Today, I head down to Disney to participate in Disney’s Star Wars Race Weekend. However, before I have another trip to write about, I wanted to do a write up on our 10 day trip we took back in February. Despite being there many times, there were a few firsts and overall it was a different experience than our previous trips.
Our winter break happens to coincide with Disney’s Princess Race Weekend. I figured since I was running, why not make it a family vacation. Unfortunately, Bill could not join us, so it became a Mom and son’s trip, and we had the best time. There was little fighting between the boys. They went with the flow and did not complain about the go, go, go pace I have while at the parks. This was more likely due to how I approached this trip. I scheduled some downtime, which is NOT something I tend to do. However, it worked to my advantage, and we honestly had the best time. Now, I am not going to do a day by day breakdown for you. This is going to be a high-level report of some of the highlights and the new things we tried over the ten days. Are you ready?
The first thing that was new and different for us, was a split stay. We spent half the week at the Polynesian and half the week at the Beach Club. We stayed in the DVC section of each of the resorts. Both are amazing resorts and have their advantages. I love the feel and smells of the Polynesian. I love how it is a monorail resort and its close proximity to the Magic Kingdom. I love how the rooms have the split bathrooms. One is rather large with a toilet, sink and bath. The other has an awesome spa-like shower, sink, and vanity. The room also sleeps 5, which is very nice. We have stayed at the Poly many times and is usually our go-to resort. On Wednesday of that week, we headed over to the Beach Club. I loved the proximity to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The room also sleeps 5, but we did miss having the two bathrooms. The pool was amazing. Of course we love Beaches and Cream and the boys had to try the cupcake milkshakes. If I had to pick one, I am still thinking the Polynesian. Nothing beats the view of the castle!
This trip, I wanted to try some new experiences or revisit a couple of old ones that were a hit or may have changed. We attended two dessert parties, Early Morning Magic at Toy Story Land over at Hollywood Studios and Disney After Hours at the Animal Kingdom. Each event had an additional cost on top of park admission, but I wanted this to be a special trip and in my opinion, each event, but one, was worth the extra money.
The first event was the Happily Ever After Dessert Party at the Magic Kingdom. The party is held at the Tomorrowland Terrace. The cost is $69.00 per adult and $41.00 per child. The price includes all you can eat desserts (we skipped dinner that day), juices, water, soda, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
There were trays of desserts like the ones above. They also had some hummus, cheese, and crackers. They had cookies, brownies, ice cream and make your own s’mores. If you love sweets, this is the place for you After you are done eating, you may, at your leisure, ask to be escorted down to the viewing area. We had seats in the hub area of Magic Kingdom. The viewing area for Happily Ever After is why I spent the money on this event. There is no fighting for a spot. One does not need to arrive 2 hours ahead of time for a good view. The spot is amazing and with a view like this, why not??
We also happen to do the Star Wars Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios. We had attended this back in 2017, but it loved it so much, we had to do it again. I am glad we did. They made some changes to improve the event when I didn’t think the improvements were needed.
The party takes place inside Star Wars Launch Bay. At check-in, you receive a lanyard. The lanyard admits you and your party into the roped off area inside. Once inside, you are assigned to a table. The tables have numbers and under that number is an invitation. Okay, not so much an invitation, more like a demand. π
For those of you not familiar with the Stars Wars movies, the Commander would be Kylo Ren. He is a bit intimidating in the movie and here at Disney!
Storm Troopers roam about and interact with the crowd.
The Star Wars Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party includes something that the Magic Kingdom one does not, alcohol. For the price one pays to attend these events, after a long day in the parks, alcohol may be a must for some. Speaking of price, I believe this was the same price as the one in MK. Unfortunately, I did not partake in an adult beverage, as I was running the next day. However, I recall from 2017, and it was delicious. It is the same layout as the one at the Magic Kingdom. There are plenty of desserts, cheese, crackers, hummus, ice cream, and more. The party included soft drinks, coffee, tea, and alcohol. I found this party included a bit more, and the choices were better.
