Sunrise over the Epcot Resort Area

While we tend to shy away from hard and fast rules when it comes to visiting Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, some general guidelines seem to apply every time.

Along the sidewalk near Stormalong Bay

First time visits to Walt Disney World almost always center on the Magic Kingdom, as do visits with children of a certain age (under about 10, though it certainly depends on the individual child). After that first visit, or once the kids approach the teenage years, you’ll likely be ready to explore Epcot and Hollywood Studios. [Read more…]

A trip to Walt Disney World is one of the ultimate American family vacations.

That said, a day at Disney can be an exercise in sensory overload that can leave you – especially as parents – more than a bit frazzled. One of our favorite ways to relax when visiting the Magic Kingdom, is some time spent exploring Tom Sawyer Island.

Tom Sawyer Island is often considered a somewhat minor attraction at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. But, when researching for this post, I discovered that it has a unique claim to fame. From Walt Disney World’s official website: [Read more…]

Recent shot of construction at the Polynesian

The Polynesian Village Resort is one of our favorite places to stay at Walt Disney World. It holds some great memories for our family as it was where we stayed on our very first Disney vacation together.

In fact, the Poly – as it is often known at Disney – was instrumental in converting me from a Disney skeptic to a raving fan. You can read more in our oddly named post, Dr. Strangedad…or how I learned to stop worrying and love Disney.

The Poly has been in the midst of a major renovation this year and on a trip to Walt Disney World earlier this month we were able to take a good look at the construction and gain a feel for how the current Poly experience might be for guests. [Read more…]

We’ve got less than two weeks to go in the 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival!

It’s one of our favorite times of the year at Walt Disney World, and one of Epcot’s most popular events.

The Festival includes an array of special events, including some that come with significant additional costs. But, the most notable feature of the Food & Wine Festival is also the most accessible (and the most reasonably priced) – the World Showcases International Marketplaces that allow you to taste your way around the world!

The Festival runs from the end of September to the beginning of November each year, and features an array of food related events including the International Marketplaces.

The Marketplaces are essentially mini-restaurants focusing on several small dishes and a number for drinks from various areas around the world or utilizing particular themes. [Read more…]