accessibility was largely fantastic (as mentioned above!), one thing we noticed was that Magic Kingdom is the *only* park that has wheelchairs readily available at the bus stations within the parks. This would be a huge improvement if implemented across all parks.
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Disney Springs Security: The Bottleneck Blues!
Security is crucial, and I appreciate it as a vital part of the Disney experience. My complaint isn't about security itself, but about the setup at Disney Springs. The resort buses now drop you off at the "new" end of Disney Springs, forcing everyone through one security checkpoint. All buses from all resorts funnel into the same spot, and the line just wraps around and around. We were lucky enough to get stuck in that line during a downpour, so by the time we got through, we were absolutely soaked! There has to be a more efficient way to organize this to minimize wait times. Also, what happened to being able to get dropped off at the "old" Disney Springs, where all the unique stores are?
💡 Smart Tips & Tricks for Beating the Heat! 💡
Disney in the summer means heat! Here are some tried-and-true strategies to stay cool and comfortable:
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Portable Fans or Neck Fans: Your Personal Breeze!
These are a lifesaver! A constant breeze can make a world of difference when you're waiting in lines or strolling through the parks.
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Cooling Towels: Instant Relief!
Disney sells them for $20, but you can find them much cheaper on Amazon. You wet them, store them in your fridge overnight, and then when you're at the parks and feeling the heat, drape them around your neck or arms. They cool you down surprisingly fast! A friend also suggested wetting face cloths from your room, putting them in the fridge, and then carrying them in a bag of ice – genius!
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Neck Strap for Your Cell Phone: Hands-Free Fun!
I saw so many people with their phones on long straps around their necks. If you're constantly taking pictures, this makes your phone incredibly accessible. Being in a scooter, reaching into my bag for my phone was a hassle, so this is definitely on my list for the next trip!
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Hand Sanitizer: A Must-Have!
Always keep some handy. You'll be touching a lot of surfaces, and it's essential for staying germ-free.
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Water: Hydration is Key!
We had a case of water delivered to our room by Garden Grocer, and it was fantastic! We kept our fridge stocked and brought 3 or 4 bottles each to the parks every day. Staying hydrated is non-negotiable in the Florida heat.
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Rain Ponchos: Embrace the Afternoon Showers!
It rains almost every afternoon in Disney, and while it helps cool things down, you *will* get soaked! Having a poncho means you can keep enjoying the parks. Just be prepared to feel a bit chilly when you duck into air-conditioned shops or rides afterward.
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Sunscreen: Don't Forget to Reapply!
I brought it but forgot to bring it *into* the park for the first day or so, and guess what? I got burned! Remember to pack it in your park bag and reapply frequently throughout the day. Your skin will thank you!
The magic of Disney is undeniably real. And just like every time, we cried when we left, already dreaming of our next adventure!