Disneyland, the iconic theme park located in Anaheim, California, is a place where dreams come true. For many Disney enthusiasts, visiting the park on their birthday would be a dream come true as well.

The idea of receiving a special birthday gift in the form of free admission to Disneyland is indeed enticing.

In this article, we’ll explore the history of this tradition, any current offerings, and alternative ways to make your birthday at Disneyland a magical experience.

Book your next magical family adventure through our friends at Get Away Today! They are truly the Disney experts and can make planning your trip a breeze for both Disneyland and Disney World. You can browse their website or call 1-855-GET-AWAY. Make sure you tell them Magical Family Travel Guide sent you or use the code MFTG for $10 off a Southern California

Does Disneyland really offer free entry on your birthday?

Unfortunately for all us Disney lovers- No, Disneyland does NOT give free tickets on your birthday.

The History of Disneyland Birthday Freebies

For years, Disneyland did have a tradition of allowing visitors free entry on their birthdays. This policy was part of the “What Will You Celebrate?” campaign, which ran from 2009 to 2010. During this time, guests could receive a free, single-day admission to Disneyland or Disney California Adventure Park on their actual birthdate.

However, this generous promotion came to an end when the campaign concluded.

It’s essential to check the latest updates on Disneyland’s official website or contact Disney directly to confirm if any new promotions or changes have occurred since then.

Alternative Ways to Celebrate Your Birthday at Disneyland

While free birthday admission may not be available as of my last knowledge update, there are still various ways to make your birthday at Disneyland extra special:

Birthday Buttons

Visit City Hall at Disneyland or the Chamber of Commerce at Disney California Adventure Park to pick up a complimentary “Happy Birthday” button. Wearing this button can lead to cast members and fellow guests wishing you well throughout the day, adding a sprinkle of Disney magic to your celebration.

Character Dining

Consider booking a character dining experience at one of the park’s restaurants. It’s a memorable way to enjoy a special meal while meeting beloved Disney characters and receiving personalized attention on your special day.

Birthday Treats

Disneyland has a reputation for creating delightful treats. On your birthday, indulge in a special dessert or snack from one of the park’s many food stalls, bakeries, or ice cream shops.

Photo Opportunities

Make use of Disneyland’s numerous picturesque settings to capture memories of your special day. Don’t forget to ask photographers for a birthday-themed photo!

While the tradition of free admission to Disneyland on your birthday has ended, the park still offers a plethora of ways to celebrate your special day in true Disney style.

With a “Happy Birthday” button, character interactions, delicious treats, and special packages, you can create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Remember to check Disneyland’s official website or contact Disney directly for the most up-to-date information on birthday promotions and offerings.

Ultimately, whether or not you receive free entry, Disneyland remains a magical place to celebrate your birthday.

More Posts You Might Enjoy:

• The Best Rain Ponchos for Disney + Rainy Day Tips (2021)
• Where to Stay: Hotels Around Disneyland
• Disneyland Transportation: Getting Around In AND Outside the Park

The post Do You Get Into Disneyland For Free on Your Birthday? appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

Where to Buy Disney Clothes

Visiting the Disney parks begs the age-old question, “But what will I wear?” For many, a t-shirt with their favorite character on it or a themed backpack will suffice, while others are much more invested in planning the perfect outfit for the occasion.

If you are getting ready for an upcoming Disney vacation and you want to make sure you have your favorite

So let’s take a look at clothing possibilities and where to find them.

Local Options

No matter where you live, most stores will have possibilities for buying Disney clothing that can be worn to the parks.

In recent years, there has been more Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars-branded clothing appearing in stores like Walmart and Target.

Meanwhile, check out your local stores for clothing that will bring a little more magic to your trip, without hurting your wallet. Most clothing items found at stores like Walmart and Target can be found for anywhere from $10-$30. I just picked up the sweatshirt you see above at a local Walmart for only $10. Trust me, they’re there. You just have to keep your eyes open.

Pro Tip – The Target and Walmart stores near Disney properties almost always have way more selection than you’ll find anywhere else. If you can hold off on buying a few things until you get to your trip, this can be a fun place to stop before you head to the parks.

