10 Walt Disney World Do's & Don'ts
February 17, 2017
Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can be very overwhelming. How are you getting there? Where are you staying? What park is best on which day? Where are you going to eat? What Fastpasses are you going to get? Seriously, it's a lot to think about! I've been going to Disney World for almost 23 years now, Disney World is my happy place and I love sharing why I love it with people, but it took me a while to figure out all the tips and tricks that are needed to make a trip to Disney World truly special. Don't worry though, I've laid out my top 10 tips for you guys!
1. DO Make plans
Every aspect of the trip doesn't need to be planned out, but you really can't go on a Disney trip without having some things planned. Give yourself time to do your homework and learn all you can about how to best plan your trip. There are so many resources out there, I would look to Pinterest to get started. You can find maps, reviews, menus, crowd calendars, tips and tricks, etc. to really help you understand how to plan a successful trip. Get your dining reservations booked, figure out how you're getting there, where you're staying and buy your tickets in advance.
2. DON'T Go Without A Budget
It's so easy to want to buy every single thing you see in the park. Usually, the merchandise is on point and you'll tell yourself you have to have those salt and pepper shakers that are shaped like the trash cans in Tommorrowland, but you also have to remember how much you spent on this trip and everything you still have to pay for - like food. Like I said, it is so easy to convince that little voice in your head that you're allowed to treat yourself, and that's why it's so important to have an idea of what this entire trip is going to cost you and allot yourself a specified amount for souvenirs and other non-necessity items. Of course, a budget that is a bit flexible is best, because let's be honest - you really do absolutely need those salt and pepper shakers!
Pro Tip: One thing I really like to do is watch Disney Hauls on YouTube to get an idea of things I might want to buy and how much they'll be so I can budget more accurately!
3. DO Use the My Disney Experience App
This app is the greatest. Seriously, sometimes I go on it even when I'm not at Disney because it makes me feel like I'm gearing up to go! In the old days (old days = like 3 years ago), you had to physically walk to an attraction to find out the wait time for it, you had to actually carry a map, and if you wanted to change your FastPass time from 10:50am to 2:30pm? Tough cookies. Oh, and the FastPasses were physical paper passes. Those were dark days. Actually they were great, but compared to what we have now with the app, the days were dark. This app makes Disney days so much easier! You can check wait times, make dining reservations, change/choose your FastPasses and so much more all in one place! Before your trip make sure you peruse the app a bit so that it's easier to use when you're actually in the park.
4. DO Take advantage of FastPass+
FastPasses are a necessity on a Disney trip. Basically, FastPasses let you wait in an expedited line that is much shorter than the standby queue. If it's a super busy time of year, like Christmas, it'll save you from having to wait on 100+ minute lines, but even if it's not busy you'll want to use them. You get to book 3 fast passes per day, and once you use those, you can book more. That's why it's important to use your FastPasses early in the day, so then you can book more FastPasses for the rest of your time in the park. If you are staying at a Disney hotel, you can book them starting 60 days from your visit and if you're an off-site guest you can book starting 30 days out. I highly recommend booking as soon as possible. Not taking advantage of these FREE gifts from the Disney gods would be a huge mistake. Plus, you feel like a total boss walking past everyone that's been waiting in the standby queue.
5. DO Stay On Property (if you can)
I've been to Disney World many, many times and I've had some trips where I've stayed off property, and some where I've stayed on property. If you don't know, staying "on-property" means staying at one of 31 themed hotels within the Disney property. Disney obviously really wants you to stay at one of their hotels, so they give you a few perks if you do. Perks like, free bus transportation to and from the parks, Extra Magic Hours, early access to FastPasses and more. To me, these perks totally make it worth staying on site, but you're also paying more for the luxury of a Disney hotel, so you have to think about if it's worth it for you. The hotels are tiered based on price - value, moderate and deluxe, with deluxe being the most expensive, so there's most likely a hotel on property within your price range. Trust me when I say this, staying at a Disney hotel really changes the whole vibe of your trip. Somehow it becomes 100x more magical.
My favorites: The Boardwalk Inn, The Polynesian and Coronado Springs
6. DO Live in the moment
In this world of technology that we live in, you'd be hard pressed to find anyone not on their phones. Sadly, even the magic of Disney can't prevent this. If anything, it's probably even more prevalent, what with all the awesome Instagram opportunities the park offers (do it for the gram, right?). I myself am guilty of probably spending too much time on my phone when at the Happiest Place on Earth - it's a hard habit to break. The great thing about being at Disney World is that you feel like you have left the real world behind and are in this magical place where you have no worries or cares. Please, leave it that way. It's ok to take that photo by the Bubblegum wall, but also make sure you're taking everything in and appreciating every moment that you're there. I've found that the most memorable moments from my past trips have been when no one was on their phones. Be present in the moment and you'll have the best vacation ever!
7. DON'T Be Inflexible
Like I said before, I am a planner. I even plan my outfits for each park day like a month in advance! It's hard for me to go into a Disney trip without everything planned out. Since I was the one doing all the pre-planning, I was very determined to stick to those plans. Through the years though, I've realized that it's no fun to stick to a strict schedule - while I may enjoy making it, no one enjoys actually executing it! So I've become more flexible. I listen to the group throughout the day and kind of play everything by ear. If there's something someone doesn't want to do, or something someone wants to add, it's very easy to make changes to the plans. Being strict causes stress, which can ruin a vacation before it even begins, and honestly, there should be no stress on a Disney vacation!
