Devine Fairytale

a magical lifestyle blog

Categories: Disney, Travel

Melia Orlando Celebration: A Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel

Melia Orlando Celebration Hotel Review

Melia Orlando Celebration is close to the magic of the Disney parks and a great option for staying off property!

This post is sponsored by the Melia Orlando Celebration hotel. Our stay was complimentary but all opinions are my own.

Location

Melia Orlando Celebration is located just 5 miles from Disney which makes for a quick drive to the theme parks. It is definitely worth checking out some of the shops and restaurants in the Celebration Town Center area. The town of Celebration was originally developed by the Walt Disney Company as a master-planned community. The hotel is located just off of US 192.

The Hotel

The hotel features standard rooms and suites. We stayed in a one-bedroom suite with a pool view. Our room featured a full size refrigerator and small kitchen area, a dining table, and a living room in addition to the bedroom and full bathroom. This is perfect to have drinks, snacks, and even meals all taken care of in your room! This is definitely a way to save money. The bedroom also had a desk area where I was able to get some work done each morning during our stay.

The Food

We had some really great meals while we were there! In the lobby, they serve Starbucks coffee and have some quick & easy grab-and-go options for food and drinks. These options are perfect to get on your way to the parks or to take back to your room.

The 360 American Bistro & Bar is their on-site restaurant. We had an amazing Saturday morning brunch complete with mimosas. The portions were huge and the lobster benedict and breakfast burrito got two thumbs up from us!

They also have a cute new sushi garden, SASA, just outside of the lobby and near the pool area.

The Pool

The 360 degree pool located in the center of the property is the gem of this hotel! We spent an entire afternoon here soaking up the sun in the lounge chairs. We had cocktails from the pool bar and the DJ played some of our favorite songs. They set up a paella tent for lunch and brought out some fun crafts to keep the kids entertained. There was a volleyball net set up in one section of the pool, putt putt in the center island, cornhole, and more!

Other Amenities

As a guest, you are able to get a voucher from the front desk to use the Celebration Fitness Center that is within walking distance.

Parking on site is complimentary and there is also a charging station for electric vehicles.

A Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel

Being a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel means that the Melia Orlando Celebration hotel meets Disney standards and they have the ability to sell park tickets. This hotel can also be booked as part of a Disney vacation package with your room and tickets. The front desk is also able to set up transportation for you to and from the theme parks.

I’m so glad we were able to check out this hotel; we will absolutely be back. If you’re looking for an affordable hotel in the Orlando area where you can relax and enjoy the amenities and still get your Disney fix…this is it. You can save up to 50% off your stay by using Code 00609878JQP!

Going to the parks? Make sure you have your park pass reservations ahead of time and my park bag checklist!

Categories: Disney, Travel

What Should You Pack in Your Disney Park Bag?

With all of our trips, there are a few things that I ALWAYS pack in my Disney park bag! I’m giving you my list (and links!) so you can be prepared for your next trip. I’ll include my top recommendations as well as some others that come in handy if you have the room to bring them too.

The Basics

My go-to bag is a Disney Loungefly backpack because it’s the perfect size and I can match it to my outfit for the day. Crossbody bags and belt bags are also great, convenient options. Keep the bag fairly small and make sure it’s hands-free so you aren’t having to mess with it all day. If you needed a locker, they are located towards the front of each park to rent for the day. Just keep in my mind that this may not always be convenient to get back to during the day. There are three different sized lockers ranging in price from $10 to $15 for the day. Everyone who enters the theme park will need to go through a security screening and there will be a bag check. There is usually a separate (and shorter) line for guests without bags.

If you have little ones in a stroller, you have a bit more flexibility as far as the size goes since you can keep the bag in the stroller compartment. As a reminder, strollers cannot exceed 31 inches in width and 52 inched in length. Stroller wagons are not allowed.

I am by no means a ‘minimalist.’ Sure, you could have a great day at the parks without any of these things. This is totally up to you and your travel party’s preferences so feel free to take what works for you.

Top Items

  • MagicBand or Key to the World Card
  • Photo ID
  • Cash, Debit or Credit Card, Gift Card, etc.
  • Annual Passholder or Disney Vacation Club Card
    • To receive exclusive discounts, you will need to show the physical card and (most times) and an ID.
  • Cell Phone with the My Disney Experience App downloaded
  • Portable Battery Pack and Compatible USB Cord
    • Park days can be long and using our phones for photos, videos, checking wait times, and more can run the battery down quickly.
  • Face Masks + Extra Masks
    • As long as face masks are required, I would recommend bringing at least one extra mask for each person.
  • Travel Bag or Ziplocs for Clean vs Dirty Masks
    • I have these travel pouches but Ziploc bags would work just as well. It lets you know which masks need to be washed and keeps them separate from everything else. Even if you don’t bring this in your park bag, it’s still handy to have on a trip.
  • Pair of Minnie Ears
  • Sunglasses
  • Hair Elastic
  • Liquid I.V. Hydration Packets
    • Stay hydrated in the Florida heat with these flavored hydration multiplier packets. You can get a cup of ice water for free or add to a bottle of water and mix it up. You can use my code DEVINEFAIRYTALE at checkout and save 25% and get free shipping.
  • Snacks
    • I always bring a couple of protein bars or nuts in case I need a quick snack. Always nice to have something on hand in a pinch, especially with kids.
  • Handheld Fan
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Antibacterial Wipes
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip Balm
  • Gum or Mints
    • Disney does not sell gum in their parks, so make sure to bring your own if you’ll want it!
  • Pins to Trade
    • With Covid, Pin Trading is a bit different but there still are some locations that have pin boards available.