Target

Target specifically has some stores with a “Disney Store” located inside with Disney merchandise and clothing.

Currently, there are only 25 locations across the U.S. with this shopping experience available. To find out if there is a participating Target near you, try the Disney Store Finder.

Another little tip is to keep an eye on the dollar section at Target. They don’t always carry the same products, but if you’re lucky, you’ll find some Disney items that you can bring with you. The other day these cute little hats were occupying the shelves just waiting to be claimed.

But remember, that the inventory between stores can vary. So if you find something that catches your eye, I would grab it while you can.

Walmart

Walmart always has a variety of Disney clothing, and they are often very affordable. They have tons of options for kids but also some really fun items for adults as well.

The inventory will obviously vary depending on the time of the year – if you are looking for something specific, you might want to head back frequently. During the holiday season, you can often find Christmas Disney-themed items for a great price.

I’ve seen everything from t-shirts and hoodies to pajamas and sweatpants. They tend to have a lot of classic Disney movies featured. If you have a little girl who wants to dress up as her favorite princess, they have a nice variety of princess costumes that don’t cost an arm and a leg.

I do feel like the items tend to be geared more toward females (especially female children), but there is bound to be something for everyone.

Kohls

Kohls’s is another great store where you can find Disney apparel. While many of their items seem a bit overpriced, if you can take advantage of a sale (especially when Kohls’s cash is involved), you can find some of the best deals around.

They have some really cute outfits for both males and females, and they tend to have a nice selection of newer Disney characters (for instance, I just noticed they have some fun Encanto shirts).

While socks aren’t the most visible thing you’ll see in your outfit, they have some great Disney-themed socks for children!

Ross and TJ Maxx

These discount retailers are great places to find fun Disney clothes for every age! They often get the overstock/unsold inventory from places like Walmart and Target, and you can often find a really good deal.

Old Navy

I feel like Old Navy stores aren’t as common as they used to be, and their selection isn’t as great as some stores. With that said, you can sometimes find some real gems, so if you have one nearby, it’s worth stopping by.

Hot Topic

Hot Topic often has Loungefly Bags, but they also have some very unique and fun outfits that you can buy. This is a great place to go for more adult-friendly outfits/costumes.

THey are an official Disney distributor so you know the items are going to be high-quality, so definitely take a good look to see what they have!

Thrift Stores and Garage Sales

Some of the best gems can be found second-hand. Frequent your thrift stores and, if it’s garage sale season, garage sales to see what you can find. Vintage is always fun!

The Disney Store

A slightly pricier option is to visit your local Disney Store if you have one in your area. Disney Stores are like an extension of Disney Parks. You can find some of the same merchandise and clothing, but oftentimes, it will differ. And inventory is changing quite frequently, so there are always more options. Disney Stores have toys, swimwear, clothing, spirit jerseys, shoes, backpacks, jewelry, and more, for both children and adults.

The Disney Store is a favorite of mine because you can usually find your favorite character or series somewhere in the store. I have purchased many t-shirts from the Disney Store because of their reasonable prices and variety. Adult t-shirts are usually around $12-$14, and children’s t-shirts are usually between $10-$12.

Online Options

For those who don’t live close to the stores listed above or enjoy the convenience of shopping online before your trip to the Happiest Place on Earth – there are even more options!

Pro-tip – before you do any online shopping, make sure you signup for Rakuten. Many online stores offer you cashback for purchases!

One option is the online website of all the brick-and-mortar stores listed above, including:

• Target.com
• Walmart.com
• Kohls.com
• OldNavy.com
• Hot Topic

You can visit these websites as well and see what you can have shipped to your home or local store. However, online purchasing will sometimes have minimum purchase limits, so just be aware when you are making your purchases.

Etsy

There are many people who are so talented and create/sell Disneywear. While there are various places you can find these items, Etsy is my favorite. You can find t-shirts (especially matching ones) or more extravagant outfits/costumes.

ShopDisney

The Disney Store and the Disney parks also have an online platform called ShopDisney. Here you can find the latest clothing, toys, accessories, and home goods found in the Disney parks.

