In May of 2018, I had the opportunity to spend 5 days at Walt Disney World with the Disney Canadian Sales Team learning about the latest updates as we toured the resorts, parks and a side trip to Port Canaveral for an afternoon onboard the Disney Dream (learn more).  Now I am sure you are thinking, "how tough of a week can that be" and yes, I do agree it was not the most demanding training I have been apart of, yet it was long days and just short of 90,000 steps as I looked for new tips in the parks, resorts, dining and transportation I could share with my clients in planning the best vacation possible.

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I have to say I was excited about to have the opportunity to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge as it's the resort that I field the most questions when planning Walt Disney World vacations.  As you arrive at the main entrance, you know you have "stepped" into Africa and will not be disappointed.  Yes, there are savannas awaiting you to view a variety of animals, but the resort truly offers you so much more such as signature dining at Jiko - The Cooking Place and themed dining at Boma - Flavours of Africa as well as Sanna where African and Indian cuisine mix.  Let's not forget there is quick service dining at The Mara as well as a relaxing lounge serving some great refreshments along side appetizers.  For some "downtime", you will find 2 heated pools which have you feeling like you stepped into an oasis, a health club and spa, sports courts, Simba's Clubhouse (kids camp) and of course Disney's Movies Under The Stars.

Of course, there are viewing areas of the savannas throughout the resort or from the privacy of your own balcony.

If a pool is important to you, then you need to consider a few nights at Disney's Beach Club Resort as it has a 3.5 acre pool/waterpark!  Imagine, a lazy river, sand bottom section pool, hot tubs, a waterslide that begins on a pirate ship, a leisure pool as well as a children's pool and all heated throughout the year is awaiting you at this New England atmosphere resort.  Oh, did I also mention you are within walking distance of Epcot, The Boardwalk and a short boat ride to Hollywood Studios??  You truly are in the centre of Walt Disney World when you make the Beach Club your home!

Dining won't disappoint you with a choice of Yachtsman Steakhouse, Captain's Grille, Cape May Café (with characters), Beach Club Marketplace, Hurricane Hanna's and for you ice cream lovers, Beaches & Cream Soda Shop!

If a deluxe resort stay is in your vacation plans, this is my personal go to resort!

Do you have a love of all things Caribbean?  This resort is just the fit when you can't decide between a Caribbean getaway or a Walt Disney World vacation.  Being the largest of the 4 moderate resorts onsite, you experience 45 acres of swaying palm trees, sand beaches and the Caribbean lifestyle with hammocks throughout the resort allowing you to soak up the sun.  The resort is located in the Hollywood Studios area of Walt Disney World and in the coming months will be including access to the park along with Epcot via the gondola system currently being constructed.  There is also a new DVC multi-story building under construction along with updates to the Old Port Royale centre where you will find the "heart of the resort" with the lobby, dining , shopping and other resort services as well as the main pool Fuente del Mooro Fort. a spanish themed fortress with 2 water slides and whirlpools.

For returning guests, I am sure you will enjoy the new features and understand the construction process throughout 2018. For first time guests, if you don’t mind a little construction during your vacation, there is the opportunity to save a little on your costs as the pricing is slightly lower than the Port Orleans Resorts.

As you arrive at this moderate resort, you will find yourself stepping back into Spanish Colonial Mexico with a Southwestern theme. Built around a peaceful lagoon where accommodations await you in 3 different themed sections and lead you to the “Lost City of Cibola” pool with an archaeological themed Mayan dig site along with a pool slide that wraps around a Mayan temple.  When it comes to dining at the resort, you won’t be disappointed with the selections from quick service meals to full table service options. Currently a new dining venue is being constructed in the centre of the lagoon that will offer some outstanding views.

Speaking of construction, there is a multi-story DVC tower under construction which may continue until early 2019. Once the tower is finished, there are plans for a signature dining venue on the 15^th floor which should offer an amazing views of the fireworks that take place in Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Due to the ongoing construction, you may find the rates at this resort slightly lower than the other moderate resorts so it could be a great time to visit!

Looking to escape during your vacation, then you have found the right resort! This moderate resort is located on a peaceful river with tree lined pathways where you will find horse-drawn carriages, old fashioned “watering holes” and a combination of rustic as well as stately manor homes. You really feel in another world after a day in the theme parks or water parks as you stroll back to your room each night. Another perk to this resort is the opportunity to sail down the river to Disney Springs onboard a boat that operates frequently throughout the day and evening. You gain a unique perspective on Disney Springs as you enter the lagoon from the river.

Oh, I almost forgot, if you have a “princess” in your family, then consider a Royal Guest room for a special experience!

With the magic of Disney, you can experience turn-of-the-century National Park lodges of the American Northwest when you stay at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. As you enter the great lobby and are met by the 6 story fireplace, rocking chairs, totem poles and a creek that leads to more, you know have stepped into the “wilderness”. Follow the creek that expands into a full on river with waterfalls leading you to Copper Creek Springs pool. Just steps away you will find yourself overlooking Bay Lake as you enjoy a beverage or snack at the outdoor lounge. Numerous dining options await you at the resort along with walking/jogging/cycling trails as well as child’s camp and of course Disney’s Movies Under the Stars.

Being located on Bay Lake offers the unique opportunity to catch a boat from the resort sailing past the Contemporary Resort into Seven Seas Lagoon as you approach the Magic Kingdom!