Other Ideas

For Kids

  • Small Toys and Activities
    • Something to play with that will keep them occupied while waiting in lines will be helpful.
  • Bubbles or Glow Sticks
    • If you think your kids will see the carts with bubble wands and glow toys and want them, it might be smart to save some money and bring your own.
  • Change of Clothes
    • If they get wet or make a mess, having a backup outfit might be a good idea.

Not Allowed

  • Alcohol, Drugs, Weapons. etc.
  • Glass Containers (except for baby food jars)
  • Loose or Dry Ice
  • Horns, Whistles, Other Noise Makers
  • Drones
  • Remote Control Toys, Skateboards, Skates, Shoes with Built-In Wheels
  • Folding Chairs
  • Selfie Sticks
  • Tripod or Monopod that does not fit in a standard backpack or extends over 6 feet
  • Flags or Banners
  • Anything you can pull behind you such as a cooler, wagon, etc.

Do you have any other must have items for the theme parks? Tell us in the comments!

Here’s a handy checklist you can download to print out or save on your phone! Drop your email and it will be delivered straight to your inbox.

Park Bag Checklist

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Categories: Disney, Travel

2021 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival: Top Picks

One of my favorite festivals, Taste of EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival begins March 3, 2021! Spring will be in the air and you can find fresh foods, character topiaries, and beautiful flowers throughout the park until July 5, 2021.

Throughout the World Showcase, there will be more than 20 spots to try the food and drink that’s exclusive to the festival. You can find the complete Foodie Guide on the Disney Parks Blog, and I’ll share some of my favorites! The EPCOT Sunshine Griddle is a new outdoor kitchen featuring brunch items that sounds like a perfect new addition. Not to be missed though, longtime favorites like Violet Lemonade and Frushi will be back.

A great way to work your way through the outdoor kitchens is by following along the Garden Graze. The Festival Passport lists five items and with each purchase of those items, you’ll receive a stamp. Once you have all five, you can show your completed passport page at the Pineapple Promenade for a complimentary gift! This is great if you’ll have multiple trips to the festival because you do not need to complete it all in one day.

For the little ones, Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration scavenger hunt is a fun activity with a special prize once completed. The cost to purchase the map is $7.99 + tax. The Spike and Orange Bird sippers are back this year too!

In the past, the Flower and Garden Festival featured the Garden Rocks concert series, featuring musical acts like Sister Hazel, Rick Springfield, and more. This year will be a bit different as the stage at the America Gardens Theatre will feature local bands from the Orlando area Friday through Monday evenings.

5 Items on My Must-Try List:

  1. Arancini: Sweet Sausage Fried Risotto Balls with Pomodoro Sauce – Primavera Kitchen in Italy
  2. Seared Scallops with French Green Beans, Butter Potatoes, Brown Butter Vinaigrette and Apple-wood-smoked Bacon – Northern Bloom in Canada
  3. Key Lime Tart with Toasted Meringue – Festival Favorites in World Showplace
  4. Shrimp and Grits: Blackened Shrimp and Cheddar Cheese Grits with Brown Gravy and Sweet Corn Salsa – EPCOT Sunshine Griddle in Future World East
  5. Lavender Honey Mustard-marinated Chicken Flatbread with Whipped Honey-Ricotta Cheese, Marinated Vegetables, and Purple Haze Lavender Goat Cheese – The Honey Bee-stro in Showcase Plaza

Do you need some outfit inspo for your trip to the Flower and Garden Festival? Check out these looks linked below! If you shop on ShopMagicallyMegan on Etsy, you can use code SHANNON15 to save as long as it’s not already on sale.

The festival is included with a regular park ticket to EPCOT, just make sure to make a Park Pass reservation for the day you plan to visit! Let me know what new foodie items you tried in the comments so we can know what’s a hit or miss.

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Categories: Disney, Travel

Tips to Get a Boarding Group: Rise of the Resistance

Rise of the Resistance is one of Disney’s most incredible rides and you can find it in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios. It is really more than a ride, it’s a whole experience! If you want to ride it, you’re going to need to be prepared and have a game plan because you cannot just walk up to the ride and get in line to wait. You’ll need to access a Boarding Group in order to get on the ride, so let me give you the best tips I know to ensure you are one of the lucky ones!