This is a fantastic option that my family has personally taken advantage of on a few occasions. Living far away from the parks, you don’t have the ability to drive down and shop for all the fun new items. ShopDisney gives you a chance to bring a little of that Disney magic into your home, no matter where you live.

Amazon

I mean, doesn’t Amazon have everything? While you definitely want to pay attention to the sizing and reviews for different items, as well as what the materials are made of, you can find some really great items on here.

I would keep in mind that sometimes there are items on Amazon that you can find elsewhere for less expensive, so always make sure to price match!

Disney Parks

Finally, there is the option of going shopping on Disney property. Some people enjoy visiting Downtown Disney or Disney Springs a day or two before their park visit because World of Disney and other shops will carry the products you can find in the parks.

There are also stores throughout the park that you can visit and find different clothing items.

In this stores, you can find a variety of attire for all ages, including:

• T-Shirts
• Sweaters
• Hoodies
• Hats
• Mouse Ears

I have even seen some guests wear normal t-shirts into the parks and one of their first stops, when they enter the parks, is one of the clothing shops like the Emporium, where they will pick out their favorite outfit, purchase it, and change into it before enjoying the rest of their magical day.

Make Your Own

Feeling crafty? You can totally make your own Disney attire at home using SVG files you can buy on Etsy or design yourself using Canva and use a Cricut or Silhouette machine to add the decals to your favorite shirts, hats, and hoodies. If you are looking for more of a Disney-bounding type outfit, you can make items for these at home and with supplies from the craft store as well.

Many people LOVE to make their own personalized Disney outfits for their trips. This is a great way to have an outfit or costume that no one else is wearing!

There are lots of options to find the perfect thing to wear to the parks to complete your magical visit to the Happiest Place on Earth. Just remember to keep your eyes open for your favorite characters and enjoy your visit!

More Articles You May Enjoy:

• What to Wear to Disneyland in January: Your Complete Guide
• 6+ BEST Toddler Shoes for Disney World and Disneyland Vacations

The post The Best Places to Buy Disney Clothes for Your Disney Vacation appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

What better compliment to your outfit could there be than a backpack or wallet-themed after your favorite character or ride? That’s exactly what Loungefly has set out to do.

Loungefly backpacks are perfect for Disney vacations. They have such a fun variety of backpacks – whether you are looking for one for a child or yourself, there is one that is certain to be perfect for you.

What stores sell Loungefly?

Loungefly retailers can be found in the Disney Parks, online, and in stores across the United States.

Inside Disney Parks

You can almost always find a nice variety of Loungefly at gift shops that are within the Disney Parks. You never know what limited edition bags will be available and which store will carry them, so make sure you sneak a peek whenever you see a store.

Outside the Park

If you are looking to physically pick out your Loungefly backpack outside the parks, you have a variety of choices:

• Your local Disney Store (find a store here)
• BoxLunch
• Hot Topic

All of these stores are fairly well-known and can be found in many malls across the country.

Loungefly themes it products after popular franchises, television shows and movies, characters, or theme park rides. The most popular franchises Loungefly themes their products after are Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars, amongst many others.

Online

At any given time, there can be different characters or themes displayed on the backpacks available in stores. For more variety, you can check online stores such as:

• Shopdisney.com
• Amazon.com
• Loungefly.com
• Boxlunch.com
• Hottopic.com

Honestly, I feel like Amazon.com has the largest variety of Loungefly Backpacks, so make sure you check out their selection!

How Much Do Loungefly Backpacks cost?

This can vary depending on how limited edition the backpack is, the size, and the style. However, you’ll be looking between $70 and $85 to get one of these backpacks. It’s definitely an investment!

I have seen some as low as $50, so keep your eyes peeled!