In addition to meeting Kylo and eating to our heart’s content, we were free to explore Launch Bay and see props and memorabilia from all the movies. At around 7:45 pm, we were escorted outside to our reserved seating to watch the show. As we were leaving, we were given a plastic mug, in the shape of Darth Vader’s head. The reserved seating area was fantastic. It had changed from 2017, and it is a much better view. I highly recommend this party, even if you are not a Star Wars fan.
Another first, Early Morning Magic at Toy Story Land. I knew there was no way my children would wait for 2,3 or 4 hours for Slinky Dog. I had heard the Early Morning Magic was fantastic. It includes a hot and cold breakfast and an hour and a half in Toy Story Land with access to all the rides. It was worth every penny. We rode Slinky Dog, Alien Swirling Saucers and Toy Story Mania many times. We also had our photo taken with Woody and Jessie. Around this time, the park had opened for the general public and crowds descended upon us. All I can say, purchase the Early Morning Magic, stat!!! The price for this event is $79.00 for adults and $69.00 for kids.
We did one other special event and that is Disney’s After Hours at the Animal Kingdom. The cost of this event is steep, $125.00 each. The event is from 8:00-11:00 pm certain nights of the week. Both rides in Pandora are open, Dinosaur, Everest, two showings of Rivers of Light and the Tree of Life Awakenings. There are snacks served around the park. The rest of the park is closed. This is a bit of a disappointment, but we knew that going in. The boys mainly wanted to go for access to Flight of Passage. We were able to walk right on that ride several times, as well as all of the other rides. However, we were only there for about an hour, when my youngest started to feel ill. It had been a long, hot day and he was done. Overall, the event was okay. I probably would not do it again due to the lack of areas in the park being open. Next trip, we do plan on doing the after hours at the Magic Kingdom. There is simply more to do.
During the ten-day trip, we had a couple of new character meet and greets. First, we met up with Cinderella’s wicked stepsisters over at the Magic Kingdom. This was by far, our best character experience. They spent at least 5-7 mins with the boys. They even set a wedding date!
Over at the Animal Kingdom, we met Scrooge McDuck. It was a great new photo op.
Though we did not get our photo with her, we did see the famous Kevin, from the movie Up. She was roaming around the Animal Kingdom most of the day.
The one we were most surprised to see was the Evil Queen. She rarely makes an appearance. However, a source close to the Queen said when they are new to the role, they go out and about to meet people. A practice run more or less. I was thrilled to meet her.
We also attended the Festival of the Arts over at Epcot. This is a fairly new festival to Epcot and we enjoyed what we saw. There was entertainment, such as the Disney Broadway Concert Series, seminars and demonstrations and 13 food studios with lots of delicious treats such as this Mac & Cheese Lobster in a cone. It is like a mini Food and Wine.
What I loved best about the festival, all the different photo ops. I know there was so much more to do and see, but I had teenage boys with me. Seminars and demonstrations, are not their thing. However, they were good sports and took some photos with me.
I am looking forward to experiencing it again next year.
Though, we had done this next experience before, it had been a while. On Sunday, we spent all day and night at the Magic Kingdom. It was very crowded and we had some time to kill while waiting for our Fast Passes. After riding Pirates of the Caribbean, I was looking around and thought, hey it has been a while since we were on Tom Sawyer’s Island. The kids and I jumped on the raft and headed over.
The island is on the banks of the River of America in the middle of Frontierland. It has some great views of the Haunted Mansion and Thunder Mountain. It is a self-guided tour, with maps, signs, bridges, caves, mills and more. It is inspired by the writings of Mark Twain. It has been years since we checked it out. At first, the kids were not too keen on doing it. However, once we started exploring, they had a blast.
Finally, the last ‘first” we experienced on this trip, was Nicholas’s 1st runDisney race. He and I ran the 5K together. I will never forget the look of joy as he crossed over the finish line!
