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Author Archives: Jennifer Nelson

Jennifer L. Nelson donned her first pair of personalized mouse ears at age 4. A lifelong Disney fanatic and avid runner, the New Jersey resident visits both Walt Disney World and Disneyland several times a year to cross the finish line of one of runDisney’s half or full marathons; among her proudest accomplishments to date was completing the 2014 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend’s 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon to earn the coveted inaugural Dopey Challenge medal. When it comes to theme park touring, she’s a self-described “commando” visitor who arrives at rope drop, follows a strict touring plan (and never waits in line!), and soaks up the Disney magic until the final gift shop has closed. She is a freelance writer and editor who blogs about her personal weight loss journey, running exploits, and Disney obsession at www.thefinalforty.com.

12 Do’s and Don’ts for Visiting the Magic Kingdom

No matter what, you can pretty much expect that your visit to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom will be—for lack of a better word—magical. But if you want to make the absolute most of your time in the park, there are some things you may want to be aware of before you set foot on Main Street. Here are 12 ...

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10 Awesome Tips for Visiting the Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom is, without a doubt, my favorite place on Earth. And after countless visits over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two about the best ways to pack the most magic into your visit as possible. Here are 10 awesome tips for your next trip to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. 10. Choose Your FastPasses Wisely Unlike ...

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5 Awesome Places to Dine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

There are lots of new attractions coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but many guests don’t realize that the park is also home to some of the most entertaining dining options at Walt Disney World. Hollywood Studios boasts five table-service restaurants that combine great food—and desserts—with interactive fun and entertainment. Here are five awesome places to enjoy a meal at Disney’s ...

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Do You Know These 6 Secrets about The Grand Floridian?

Inspired by the grand Victorian seaside hotels of yesteryear, the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa’s sophisticated design was modeled to evoke Palm Beach’s golden era. Today, many Disney-goers think of a stay at the luxurious (and, naturally, rather expensive) Grand Floridian as a “bucket list” item. Here are six secrets you may not know about the Grand Floridian Resort and ...

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6 Secrets about Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Monorail Disney's Contemporary Resort

The sleek and modern Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World has become well known for its proximity to the Magic Kingdom and for its spectacular views of Bay Lake (and, of course, Cinderella’s Castle), but there are still plenty of secrets that the average guest or first-time visitor to the resort may not know. Here are six secrets that might ...

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8 Pro Tips for Disney’s Yacht Club in Walt Disney World

If you’re looking for a peaceful, waterside resort that’s just a short walk from the magic of the Walt Disney World theme parks, the nautical New England-style Yacht Club might be the resort for you. Here are eight of our pro tips to help you get the most out of your stay at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. 8. You can ...

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Top 8 Disney Pro Tips for BoardWalk Inn at Walt Disney World

The BoardWalk Inn at the Walt Disney World Resort invites guests to step back in time and experience the charm of turn-of-the-century Atlantic City. The deluxe waterfront resort offers fun for the entire family, from kid-friendly recreation to romantic dining options for Mom and Dad. Here are eight of our pro tips for getting the most out of your stay ...

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Top 8 Disney Pro Tips for the Contemporary Resort in Walt Disney World

Contemporary-Resort-At-Night

So you’re headed to Walt Disney World and want to stay at a hotel that’s within walking distance to the magic? The modern Contemporary Resort is perhaps best known for its proximity to the Magic Kingdom (it’s literally right next door) as well as its spectacular views of Bay Lake, but the resort also boasts an array of other amenities, ...

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8 Facts and Secrets about Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World is magical any time of year, but there’s something about the holiday season that’s truly spectacular—and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party is a special way for families to ring in the holidays. A hard-ticket event that runs from 7pm until midnight on select evenings in November and December, the party offers exclusive access to special holiday character ...

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7 Facts and Secrets about Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival

Since its launch in 1996, the annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival has become one of America’s top food festivals, with more than 30 global marketplaces serving up culinary favorites as well as popular beers, wines, and cocktails originating from six continents. This year marks the 21st anniversary of the festival, and will stir up a host of exciting ...

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