Best Loungefly Backpacks

Honestly, you really can’t go wrong with ANY Loungefly Backpack – but there are definitely some different styles available. Styles can change at any time and depend on the store, but here are a few of our very favorites available right now:

Mickey Mouse Oh Boy Quilted Backpack

Mickey and Minnie Backpack

Peter Pan Second Start Glow Mini Backpack

Disney100 Special Moments Backpack

Dumbo 80th Anniversary Backpack

Holographic Sequin Mini Backpack

Mini Mouse Sprinkle Cupcake Backpack

Villian’s Club Mini Backpack

Peter Pan Clock – Glow in the Dark

Alice in Wonderland Floral

Mini Mouse Head Backpack

Beauty and Beast Dancing

Mandalorian Chibi Holidays Backpack

Lion King Friends Backpack

What to Put in Your Loungefly

Loungefly backpacks are the perfect size to carry your phone, wallet, keys, some makeup or snacks – the essentials.

What else does Loungefly sell?

While backpacks and wallets are Loungefly’s most popular products, they also sell lanyards, Minnie ear headbands, bags, fanny packs, wristlets, and more.

Traditionally, Loungefly backpacks are paired with Disney bounding outfits, to complete the look and give people hints as to what the bound is based on.

Whether they are being used to compliment your outfit or bring a little more magic to your visit to the Happiest Place on Earth, Loungefly backpacks are a perfect choice.

The post 5 Stores That Sell Loungefly Backpacks appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

You might assume that every Disney resort would be suitable for children and to some degree you would be right. Almost everything you can do there and anywhere you can stay will be family-friendly.

Some exceptions are the tours that are only for adults, Victoria and Alberts at the Grand Floridian, and some of the drinking establishments late at night where kids aren’t expected to be.

However, just because most of the resorts are family-friendly, that doesn’t make them all equally good choices.

Some resorts simply favor adults, from couples to traveling business people. When traveling with children consider staying at one of these Disney resorts for kids.

While we have not personally stayed at all of these resorts (yet!), we have tried to gather together recommendations based on reviews and others’ experiences!

We always recommend booking through our friends at Get Away Today. They are the Disney experts, and they will make sure you get the best resort for your family and situation – as well as the best prices. They are always so helpful with recommendations when we book our trips!

Book your next magical family adventure through our friends at Get Away Today! They are truly the Disney experts and can make planning your trip a breeze for both Disneyland and Disney World. You can browse their website or call 1-855-GET-AWAY. Make sure you tell them Magical Family Travel Guide sent you or use the code MFTG for $10 off a Southern California

What’s the perfect Disney World Resort for families with young children? With so many options available it can be hard to decide which is right for you and your family. There are five great choices in this post – each different from the other but equally as magical and enjoyable!

Art of Animation

If you are looking for a lower-priced option at Disney World that presents a good value among the Disney resorts, look no further than Art of Animation.

This resort features mostly family suites and has the best theme among all of the value resorts. Kids will appreciate the overt Disney elements and the room decor designed to immerse guests in the environments of Pixar films Cars and Finding Nemo, as well as The Lion King.

There are Little Mermaid rooms, two but they are half the size and essentially a completely different resort experience. The kids are easy to feed at Art of Animation with the Landscapes food court and they will love the Big Blue Pool as well as the Skyliner to EPCOT and Disney Hollywood Studios.

Caribbean Beach

In most cases, but not all, the best value for Disney guests is actually the moderate resorts. Moderates give more of what Disney guests are after in terms of immersion, but they come at a price closer to the value resort range without sacrificing a lot for the experience.

For families with kids, Caribbean Beach is a no-brainer. Tons of immersion inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean and island-theming in general. There are quick service and table service food options, recently renovated rooms and the resort serves as the hub for all Skyliner transportation. That means ease of travel to two of the four major theme parks, plus it is close to Fantasia Gardens and a variety of resort hopping options.

Beach Club

Most of the resorts at Walt Disney World cost a pretty penny. Most of the deluxe resorts are pretty similar in what they offer. However, some are better at accommodating children.

Beach Club is surprisingly one of the best Disney resorts for kids. A key perk is the walking distance from EPCOT and the Skyliner to Disney Hollywood Studios. The sand-bottom pool with a lazy river and the longest resort pool waterslide on property is another.

Beach Club is the sister resort to Yacht Club which is a little bit stuffier. both are great, but it’s clear which one is geared toward kids.