8. DON'T Miss Out On Meeting Characters
I'll be the first to admit, I'm not the biggest fan of meeting characters. Some people absolutely love it and are so good at interacting with them, and some people are very awkward about it. I fall into the latter. For a long time, I didn't really go out of my way to meet any characters (plus, I was not really into waiting in those long lines). I would wave to them if I saw them on my way to an attraction, but once my younger brother got to the age where he enjoyed meeting them, I started waiting in those lines again. I remembered how magical it is to meet Mickey and Minnie, Peter Pan, Alice and all the others. It really does add some pixie dust to your trip and will provide you with memories you'll never forget.
Pro Tip: Use the My Disney Experience App to find where the characters will be throughout the day in each park!
9. DO Remember to be kind
It's hard to remember that not everyone thinks like you do. You can be in the happiest mood ever and there will always be someone who is in the worst mood ever. Yes, this is even true at Disney World. You're going to run into some not nice people while you're there and it will be super annoying, but the best way to counteract that person's negativity is to outshine them with kindness. I've heard incredible stories of guests going out of their way to make magical moments for other guests (read one here). These gestures don't have to be big (it could simply be a nice conversation) and it could really add to yours and that person's trip. Basically, be kind, mind your space and don't be obnoxious.
Pro Tip: Interacting with Cast Members is another great way to add some magic to your own trip. Strike up a conversation with one of them and you never know what will happen!
10. DON'T expect to do it all
Seriously, it's actually impossible. As many times as I've been, I still haven't even come close to doing every single thing. Walt Disney World is huge and they are adding to it all the time. Going in with the mindset that you want to do everything will only end with you being very tired and very disappointed. I read somewhere that on average, a person can get in about 8 attractions in a day at WDW, give or take a few depending on crowd levels. That doesn't even come close to how many rides there are in each park. Being realistic about what you can accomplish will make your time in "The World" much more relaxing and enjoyable. Plus, not accomplishing everything just gives you another excuse to come back ;) .
That's it guys! While all of this may seem overwhelming, the most important thing to remember is to have fun (omg so cheesy, I know, who am I?). Seriously though, whether you're there for one day or one week, a trip to Disney World is truly magical.
What are your best tips and tricks for a trip to Disney World?
Valentine's Day Outfit Inspiration
February 13, 2017
With Valentine's Day right around the corner - literally guys, it's tomorrow - the time to have your outfit planned has come. Everyone knows the best part about any holiday is picking out a new outfit, but it can be really hard picking the right outfit for the right circumstance. Whether you have a date with bae or a night out with your girls (here's our post about how to have the perfect Galentine's Day), you're going to need to dress your best!
I am a master at waiting until the last minute to find the perfect outfit. I plan months in advance, but don't actually put anything together until I realize it's probably too late. So I am forced to either run out to the store to pick up a statement piece and/or just make due with what I have in my closet. The purpose of this post is to help those girls like me, the one's who just can't seem to prepare early enough, but who want to look ah-mazing always. These outfits should be easy peasy to put together, you'll either have something similar already in your closet, or you'll make a quick run to the mall and pick up something (or some things, get it) new - either way you're sure to look incredible, no matter what your plans are.
Shops I recommend checking out for great last minute pieces:
Nordstrom | Zara | Madewell
Hopefully these outfits help you figure out how you're going to WOW people tomorrow! What's everyone's plans? Let us know if you're throwing a party for your gal pals, spending a romantic night with your SO or if you're pampering the most important person in your life - yourself!
Single Girl's Guide to Galentine's Day
February 12, 2017
Another year, another Valentines Day.
BAM, just like that, it's February. It's February, and you are single during the "most romantic month of the year" (honestly, that's debatable because Christmas is actually the cutest). We here at Sincerely Unfabulous completely understand what you're going through. Do not fret; open Spotify, start playing "Single Ladies" and "I Love Myself", and we will help you get through this otherwise normal Tuesday. Here are some ways to show yourself that you don't need a significant other to eat lots of chocolate and spread the love.
1. Watch your favorite funny movie
Try making the movie theme a little more girl power and a little less chick flick. Instead of stressing about how Jack and Rose could have TOTALLY shared that floating door, celebrate how three amazing women clapped back at their ex husbands and won (First Wives Club).2. Throw a girl's only soiree
Pour some rose' and let the gossip begin! If you want to keep the convos clean of relationship talk, pick up a set of Mindy Kaling conversation cards and get to know your girls a little better!
3. Bake some yummy treats
Three words: Red. Wine. Gummies. Absolutely surround yourself with chocolate. I also love to make cupcakes, and this year I'll be baking strawberry frosted heart tarts to take to my Valentines party. Anything pink and sprinkle covered will do!4. Treat Yourself
This could be with chocolate...or with those amazing velvet rose colored booties from Anthro that you've had your eye on. Bottom line just take some time for you!5. Make it about you and your gal pals
I'm a firm believer that guys will come and go, but your girls are there forever, so let's celebrate that! Valentines Day is all about love, but it does't have to be romantic! Show those around you how much you appreciate them.Don't worry, we will be running around muttering "ugh, couples" every second of the day, but we will also pass out mass amounts of chocolate and send well wishes to the people we love (and ok, yeah, maybe we will also have a bottle of wine and feel no shame).
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