You asked and we answered! Check out our teams responses to some of our followers amazing questions in our very first Q & A ! Be sure to click their link if you liked their answers!
Q: I’m planning a trip in January. We are doing one day at Universal and then several days at Disney. We are only visiting Universal for Harry Potter Land. If we do a single day park hopper ticket, will that be plenty of time for Harry Potter? I’m traveling with my mom and aunt who won’t be riding any rides, but are Potter fans.
Shannon’s Response: Harry Potter lands can be thoroughly explored in one day with park to park tickets. Early in the day or later in the evening are the best times
Q: Do you have info about the new character meal with snow white?
Joanne’s Response: The new Storybook Dining at Artist Point will be available starting this winter. It will feature a daily Prix Fixe dinner menu. Snow White, Dopey and Grumpy will visit with Guests. Guest will also have the opportunity the visit with The Queen! Music and activities will add to the fairytale experience. Disney has not yet released a start date for this character experience or details related to the Disney Dining Plan.
Q: If you only had time for one character meal, which would it be?
Angi’s Response: for the best food and character interaction, my money goes to Tusker House!
Christina’s Response: Breakfast at Ohana in Disney’s Polynesian Resort is a lot of fun for kids and an excellent choice of all you care to enjoy breakfast foods. It’s the only place to meet Lilo and Stitch! Kids can even participate in a character parade including shaking some maracas.
Q: What is your favorite cruise line for young kids?
Angi’s Response: Disney. They have incomparable kids clubs where the characters may just drop by!
Christina’s Response: Disney cruises are great for kids and offer lots of great kids activities, along with interaction with Disney characters and great Disney entertainment. If Disney isn’t your thing, Royal Caribbean also offers cruises with plenty of things to keep kids busy. Some ships have Dreamworks characters. There are ships that have bumper cars, ice skating, etc.
Stephanie’s Response: My personal favorite is Royal Caribbean. They have a ton of activities, I have to drag my kids our of the kids club some times and their partnership with Dreamworks is great for those few character interactions that the kids are looking for!
Q: Is taking young kids to an all inclusive resort really worth the cost?
Sara’s Response: Many all inclusive resorts offer discounted or even free children’s pricing which can be a huge cost savings. Finding the perfect family resort offers activities and excitement for all age ranges.
Q: How old do you think the kids should be before we start planning family vacations?
Shannon’s Response: This is a tough question to answer as every family is different. I started taking family vacations when my daughter was 10 months old. If looking at Disney I lean more towards 3 as there is more for them to do, but each family dynamic is unique what is comfortable for some might not work for others
Lara’s Response: I went to Disney when I was 2 and although I don’t remember it, my parents do. And they have memories and pictures. It musthave made a difference because I’ve been a Disney fanatic since then. I took my daughter when she was 2 and my son when he was 2. Those memories of magic are priceless. I saw so much joy through their eyes. And we continue to make memories whenever we go. Each age brings a different kind of magical experience.
Laurie’s Response: This is definitely a tough question and it depends on what type Vacation your planning on taking. A Disney vacation is great for any age. Children under the age of three is free. Even though a small child under three may not remember the vacation, you will and you are making great memories. I enjoyed it at all the different ages for different reasons. It was very magical seeing them little and their reaction everything . Then once they were old enough to ride every it was different type of fine since we would ride everything as a family
Q: We just got back from an Alaskan cruise and LOVED it! What should we do next that will top it?
Cynthia’s Response: It is hard to top coming back from an Alaskan cruise because there is so much beauty to behold. If you loved that so much and would like to return I would suggest a land vacation in Alaska. Believe it or not you will find even more beauty. If you want to explore other areas then I would suggest a trip to Hawaii. Each island is so different that there is something for everyone. Hawaii is beautiful with picturesque landscapes but completely the opposite from Alaska. For example, you will see lush gardens, waterfalls, volcanos, and could even see a black sand beach which itself is rare.
Stephanie’s Response: Alaska is absolutely amazing! I think next on my personal bucket list would be Costa Rica! There’s something about zip lining through the rain forest, hiking up a volcano and jumping into a hot spring that just sounds wonderful! Plus you can choose to stay on the water and get a good balance of beach and water sports as well, or you can actually stay in the rain forest. Tree house style hotel anyone??
Q: Is it worth upgrading my hotel at universal just to get the unlimited express pass?
Christina’s Response: There a few factors to consider when thinking about upgrading hotel for express pass. If you are going to each park more than one time, you should have plenty of time to see all the attractions without the pass. Also, if you are going during a slower time of the year, parks won’t be too overly crowded to where an Express pass would be necessary. Just make sure that you visit the most popular attractions first thing in the morning, therefore avoiding as many long lines as possible.
Laurie’s Response: It depends if you are going during during peak or off season. If your going in February then skip on buying the pass. The lines will be short enough. If your going during spring vacation, summer or the Holidays I would upgrade. The unlimited pass could cost anywhere from $99-$130 pp per day. That could add up very quickly if you have 4 people and your doing 5 days of parks. That’s approximately $2000. A hotel upgraded could would be in that range. I priced out an April vacation at Lowe’s Sapphire fall and Lowe’s Royal Pacific (includes pass) the price difference was $1900. I definitely would like to spend the $2000 on a Hotel upgrade.
Shannon’s Response: I absolutely think upgrading to the 3 universal top hotels for express pass if going during peak travel times is worth it for example summer, spring break, Christmas to New Years. During non peak times you could do without the express and save.
Q: What are the best EPCOT restaurants for couples?
Christina’s Response: There are a lot of restaurants that are good for couples in Epcot. It may be best to select the type of cuisine that you enjoy and go from there. Le Cellier Steakhouse, Les Chefs de France, San Angel – these restaurants are great for couples. Pick a time of the day that is not going to be very busy for your best chance at quiet atmosphere. I also want to mention that Todd English’s Bluezoo restaurant is just a short walk from Epcot and has a very romantic atmosphere.
Stephanie’s Response: Honestly, this is hugely dependent on the couple. Our personal Favorite is San Angel. The atmosphere is amazing, and we are suckers for some good Mexican food! Or even La Hacienda if you can get a window seat to see the fireworks! But if you prefer a Steak house style setting then Le Cellier is AMAZING. And Monsieur Paul is French cuisine that is absolutely perfect for a special Anniversary or Honeymoon Dinner!