I took to good ole Facebook for the next round of Q&A and I'll try to cover as many as I can so here it goes...
Q: If you have flexibility with your travel dates when is the best time to go for lower crowds?
A: Honestly the best times for low crowds are when kids are in school. In my years of living here the second week of January until President's Day is super slow followed by September after Labor Day until Halloween.
Q: What are you favorite toddler friendly table service locations?
A: We dine at Disney a lot and nearly everywhere is what I consider kid friendly but we LOVE the following places: Ale & Compass at the Yacht Club, Nine Dragons in Epcot, Hollywood & Vine at DHS, Trail's End at Fort Wilderness, 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian, Rainforest Cafe at DAK and Disney Springs, and lastly the most relaxing meal you'll have...Sci-Fi Drive-in at DHS. The drive-in theater screen entrances kids and they don't talk, fight, or bother anymore...it's the true hidden gem of Disney.
Q: What are some, in your opinion, overrated things that people hype up but aren't really worth it if you're only visiting for a few days?
A: I get this question a lot and all I can only speak on behalf of myself...with that being said I think the Fireworks Dessert Parties are overrated and too rich for my blood. I'd much rather get a treat and watch them among other guests instead of shelling out $80+ per person. Also don't hate me y'all but I'm not a fan of Cinderella's Royal Table. I personally like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall's food and experience better. I'm not saying CRT isn't great I just think it's a bit overrated compared to some of the other fantastic dining options.
Q: What are your favorite spots for parades and fireworks?
A: Magic Kingdom fireworks=train station, Magic Kingdom Festival of Fantasy Parade= across from The Hall of Presidents under the tree for shade or anywhere in along the Liberty Square area and get there early, Epcot fireworks=the space between the Canada and UK pavilions, and my advice for Fantasmic and Rivers of Light is get there about 30-40 minutes before the show so you're higher up in the arenas so you can see better.
Q: Is it worth it to go to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party or Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party?
A: People always ask about this and my answer is always YESSSSSSSSS! They are my favorite thing at Disney and I will do posts on each party later on this year!
Q: What are your must-do attractions for a one year old?
A: First of all I definitely recommend always going to Magic Kingdom with one year olds because it's the park with the most baby friendly attractions. Here are our favorites at MK: Dumbo, It's a Small World, Peter Pan's Flight, The Carousel, and The Peoplemover. At Epcot we love The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Spaceship Earth, Journey in the Imagination, and Frozen Ever After for the littles and recoomend meeting Mickey Mouse at the Epcot Character Spot over the meet and greet and Magic Kingdom and here's why...Mickey at Town Square Theater at MK talks and honestly it's a recipe for disaster for little ones because it's a sensory overload. If you've seen my social media you know that Brynn LOVESSS meeting characters but even she was scared of Mickey at Magic Kingdom.
Q: Best photo spots around WDW property
A: This is an excellent question and I'm currently working on a post for this very topic so stay tuned!
Q: How should we reveal to our kids that we're going to Disney
A: I gave this idea to a friend years ago and it was a huge hit! Get three boxes for When-How-Where...in the first box (when) wrap a calendar with the date you get there circled. In the second box (how) wrap a toy of how you're getting there...a little plane or car that looks like your's. In the last box (where) wrap something like a Disney shirt, Mickey Mouse plush, autograph, or even a picture of Cinderella Castle. Oh and no matter how you reveal it make sure you video it!
Q: What are your favorite grown up attractions?
A: In no particular order...Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, Soarin', Mission Space, Tower of Terror, Rockin' Rollercoaster, Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest. Also I love going to the videos at the pavilions in Epcot's World Showcase...to a kid they're boring but as an adult they are so inspiring and make you want to travel, Travel, TRAVEL!!!
Q: What shoes should I wear?
A: Comfort over style 100% for the entire family! I recommend something with support that will help your feet because you're going to be walking a ton! The quickest way to spot a local is the shoes...we don't stay in the park as long so we wear more stylish shoes usually lol! Also take the advice of Lt. Dan from Forest Gump and bring a spare pair of socks for everyone because nothing is worse than wet socks.
Q: Is Bippity Boppity Boutique worth it?
A; I haven't had the joy of taking Brynn there yet because the minimum age is three but I'll put it this way...as a grown woman how do you feel after getting your hair and makeup professionally done? Imagine that feeling but times a hundred because it's pure joy from a little girl...so in my humble opinion...YES! It's totally worth it!
Q: What are your can't miss snacks?
A: This is a loaded question because I love so many snacks but here are my top five...Dole Whip Swirl (pineapple and vanilla), Zebra Domes from The Mara at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, The School Bread from the Norway pavilion, The Brioche Ice Cream Sandwich from the France pavilion, and the ever classic Mickey Pretzel and cheese.
Q: If we're going to "splurge" on something what do you suggest?
A: If I've said it once I'll say it a thousand times...A PHOTO SESSION in the parks. It's my favorite souvenir and I'm blessed to call one of the best photographers in Orlando my friend and highly suggest booking her...you can find out more info about Faison HERE.