There is so much more I could write about this trip. However, I am going to leave it here. There are many more Disney trips on the horizon for us. Be sure to check back to look for my review of the Flower and Garden Festival and the Star Wars Races. Both of these are new experiences to me. What I love most about Disney, no matter how many times we have gone, there is always something new to see and do.
Until next time, lots of faith, trust and pixie dust!
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Shirley | 4th Apr 19
Wow! It looks like you had a fabulous time and what a great way to spend Spring Break! I’m a sweet lover so those desserts…..yum!!!
Heather | 8th Apr 19
Very yummy!
Trisha | 4th Apr 19
I’m always amazed by two things with Disney:
1) How much you can cram in during a visit
2) and their food! No words!
There is so much to so at Disney that I’m sure if you spent a month there, you still wouldn’t do it all.
P.S. I love Kevin!
Heather | 8th Apr 19
Exactly, always something new. In the last few years, I have spent 59 days in the parks. There is still plenty of things I could do!
Tricia Snow | 4th Apr 19
Oh my goodness, those desserts! I would have gained a solid 10lbs on this trip and it would have been worth it!
Heather | 8th Apr 19
LOL!!! Yes hence why I combine it with a race weekend. π
Amanda Howe | 4th Apr 19
Looks like a great time and that food, YUM!!!
Heather | 8th Apr 19
Yes!
Carolina | 4th Apr 19
Those desserts look amazing. We were there a few months back for the first time ever and had a blast. I would love to go back and try some of those yummy desserts!
Heather | 8th Apr 19
There is your reason to go back!
Suzan | It's My Sustainable Life | 4th Apr 19
What a fun trip! Disney does everything to perfection. Brought back a lot of memories when we took my daughter there to see “Sweeping Bleauty” , she was 4 years old at the time π Thanks for sharing!
Heather | 8th Apr 19
Awww.. that is so cute.
Shannon Delaney | 4th Apr 19
OMG, looked amazing! I’m impressed. I am taking my grandchildren to Magic Kingdom in June. This was a treat to see a preview!
Missy | 4th Apr 19
Such a wonderful adventure. I liked the Milkshakes from Beaches and Cream. Yum
Heather | 8th Apr 19
My boys loved them!
Lisa Manderino | 4th Apr 19
I love the Beach Club Resort! Did you think the Hollywood studios morning breakfast was worth it? We thought about it last time we went. It seems like you really liked the hollywood studios dessert party, I want to know more! I bet you could write a whole post just on each party you went to! I am a die hard and I really want to know more!
Heather | 8th Apr 19
Yes, I did think Early Morning Magic was worth it. The breakfast was hot and cold. Considering what one pays for a meal at Disney, the price of the early park entrance, with breakfast is a steal! I just got back today from another trip down there and will be doing some more posts.
Hera | 4th Apr 19
Lived in Orlando and as many times weβve been to Disney, they always have something new going on and to try. These events look like a blast!
Heather | 8th Apr 19
Yes, there is always something new.
kmf | 4th Apr 19
That looks like so much fun! I didnβt realize they hosted races…looking forward to your Star Wars post!
Heather | 8th Apr 19
Yes, they have been doing so for 26 years. The marathon is the oldest race. Princess is 11 years, Wine and Dine is 10 and Star Wars is maybe? Not entirely sure on that one.
Lisa | 4th Apr 19
The view of those fireworks – priceless!!
Heather | 8th Apr 19
Right??? Beautiful!
Jennifer - Me and My Traveling Hat | 4th Apr 19
Looks like you packed it in and enjoyed it! I was wondering how the Festival of Arts at Epcot was: it looked like it was fun, your photo’s in the paintings are so cool! Glad you enjoyed your time with your boys too, treasured times!
Heather | 8th Apr 19
Thank you!