First and foremost, make sure that you have the My Disney Experience app downloaded and are familiar with using it. You’ll need to have valid park admission linked and a Park Pass Reservation for Hollywood Studios for the day you are attempting to get a Boarding Group. If you need help making a Park Pass Reservation, check out this blog post with some tips. Also, make sure everyone in your travel party is linked and sharing plans through your Friends & Family list.

You will need to use the My Disney Experience app in order to join a Boarding Group (an on-theme term for a virtual queue) and there is not any standby or FastPass+ line to wait in.

So, how do you join a Boarding Group?

The process has changed a few times, but currently (since January 2021) you will need to join a boarding group on the My Disney Experience app at exactly 7:00 am. Boarding Groups will be gone almost instantly, so don’t wait! You’ll need to be ready early. I would suggest having the app open and refreshing a couple of minutes prior to 7:00 am. You no longer need to be inside the park in order to snag a group, you can be in the hotel room, your car, etc. I have had the most success turning off the WiFi when in the park and using my cellular data, but make the choice that is best for you based on what level of service you have. If you aren’t able to get a boarding group at 7:00 am, you’ll have a second shot when the virtual queue opens again at 1:00 pm — you must be inside Hollywood Studios to try to join a boarding group at 1pm.

Here’s the process…

At 7:00 am, on the dot, open or refresh the My Disney Experience app home page. Select join under the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Request Access with Virtual Queue section. The app will show those who are on your Friends & Family list that have a Hollywood Studios park pass reservation. Make sure everyone is included! Click join.

You will see a confirmation screen that will show you a boarding group number along with an estimated wait time. This wait time is not set in stone as sometimes there are delays, so be sure to check in on it.

It’s not overly complicated, however, you just need to have quick fingers to click the join button at exactly the right time.

You will receive a notification once your Boarding Group is called, but you can also see which groups are able to ride on the app and on signs near Galaxy’s Edge. You will have an hour from the time your group is called to scan into the line for the ride.

When your group is called, make your way over to the ride entrance and they will scan everyone in so that you can enter the queue.

About the ride…

Like I mentioned before, this is more than just a ride…it’s an experience. And a pretty amazing one at that! Once your group is called and you go through the line, the attraction in its entirety takes about 25 minutes. There are several different parts of this, but the ride portion is around 5 minutes. This ride has a height requirement of 40″. The ride portion is trackless and is a mostly smooth ride. There is a small drop that you may need to prepare yourself or kids for ahead of time, but it’s over very quickly.

This is definitely a favorite ride of ours. Have you ridden it yet?

You can see all of the latest Disney and Universal updates and my personal adventures over on Instagram @shannondevinetravel. Come say hi!

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Categories: Disney, Travel

How to Make a Walt Disney World Park Pass Reservation

To help manage capacity numbers and ensure that guests are able to social distance, there is a new step you will need to take when planning your vacation to Walt Disney World at least for the foreseeable future.

After you’ve booked your vacation package and have your park tickets (pssst…if you haven’t done this part yet, send me an email and we’ll get you set up!), make sure you have it all linked to your My Disney Experience account. This will allow you to make a theme park reservation through the Disney Park Pass system. This is something that is new and began when the parks reopened in June 2020. All guests over the age of 3 must have both valid admission and a park reservation for the same park on the same date. This is limited to one park per day (park hopping did just become available after 2pm with a valid ticket, but you don’t need a park reservation for a second park at this time). These reservations are limited and subject to availability. If you have multi-day tickets, you will need to make a park reservation for each day. This is something you will need to do in advance and certain parks on certain days DO fill up (Hollywood Studios has been filling up the quickest), I recommend doing this as soon as you purchase your tickets. Also note, this currently can only be done on a website browser and not on the My Disney Experience app on a phone.

There are three tiers of available dates: Walt Disney World Resort Guests, Ticket Holders, and Annual Passholders. You can check the availability calendar, just make sure to select which calendar applies to you!

When you’re ready to make your reservation, here are the four steps to follow:

  1. Make sure you have set up an account on My Disney Experience and confirm your admission is linked to your account.
  2. Create your travel party. Select the family and friends you’d like to include if they’re already on your Family & Friends list or select the option to add a guest if needed. Keep in mind…if you are making park reservations for multiple people, everyone in that party must have the same type of park admission. For example, reservations for Annual Passholders and theme park ticket holders cannot be booked at the same time. Depending on your admission type, you may need to make more than one theme park reservation to include all members of your party.
  3. Select a date and a park. View the calendar and select one of the available dates for your visit. Then select the theme park. It will show the park hours for the day, but you are able to enter the theme park at any time during the day of your reservation. After you select your date and theme park, you can confirm your reservation.
  4. Review and confirm your plans. If you need to make any changes, select “Back” to revise your selections. Before confirming, you’ll have to agree to the Terms & Conditions, including an updated COVID-19 liability waiver. After you’ve done that, select “Confirm” to complete your park reservation. It will then show under “My Plans.” If you need to make another park reservation, you can just select “Make Another Reservation” to continue planning.

While this may not be an ideal situation, especially for spur of the moment trips, it does seem to be working. Let me know if you have any questions I can help answer in the comments or send me an email and we can chat more!

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