Are you a family of 5 or need sleeping options that allow everyone to have their own bed? Art of Animation may be just the resort for you! Here you have a choice of standard rooms that sleep 4 or family suites that sleep up to 6 which also includes a private bedroom and 2 bathrooms. Themed after some of Disney’s favorite animated movies, you will feel as if you stepped right into the centre of a film. Each themed section of the resort is created as if you were the main character from the movie and seeing things from their perspective. Imagine being Nemo and meeting Mr. Ray (3 stories high) for the first time or Lightning McQueen driving into Radiator Springs. There is also the Lion King section and the Little Mermaid (standard rooms) section to choose from at this resort. The lobby also has a unique design as you enter the artist’s world from beginning sketches in black and white, move through the development stages (both characters and color) until you reach the end where we all know the finished products in the movies.

Being a Value Plus resort, will offer you a great vacation and lasting memories!

The big news at this park is of course Pandora – The World of Avatar which truly has everyone buzzing as soon as they arrive at the park. The top ride is Flight of Passage and believe me, if you are unable to secure a fastpass, it is so worth waiting in the regular queue even if it’s 2 hours or a little more. The queue line itself tells a story as you proceed through so even if you now very little about the Avatar movie, you will quickly be brought up to speed and ready to board your banshee for an unbelievable flight. Not sure if the ride is for you…well if you enjoy Soarin’, this takes you to another level. Pandora is a very unique land that you will want to explore during the day and again in the evening! Yes, you can now enjoy evening hours in the park which brings another atmosphere as you enjoy the Kilimanjaro Safaris where you just may find the animals a little more active or maybe a night ride on Expedition Everest, but watch out as the Yeti is still around and maybe stop by the Tree of Life as the evening offers some surprises! Another new feature, Rivers of Light takes place most evening around the lagoon in the Asia section. You will want to arrive early as seats are limited, but there are some other ways to snag a seat so ask me for the details.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if a ski resort melted? Well drop into Blizzard Beach and you will find the wacky world of ski runs have turned into water slides that challenge you to “race” against one another. There is also a chance to try the “ski jump” of Summit Plummet if you are on the adventurous side of life. Slower pace more you style, well you can enjoy the views of the park while taking the chair lift to the top or maybe it’s just floating the day away on the lazy river, but watch out as some of the “snow” is still pretty cool. The water park really has something for all ages from toddlers to the “big kids” so plan to enjoy a full day at the park. There are a few dining options, great change facilities, lockers and of course if you are a guest at a Disney Resort, free towels so no need to pack anything other than your sunscreen and bathing suits!

Epcot is the park many people under estimate as there really is something for each person. If you have ever wanted to travel the world, drop into World Showcase where you can visit 13 countries where you can enjoy their cuisine, beverages and culture. You may even be surprised with a ride, acrobats or musicians and a few shops/rest areas as you wander through each pavilion. Are you up for some adventure, well you need to checkout Test Track where you design and test your own car, then hop over to Mission Space where you have a choice of a true launch to Mars or an orbit around Earth. Do you prefer to stay a little closer to the ground, swing by Soarin’ for an amazing “flight” to some of the world’s top sites. Maybe it’s marine life that excites you, the Living Seas should be on your list to do where you can watch various fish, turtles, dolphins, manatees and more in floor to ceiling aquariums. There’s also a chance to talk to Crush and experience life under the Sea with Nemo and Friends.

Depending on the time of year you visit Epcot, you may find yourself enjoying a special event such as the International Flower & Garden Festival or The Food & Wine Festival which both offer surprises around every turn. My trip in May had me visit in the middle of the Flower & Garden Festival.

Don’t let the size of this park fool you…there is a lot to do and more coming in the next 18 months. During my visit in May, the talk was all about the new Toy Story Land which brings the addition of Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster and the Alien Spin Saucers all in the “back of Andy’s yard”. Knowing how great Disney is at story telling, you know the “backyard” is going to make you feel like you are a toy! Star Wars is making a big move in the park as Galaxy Edge is under construction with an estimated completion date in late 2019. In the meantime, you can still enjoy Star Wars Launch Bay, Star Tours and in the evening consider taking in the new fireworks show based on Star Wars. Looking to relax for a bit, consider stopping to catch For The First Time In Forever: A “Frozen” Sing-Along Celebration, it’s so much more than a sing-along, I really had a good laugh and didn’t mind a little snow falling! Dining in this park is also a lot of fun with choices like 50’s Prime Time Café, Sci-Fi Dine In Theater, Mama Melrose and Hollywood & Vine. Looking for the “thrills”, then you will want to wander down Sunset Boulevard to take a “ride” on Rock ‘N’ Rollercoaster or consider checking in at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. You would be surprised how quickly the day goes by at the “littlest” park!

The park we all think of when you hear the words Walt Disney World! This is truly where the magic is created and no matter your age, you can’t help but smile as you walk onto Main Street and see the castle for the first time. My focus during this trip was to find “new” hints/tips to assist my clients in getting around this park as easy as possible. With 7 separate lands, you do need a little plan to get through as much as you can. Finding “quiet spots” may seem impossible as you pass by some of the popular rides such as Space Mountain, Big Thunder Railroad and Splash Mountain, but they are there so let me show you the ideal rest spots. I walked just over 23,000 steps in this park so I believe there’s not a piece of “magic” that I have missed. When it comes to the evenings, you may think it’s time to head “home”, but you don’t want to miss out on the fireworks in this park. Finding the ideal spot to take it all in is key and of course there are plenty of choices to fit your travel style. To truly enjoy all this park has to offer, allow 2 days or consider a special event ticket such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party that occur during various seasons.