At the same time, many of the resort amenities are shared. Beaches n’ Cream and the video arcade are among them. Beach Club also has DVC villas while Yacht Club does not.

Contemporary

The closest resort to the Magic Kingdom is a no-brainer for families who don’t mind spending a little extra on the magic of a theme park view and easy park access.

You can walk to and from your room easily, or take the monorail from inside the hotel.

The Contemporary boasts the largest standard rooms at over 400 square feet and you can also visit Mickey and friends at Chef Mickey’s. It’s one of the few places you can meet Mickey Mouse without park admission.

Fort Wilderness

This one may surprise you, but Fort Wilderness is a great choice among Disney resorts for kids at a fairly moderate price.

While it may feel remote, you are hardly roughing it in the spacious cabins of Fort Wilderness. The location is perfect for the illusion of getting away. While the sprawling property might make getting around internally feel like a challenge, it is just a boat ride away from The Magic Kingdom.

There is also a lot of recreation here that is great exposure for kids including horseback tours and more at the Tri Circle D ranch.

As a parent of three young kids, I know the importance of finding accommodations with good amenities and activities for children. It can be hard to find time as a family to go on adventures together so we usually stay at Disney World resorts when visiting Florida. Which one would you pick? Let us know in your comment below or share this blog post if you agree that these are some great options!

More Posts You Might Enjoy

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• Where to Stay: Hotels Around Disneyland

The post Top 5 Disney World Resorts for Kids: Where to Stay With Young Children appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

Now is the time to bring the whole family out to Walt Disney World.

With restrictions easing up and the parks revitalizing, it’s a great time to gather with all of your family members for an amazing time.

Of course, any trip that has multiple age groups can have it’s advantages and disadvantages – knowing how to plan the trip so everyone enjoys it is key! Here are some of our top tips for a successful, multi-generational Disney trip!

Book your next magical family adventure through our friends at Get Away Today! They are truly the Disney experts and can make planning your trip a breeze for both Disneyland and Disney World. You can browse their website or call 1-855-GET-AWAY. Make sure you tell them Magical Family Travel Guide sent you or use the code MFTG for $10 off a Southern California

Plan Together

It’s a big mistake to let one person take the reins on such a big trip. There is too much to do and too many ways to do it. Leaving family in the dark, even with the best intentions can have disastrous results. I

t creates unfair expectations and too much uncertainty about how plans will turn out. The more you can get others in the family involved on plans the better you can set your goals and increase the chance of a successful Disney vacation.

Divide the trip into different sections – lodging, meals, transportation, park planning, etc. Get everyone’s input on what they’d like to be involved in and divvy up the tasks from there!

It might be a good idea to send out a survey to everyone beforehand to start with planning. A few things to include:

• Budget for the trip
• Meal expectations (eat out for every meal? Bring food into the park?)
• MUST-DO activities/rides
• Special accomodations/situations
• Ages of everyone going

When you first start planning, it can be a good idea to give everyone a general overview of how much an average Disney trip costs. You don’t want someone thinking it will only cost a couple hundred bucks, only to realize at the end they are expected to pay a lot more!

Time Apart

Although most of the appeal of a multigenerational family vacation to Disney World is how much time you will all spend together, you’ll need time apart. Trust us on this one.

Some members will want to split off for a while and do other things when no consensus is reached. That needs to be okay and there needs to be a plan for it. That goes for teens who want to explore and grandparents who want a rest. It’s also a good opportunity for grandparents to watch the kids so mom and dad can have a date night.

A good time to split up can be mealtimes. It can be hard to get reservations for a large group of people, so you might want to split into smaller groups for meal time.

Setting expectations upfront can help prevent hurt feelings and misunderstandings. You also shouldn’t just expect grandparents to want to be the babysitters. They want to enjoy the trip, too, so make sure everyone makes their wants and wishes known upfront.

It can be smart to have a designated person in charge of each group, too. If you have small children, each child NEEDS to have someone specifically designated to keeping an eye out on them!

Connect Reservations

If your reservations are not the same, you will need to connect them through your Disney accounts. This is really important, as it allows you to make sure you have the same park reservations, meal reservations, FastPass reservations, etc.

