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Author Archives: Krista Joy

Krista Joy is an Orlando native and former Disney cast member. She is also the owner of Disneyways.com and founder of the Living The Dream online radio show. Krista was born and raised in the heart of Orlando Florida โ€“ where she still lives. Kristaโ€™s Disney dream is to bring magic and fun to the every day lives of her fellow Disney fans โ€“ while sharing some laughs along the way. She is very grateful to Rick and the team at DisneyDining.com for helping her to make this dream a reality. Contact information for Krista can be found at Disneyways.com/connect

1) Go for a ride

Ok so you canโ€™t ride any attractions inside the parks without park admission. But that doesnโ€™t have to stop you from riding around Walt Disney World. Taking the monorail is free, and it just happens to be one of the fastest rides at Disney!ย  Enjoy your highway in the sky as it cruises around the resorts in the Magic Kingdom ...

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2) Head to Disney Springs

You can easily spend an entire day at Disney Springs. Parking is free and you do not need admission in to the theme parks. If you are not in the mood to shop, you can check out the wonderful interactive fountains. There are two in the Marketplace area of Disney Springs, although the two of them arenโ€™t always open. The ...

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3) Find Hidden Mickeys

A Hidden Mickey is defined as a representation of Mickey Mouse that has been inserted subtly into the design of many resorts and other areas on Disney property.ย  You can find many of them without ever entering the parks. For example: The Beach Club gift shop has three sand dollars in the carpet design that form several Hidden Mickeys. Light ...

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4) Enjoy a cocktail or a meal

The 21-and-over crowd can have a drink at one of the wonderful themed bars and lounges in the resorts. Lounges can be found in Disneyโ€™s Moderate and Deluxe resort hotels.ย  Why not visit them all and start a collection of swizzle sticks? Remember, you donโ€™t have to drink alcoholic beverages to enjoy the atmosphere. Most lounges also serve coffee, mineral ...

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5) Explore Animal Kingdom Lodge at Sunset

As the sun goes down, you can make your way to the Sunset Savanna Overlook viewing area behind the lobby. Itโ€™s secret? THIS savanna is designed specifically for viewing at sunset. Giraffes, zebra, impalas and more will be active at this time of day, increasing your chances of seeing them up close. Itโ€™s free to take all the photos you ...

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6) The Spirit of Aloha Show!

Located the Luau Cove at Disneyโ€™s Polynesian Resort, The Spirit of Aloha Show brings you hula dancing, fire dancing, and a wonderful dinner that is all you care to eat โ€“ family style. This means you donโ€™t even have to walk to a buffet, because your server brings you more food when you ask for it. Beverages will include bottomless ...

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7) Explore Fort Wildernessโ€ฆ.and maybe rent a golf cart!!

Fort Wilderness

Guests often rent an electric cart to explore the more than 700 acres of Disneyโ€™s Fort Wilderness Resort, but you donโ€™t have to be staying at the resort to do so. This is a fun favorite for locals who enjoy the Christmas and Halloween decorations that resort guests display each year. Carts have windshields and headlights, seat up to 4 ...

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8) Visit Beaches and Cream for a Kitchen Sink

Head over to Beaches and Cream restaurant at Disneyโ€™s Beach Club Resort for a family treat. The legendary Kitchen Sink is a sundae built for a crowd. It has 8 scoops of ice cream, every topping in the house, and an entire can of whipped cream! It is plenty for everyone to share but the real treat here is the ...

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10) View the Electrical Water Pageant

The Electrical Water Pageant is held nightly (weather permitting) on the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. It has been around since the beginning of Walt Disney World. The electric barges travel from one resort to another and can be viewed from the Polynesian, Contemporary, Grand Floridian and Fort Wilderness Marina. Set in time to music, this brief show is ...

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9) Watch fireworks

You donโ€™t need a park ticket to see the fireworks at Disney.ย  The Wishes Fireworks show at Magic Kingdom is viewable from the Grand Floridian boat dock. Narcoossees restaurant, also located at the Grand Floridian, receives the audio soundtrack, so you can enjoy the fireworks synchronized to the music. Thereโ€™s a little bit of delay due to the distance, but ...

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