Disney!

First off, Disney World is expensive! Did everyone know except me?? I hadn’t been there in over 15 years… so I wasn’t expecting it. For the 2 days and 3 nights, my stay, only for myself, was about $500 that doesn’t include food and drinks! I’m a bargain gal and have spent $500 in a foreign country over a week long vacay, so I had a slight heart attack. I’m all about international travel though.

Tickets into the park were $109 a day. If you’re staying longer, the price goes down. If we had bought hopper tickets, it would have been another $35 per day. Again, the more days you’re there the cheaper it is. We stayed at the Art of Animation Resort in the Lion King suite. It was a nice big room with plenty of space for 4 people. Everything is covered in Lion King motifs. One very nice thing about staying at a resort are the shuttles! If you can swing it, it’s definitely worth it.

Tips!

Definitely download the Disney app. It’s very helpful, showing wait times, maps, and making reservations. Use the Fast Pass! Take your own snacks!

Apparently, if you don’t use the maid service, they will give you a gift card amounting to the amount of days you didn’t use it! So, if you don’t use the service for 10 days they will give you a $100 gift card. Pretty awesome!

1st Day – Hollywood Studio

Our first day, began at 6 a.m., we spent all day at Hollywood studios, which includes Star Wars, Toy Story, and Sunset Blvd.

We were able to do the extra magic hours (6-9 a.m.), where they open the park early for resort stayers. In order for us to beat the rush into Star Wars World, we had to get there early. Well worth it! I actually really liked being there before the crowds.

Places to Eat

Baseline Tap House – we grabbed yummy beer and massive pretzels. It was a great spot to cool down and get out of the crowds. They have several beers to choose from. I had the blood orange cider, which was very tasty.

Backlot Express – was NOT good. I didn’t even finish my meal. I definitely don’t recommend that one.

Mama Melrose – located to the left of the entrance to Star Wars. It is mixed in with all the Muppets. Very good food and wine. Of course, pretty pricey, but I didn’t mind since the food was good.

Rides

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – so much fun! I was an engineer both times, but I got in the single rider line so I didn’t have to wait so long.

Tower of Terror – oldie but goodie.

Rockin’ Rollercoaster – Aerosmith’s super fast and fun ride! Completely in the dark with neon lights.

Final Tips!

Take an empty water bottle. There are places all around where you can fill up on FREE water!

They do allow outside food, so be sure to take plenty of snacks or even sandwiches.

2nd Day – Animal Kingdom

I must say, I was thoroughly blown away by the Animal Kingdom. The whole area was incredibly designed. Every detail had been thought out and planned to the nth degree. Pandora was my absolute favorite. The food was awesome! Drinks were super good.

Places to Eat

Nomad Lounge – Drinks were amaziinnngg! The food was so so good too. It is located next to Tiffins, which is located on the way into Pandora. Tiffins is very expensive though, unless you don’t mind. Nomad Lounge serves a small plate menu, where I got the vegetarian sliders; made from Impossible burgers. Big thumbs up on those. I also had the Annapurna Zing cocktail – Bombay Sapphire East Gin, Passion Fruit Purée, Mint, Simple Syrup, and Lime Juice topped with Ginger Beer and a glowing Lotus Flower. Delish! You also get to keep the flower.

Satu’li Canteen – located at the exit of the Flight of Passage, in Pandora. Food was awesome! They have vegan options as well. I had a shrimp bowl with potatoes, so yum.

Located only in Pandora is Pongu Pongu cafe. They have snacks and beer! I got their green beer, which was fruity and pretty tasty.

Rides

Flight of Passage – a MUST! We were able to ride it twice. It’s well worth the wait. If you’re able to do the fast pass, make sure you book this ride about 2 months in advance. It fills up quick.

Na’vi River Passage – Boat ride through tunnels. It’s great on those hot days. You’re in the dark the whole time and you travel through the bioluminescence, very pretty and calming.