It can be a little tricky to do this. If you book through Get Away Today, I highly recommend using their FREE Concierge service to help with this! We had issues with this with our upcoming trip, and they were so helpful!

Make an Itinerary

Having a schedule for your trip can really be helpful so everyone knows what times they need to be places, when fast passes are scheduled, when you plan to watch the fireworks, etc.

Of course, you need to be flexible and allow for changes. But having a general idea of how the trip will go can make life a lot easier for everyone!

Rent DVC Points

When you get the whole family together you will need special accommodations. You can get standard adjoining rooms. However, a Disney villa will suit you better. You don’t have to be a member of Disney Vacation Club to get a good price on vacation villas. You can rent points from members. It’s totally above board and it gets you a good deal. It also helps out members who want to recoup some of their membership costs when they are unable to use their points.

Choosing the right resort may have as much to do with the cost of the points you rent as location. Consider cheaper accommodations if it will allow you to stay an extra night or two. Otherwise, base your decision on convenience. Stay close to a transportation hub like The Beach Club or Riviera resorts for Skyliners to EPCOT and Disney Hollywood Studios. For Magic Kingdom, consider staying at Bay Lake Tower, Polynesian Village, or the Fort Wilderness cabins.

You could also consider renting an AirBnb for the trip or staying at another nearby lodge. Get Away Today is a great place to book your trip and find the best deals on lodging on and off site.

We do think that staying on site can be really beneficial, especially when traveling with a large group of people!

Train for the Trip

With a range of ages and fitness levels, you should plan your multigenerational family vacation with caution. Don’t over plan the vacation. Take kids out to walk so they can prepare for what it will be like walking around in the parks all stay. Adults should try and up their physical activity as well.

Everyone should build their endurance levels and try to find their limits before the trip. It will help you to plan better and pace your trip appropriately.

Book your next magical family adventure through our friends at Get Away Today! They are truly the Disney experts and can make planning your trip a breeze for both Disneyland and Disney World. You can browse their website or call 1-855-GET-AWAY. Make sure you tell them Magical Family Travel Guide sent you or use the code MFTG for $10 off a Southern California

More Posts You Might Enjoy:

• First Time in Disney World: 5 Mistakes To Avoid Making
• The Best Age for Disneyland: The Ultimate Guide to Help You Decide
• Five Walt Disney World Secrets You Might Not Know

The post Multigenerational Family Vacation to Disney – Tips for Success! appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

How many times have you and your entire family traveled to Disneyland or Walt Disney World, only to be greeted by a lot of heavy rain? If the answer was many times, we’ve got you covered. If the answer was not much, we are here to prepare you before you get stuck in a bit of rain.

Best Rain Ponchos for Disney

The solution? Rain ponchos! Trust us – it’s always a good idea to have one. Whether it’s a cheap one from the Dollar Tree, a Mickey Poncho, or a poncho you can use over and over again, a rain poncho is a good choice for every packing list.

Rainy season can be a great choice of when to visit the Disney parks. Don’t believe me? Think about it, it is a great way to enjoy an emptier version of the park. Locals will typically go home and come back when the weather forecast is nicer, because they don’t enjoy the theme parks under a little rain as much. Central Florida tends to be a little bit easier to manage during that time of year. Gotta love Florida weather!

These leave an almost empty park a lot of the time. Attraction lines will be shortened, restaurants have no need for reservations, and you can enjoy your favorite indoor and outdoor attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Big Thunder Mountain and many more.

Rain protection can ensure that you get the most out of your vacation, without getting absolutely soaked. And while this applies well to the rainy summer months, it also applies to a sunny day, when you want to ride your favorite ride like Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids, without getting drenched and walking around the rest of the day in wet shoes. It can be hard to enjoy the rest of your day at the Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom when you’re soaking wet and not able to dry off as quickly as you’d like.

When considering the best rain poncho to bring with you to the Disney parks, you first have to think about the different types of rain ponchos and what you and your family will be most comfortable in. They tend to be easier to tote around than rain coats, and they fold up nicely.