Sandi | 4th Apr 19
Sounds like you had a great trip. I love the Disney Food and Wine, Iβm sure this festival was fun too.
Heather | 8th Apr 19
Food and Wine is my favorite!
Ramae Hamrin | 4th Apr 19
Wow, all that food! I never took my kids to Disney but wish I had.There’s always grand kids! Glad you had such a good time! Awesome photos! π
Heather | 8th Apr 19
Thank you!
Leigh Ann | 4th Apr 19
Disney is such a magical place and your pictures are wonderful. I love the fireworks over the castle the most!
Heather | 8th Apr 19
Thank you!
Kristin | 5th Apr 19
This makes me want to plan to attend the Star Wars dessert party with my son! So much to do at Disney, it just never gets old!
Heather | 8th Apr 19
Do it! Such a great time.
Becky | 5th Apr 19
It looks like y’all had a blast. It is always fun making momories because kids grow so fast! The food looked amazing!
Heather | 8th Apr 19
Way to fast. I miss them being little.
Michele | 5th Apr 19
What a fun-packed trip! So glad you could take the boys! It looks like you guys had a blast!
Heather | 8th Apr 19
Thanks!
Brianna | 5th Apr 19
That looks like a packed trip!
Heather | 8th Apr 19
It sure was. We did have a little bit of down time, but not too much. LOL
Tiffany | 6th Apr 19
I don’t think I have ever taken the kids over to Tom Sawyer’s Island. You forget about all the things you can do sometimes at the Magic Kingdom!
Heather | 8th Apr 19
I know! Just so much to do.
Monica | 6th Apr 19
This looks so fun, especially the food π I’ve always wanted to run a race. Maybe something different like this would be a good start.
Heather | 8th Apr 19
They have the best races! I highly recommend them.
Jennifer Morrison | 6th Apr 19
This looks like an amazing adventure. I love the idea of a split visit to get the best of both worlds! I think the food looks amazing, especially the mac and cheese with lobster cone.
Heather | 8th Apr 19
The festivals have such good food. Disney makes the split stay so easy.
Michele | 8th Apr 19
Heather, this is great! So much detail provided here. Looks like you and your boys had a great time!
Heather | 8th Apr 19
Thank you. We had a blast!
T.M. Brown | 8th Apr 19
What a great trip!!! I live in back of the Magic now and have yet to do a dessert / fireworks party. You have totally inspired me to go do one and SOON! You are much braver than I am when it comes to races, though – not to mention I heard the 5K had some pretty interesting “obstacles” to overcome this year. Thanks for sharing the fun you had and perhaps one day we will meet at the parks!
Heather | 8th Apr 19
You must do one!! So good. Humm..do you the 5K of this past weekend? Due to storms it was delayed, pouring rain and they cut the route short. That was a bummer.
jen | 8th Apr 19
This post brought back fond memories for me when we went with the family a few years back. Thank you!!
Heather | 8th Apr 19
Thank you for stopping by.
Lara | 8th Apr 19
With all those desserts, I would definitely need to go for a run. So cool that you are combining runs with travel adventures. Very smart to keep fit and have fun!
Heather | 8th Apr 19
Yes, it is all about balance. π
Rosemary | 9th Apr 19
I am from Cali so have been to Dland many, many times. I really hope to make it to DWorld one day! (or 10!) lol!
Side note: there are a couple of typos in your post. Email me if you want to know.
Heather | 9th Apr 19
Thank you!
Cindy | 9th Apr 19
Im always amazed at all that Disney offers! Itβs ever changing and expanding. I need another visit soon.
Katie | 10th Apr 19
How fun! And what a detailed recount of your trip. All of that food looks incredible!
Pauline Reynolds | 11th Apr 19
It looks like you guys had fun. I didn’t know they had race weekend. What a great way to get your kids outside.
Heather | 11th Apr 19
Thanks! They have 4 races weekends at Disney World and one at Disneyland Paris. They are all so much fun.