1. Do something new.
This year it will be especially easy to keep this resolutions, with the opening of New Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom, the new Pirates of the Caribbean experience at Hollywood Studios and a few new restaurants at Epcot.
On our last visit we checked all of these things off the list, including Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar at Epcot, the new(ish) wine bar in the Italy pavilion. It was one of our favorite meals of the trip: cured meats and Italian cheeses accompanied by flights of Italian wine. We also had room for dessert at the Norway pavilion. (Hey, how about desserts around the world? That's new!)
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© Mary Liebman Up close and personal with a hungry, hungry hippo on the Wild Africa Trek. |
If you still need some help, consider these ideas:
- Try a tour or an experience: The Wild Africa Trek and Dine with an Imagineer are both worth the time and money. Wild Africa is a special treat for animal lovers, especially hippo lovers, and Dine with an Imagineer is great for those who want an inside look at what it's like to work for Disney.
- Stay at a new resort: Most people are creatures of habit to some extent. If you're someone who loves the Boardwalk and stays there every visit, shake things up a bit and try something different.
- Visit at a different time of year: Disney really knows how to throw a holiday. Christmas at Disney World is nothing short of magical, but Halloween is also fun -- and it coincides with the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot. Speaking of Epcot, there's also the Flower & Garden show in the springtime.
2. Do something that scares you.
Maybe this qualifies as new, or maybe it's something you've done before that gave you a good fright. For me, this list is short: Tower of Terror. Every time, I tell myself I'm going to try it, and every time I chicken out. If you want to test your limits, what better place to try than safe, comfortable Disney World?
And yes, you can check this off if you visit Disney and the thing that scares you is "children."
3. Ride a kids' ride.
There is something truly magical about Dumbo, even if you're a grown-up riding all by yourself. We rode Dumbo at night when there was no line (imagine!), and it was really special. Right next door is the Great Goofini roller-coaster -- another winner of a kids' ride, even if it is a little too short.
Go on -- let your inner child let loose to have a little fun.
4. Notice the details.
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© Mary Liebman The Winnie the Pooh queue area can keep you entertained for most of the wait time. |
You can't miss the big stuff -- Cinderella's castle, the beautiful architecture of the World Showcase, the wonderful entertainment. But Disney also is a master of the little things, and it pays to take notice.
On one recent visit we saw Enchanted Tales with Belle. The line takes you through Maurice's cabin, and it's full of wonderful little details: Belle's favorite book ("Sleeping Beauty"), a portrait of Belle with her mother, the notches on the wall documenting Belle's growth over the years. All these little details add up to an even more rich experience -- and a slightly less loathsome wait in line.
5. Visit WDW without gaining weight.
I can't be the only one who routinely comes back from a visit to Disney World with an unwanted souvenir (or five). Every trip, I vow to do better, and last time I almost managed it. I think it's possible -- I really do. Here's how:
- Don't drink. As much fun as drinking around the World (or around the Monorail) is, I can't do it every night anymore. And let's face it, drinking at Disney is both expensive and a little disappointing. The Mouse isn't exactly known for a generous pour.
- Eat sushi. It's hard to go wrong with sushi as diets go, and there are lots of places around Disney for standard and creative fare: the bar at Wolfgang Puck's at Dowtown Disney; Kimono's at the Swan; the Kona Island Sushi Bar at the Polynesian; and, of course, the Japan pavilion at Epcot.
- Limit desserts. It's easy to say no to those terrible desserts Disney foists upon you with every quick-service meal on the dining plan. It's a little harder to refuse the Dole Whip or the cookie ice cream sandwich. So I allow myself one or two of those treats a week. And I spend the rest of the time telling myself, "It's not as good as it looks."
- Look for healthy alternatives. To its credit, Disney has done a great job trying to offer healthy alternatives. The seared tuna salad at the Be Our Guest Restaurant is a thing of beauty. The "good" options are there if you look for them.
6. Get every discount you have coming to you.
You could spend a fortune in just a few days at Disney World or Disneyland. No, you will spend a fortune. That's just the way it is. Once you get to Disney, there are a lot of discounts available for food and merchandise, whether you're a DVC member or an annual pass holder or a Visa card holder or even a AAA member. You'll never remember all of them, so get into the habit of asking at every register whether they offer any discounts.
And always look at your receipt: We've found that during the off-season, you'll often get a coupon for 20% off merchandise if you buy before noon. That can add up if you have a long shopping list.
7. Take time to relax.
It's tempting to just go-go-go while you're visiting a Disney resort. There's so much to do! And you've paid so much, you don't want to miss a minute. But you'll also end up exhausted, so be sure to take some time to relax. Rent a paddleboat. Go to a spa. Hang out at the pool. If you're traveling with kids, take advantage of one of Disney's child-care options so you can go out for a romantic dinner.
I'm getting more relaxed just thinking about it!
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