Book your next magical family adventure through our friends at Get Away Today! They are truly the Disney experts and can make planning your trip a breeze for both Disneyland and Disney World. You can browse their website or call 1-855-GET-AWAY. Make sure you tell them Magical Family Travel Guide sent you or use the code MFTG for $10 off a Southern California

Types of Rain Ponchos

Most often, the popular choice for keeping dry is a disposable rain poncho. They are easy for people to carry in their backpacks and you can throw them away at the end of the day. While a waterproof rain jacket might be a better choice if you are expecting afternoon showers or Florida rain all day, a poncho is better for intermittent showers or for rides.

No matter what style of rain poncho you choose, the important thing is to stay dry while on your favorite rides or during a rainy day. But where do you start?

Disposable Rain Ponchos

If you do choose to go the disposable poncho route, there are plenty of options with different colors, patterns, and styles. These tend to be cheap ponchos.

However, at the end of the day, disposable ponchos are just cheap plastic ponchos. While they do the job, they risk getting holes in them or not performing as well as others may.

We picked up a bunch for The Dollar Tree before our last trip, and while they did get holes in them, they got the job done! Disposable ones are also very lightweight poncho option, and can be an especially good choice if you don’t have a large backpack. You can probably even fit it into a fanny pack!

Heavy Duty Rain Ponchos

There are ponchos that are a step up from disposable ponchos, but not quite as durable as heavy-duty ponchos. These ponchos are still made of plastic, but they are thicker and can be customized with different designs.

If you are looking for a heavy-duty rain ponchos, we suggest looking at one of the following:

• snugpak patrol poncho
• frogg toggs ultra-lite2
• terra hiker rain poncho
• Saphirose Jack Coat Poncho – I think these look fantastic and would be an excellent choice!

Heavy-duty rain jackets or ponchos are made with a thicker material that dries off easily and can be worn over and over. No one wants to use wet ponchos! These can be especially useful if the weather forecast says that it will rain on multiple days of your trip.

Often times, these rain ponchos are made large enough to cover not only the user, but the user’s backpack and personal items. This can prove useful if you are carrying electronics or snacks in your backpack that you would prefer to keep dry.

But remember, if you are looking to invest in a heavy-duty rain poncho, make sure you are looking for a breathable rain jacket or poncho with a drawstring hood. You don’t want a rain jacket that is too tight, but you want to be able to keep the rain out as much as possible during bad weather.

If you’re looking for a sturdier poncho, definitely look at some of these.

Disney Ponchos

There are many ponchos with a customized designs that add a little flare to a rainy day during hurricane season. For a little more magic, you can consider getting Disney Ponchos . Mickey rain ponchos are especially fun for all ages!

Kid Ponchos

In a pinch, a child can wear an adult poncho. However, having one that fits them well will make things easier for everyone so they aren’t tripping on it and tearing it as they walk.

Here are a couple of great options:

Where to find Rain Ponchos

If it just so happens that you will be expecting rain during your visit, you’ll want to start planning what good rain gear to bring with you.

There are many places that sell rain jackets and ponchos. You can visit in store or online options for places like:

• Walmart.com
• Target.com
• Amazon.com

Each of these sites will vary in price, depending on what you are looking for. Disposable rain ponchos will be less expensive, and will often come in packs, whereas heavy-duty rain ponchos will be slightly more expensive and sold individually.

You can typically find them in the camping section of the store.

Personally, my family has usually opted for the disposable rain ponchos because of the price and the ability to throw them away and use a new one the next day, if needed. They can also be found in-person at stores like Walmart, Target, the 99 cent store, or dollar stores.

Where can you buy ponchos in Disney World?

Forget to buy a poncho before you left? Be sure to check out this article about where you can buy ponchos at Disney World!

Additional Protection for Rainy Days

Apart from rain jackets or ponchos, there are additional ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Stroller Covers

For those of you with little ones, you may also want to consider stroller covers when making your trip to the Happiest Place on Earth.

On Amazon, you can find stroller covers for anywhere from $10-$30. The best seller on Amazon is the Bemece Stroller Rain Cover and “Amazon’s choice” is the Stroller Rain Cover.