Photo courtesy of Faison Anne Photography
Q: If you have flexibility with your travel dates when is the best time to go for lower crowds?
A: Honestly the best times for low crowds are when kids are in school. In my years of living here the second week of January until President's Day is super slow followed by September after Labor Day until Halloween.
Q: What are you favorite toddler friendly table service locations?
A: We dine at Disney a lot and nearly everywhere is what I consider kid friendly but we LOVE the following places: Ale & Compass at the Yacht Club, Nine Dragons in Epcot, Hollywood & Vine at DHS, Trail's End at Fort Wilderness, 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian, Rainforest Cafe at DAK and Disney Springs, and lastly the most relaxing meal you'll have...Sci-Fi Drive-in at DHS. The drive-in theater screen entrances kids and they don't talk, fight, or bother anymore...it's the true hidden gem of Disney.
Q: What are some, in your opinion, overrated things that people hype up but aren't really worth it if you're only visiting for a few days?
A: I get this question a lot and all I can only speak on behalf of myself...with that being said I think the Fireworks Dessert Parties are overrated and too rich for my blood. I'd much rather get a treat and watch them among other guests instead of shelling out $80+ per person. Also don't hate me y'all but I'm not a fan of Cinderella's Royal Table. I personally like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall's food and experience better. I'm not saying CRT isn't great I just think it's a bit overrated compared to some of the other fantastic dining options.
Q: What are your favorite spots for parades and fireworks?
A: Magic Kingdom fireworks=train station, Magic Kingdom Festival of Fantasy Parade= across from The Hall of Presidents under the tree for shade or anywhere in along the Liberty Square area and get there early, Epcot fireworks=the space between the Canada and UK pavilions, and my advice for Fantasmic and Rivers of Light is get there about 30-40 minutes before the show so you're higher up in the arenas so you can see better.
Q: Is it worth it to go to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party or Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party?
A: People always ask about this and my answer is always YESSSSSSSSS! They are my favorite thing at Disney and I will do posts on each party later on this year!
Q: What are your must-do attractions for a one year old?
A: First of all I definitely recommend always going to Magic Kingdom with one year olds because it's the park with the most baby friendly attractions. Here are our favorites at MK: Dumbo, It's a Small World, Peter Pan's Flight, The Carousel, and The Peoplemover. At Epcot we love The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Spaceship Earth, Journey in the Imagination, and Frozen Ever After for the littles and recoomend meeting Mickey Mouse at the Epcot Character Spot over the meet and greet and Magic Kingdom and here's why...Mickey at Town Square Theater at MK talks and honestly it's a recipe for disaster for little ones because it's a sensory overload. If you've seen my social media you know that Brynn LOVESSS meeting characters but even she was scared of Mickey at Magic Kingdom.
Q: Best photo spots around WDW property
A: This is an excellent question and I'm currently working on a post for this very topic so stay tuned!
Q: How should we reveal to our kids that we're going to Disney
A: I gave this idea to a friend years ago and it was a huge hit! Get three boxes for When-How-Where...in the first box (when) wrap a calendar with the date you get there circled. In the second box (how) wrap a toy of how you're getting there...a little plane or car that looks like your's. In the last box (where) wrap something like a Disney shirt, Mickey Mouse plush, autograph, or even a picture of Cinderella Castle. Oh and no matter how you reveal it make sure you video it!
Q: What are your favorite grown up attractions?
A: In no particular order...Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, Soarin', Mission Space, Tower of Terror, Rockin' Rollercoaster, Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest. Also I love going to the videos at the pavilions in Epcot's World Showcase...to a kid they're boring but as an adult they are so inspiring and make you want to travel, Travel, TRAVEL!!!
Q: What shoes should I wear?
A: Comfort over style 100% for the entire family! I recommend something with support that will help your feet because you're going to be walking a ton! The quickest way to spot a local is the shoes...we don't stay in the park as long so we wear more stylish shoes usually lol! Also take the advice of Lt. Dan from Forest Gump and bring a spare pair of socks for everyone because nothing is worse than wet socks.
Q: Is Bippity Boppity Boutique worth it?
A; I haven't had the joy of taking Brynn there yet because the minimum age is three but I'll put it this way...as a grown woman how do you feel after getting your hair and makeup professionally done? Imagine that feeling but times a hundred because it's pure joy from a little girl...so in my humble opinion...YES! It's totally worth it!
Q: What are your can't miss snacks?
A: This is a loaded question because I love so many snacks but here are my top five...Dole Whip Swirl (pineapple and vanilla), Zebra Domes from The Mara at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, The School Bread from the Norway pavilion, The Brioche Ice Cream Sandwich from the France pavilion, and the ever classic Mickey Pretzel and cheese.
Q: If we're going to "splurge" on something what do you suggest?
A: If I've said it once I'll say it a thousand times...A PHOTO SESSION in the parks. It's my favorite souvenir and I'm blessed to call one of the best photographers in Orlando my friend and highly suggest booking her...you can find out more info about Faison HERE.
That's all for this round folks! More questions? Comment below and I'll put it in the next round of Q&A. Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned for more Disney posts about photo spots and seasonal holiday offerings and guides!