Most stroller covers are adaptable to different models of strollers, but be sure to check that the cover fits your stroller before you head to the parks, to keep your little one safe and dry.

Shoe Covers

To go one step further, you can look into waterproof shoe covers that will allow you to walk “To Infinity and Beyond” without getting your shoes or your feet wet.

There is nothing worse than walking around the park in wet shoes, just waiting for dreaded blisters to form.

Another option for avoiding wet shoes, is packing rain boots in your suitcase. Rain boots are a sure way to keep your feet dry and repel the rain.

You may also want to consider an option like Chaco’s when visiting the Disney parks. Chaco’s are versatile and durable sandals that are capable of braving different kinds of weather and terrain. Many of my family members have Chaco’s and they are their favorite shoes to wear to the parks, because of how comfortable they are and how quickly they adapt to weather forecasts. They can be a pricier option, but they are well worth it.

Ultimately, you need to choose the most comfortable option for footwear at the Disney parks because you are walking most of the day. I have seen people sport tennis shoes, flip flops, Chaco’s, rain boots, and even designer Gucci shoes. (And let me tell you, he was not happy when they got wet on Splash Mountain).

So remember to consider the weather, but also choose what is going to be the most comfortable for you as you’re walking around the parks.

And, if you’re lucky, you may even see a few cast members sporting similar rainy day fashion.

Going Back to the Hotel to Stay Dry

If your family is staying on or near the Disney park you are visiting, it might even be worth it to take a short break from all of the fun. You can take a few hours and go back to the hotel room, change your clothes, take a nap, and rejuvenate before you and your family are ready to brave the rain showers again.

My family has been known to do this on occasion, but it is really only worth it if you have passes to the Disney parks for multiple days. If the rainy day is your only time to visit the park, I would suggest staying and finding other ways to stay dry.

Finding Ways to Stay Dry in the Parks

No matter what park you are visiting, there are always indoor attractions that are a good way to stay dry during a rain storm. Rides like It’s a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and Haunted Mansion are only some of the many indoor rides that last a little while longer and will give your party a break from all the high winds and rain.

If lines are long and you’re looking for another way to stay dry, I suggest visiting one of the many gift shops there are in each of the Disney parks. These shops are almost always indoor and provide shelter from the rain. You can also pick up more protective gear like backpacks, fanny packs, or baseball caps to keep the rain off for the remainder of the day.

These gift shops sometimes carry rain ponchos, but in my experience, they can be harder to find and you may have to visit a certain area of the park to find them. If rain gear is what you’re after in the parks, the best people to talk to would be cast members.

In Florida, you can go to a designated information booth on Main Street U.S.A. or City Hall while you are visiting Magic Kingdom, or any of the designated information centers in the other parks at the Walt Disney World Resort.

In California, you can go to a designated information booth on Main Street U.S.A. or City Hall in Disneyland, or the information center in California Adventure.

In all Disney parks, you can find a cast member walking around with a character, or posted at a ride, but they typically do not know information about inventory of gift shops.

Whether you are looking for a simple solution for staying dry or a more complex solution for rainy season, we are confident these solutions will allow you to enjoy all of your favorite outdoor attractions during your visit to the Disney parks. A little water shouldn’t stop anyone from still having a great time – preparation is key!

The post The Best Rain Ponchos for Disney + Rainy Day Tips (2021) appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

Since then, they have become a staple in Disney park couture, and a unique collectible for all ages. Between themed after both Mickey and Minnie Mouse, the ear hats and headbands have featured many different themes over the years including rides, theme park shows, characters, movies, and television series.

If you don’t have Mickey or Minnie Mouse ears of your own, let me tell you a little more about them.

Where to Find Minnie Mouse Ears

The most common place to find Mickey and Minnie Mouse ears is at the Disney parks. They are available at almost every gift shop found within the Disney parks, and at World of Disney at both Downtown Disney and Disney Springs.

But if you live far from the parks, never fear. There are other ways to purchase your favorite Disney accessory.

To get the classic Disney-made Mickey and Minnie Mouse Ears, you’ll want to visit Shop Disney. You will see the current collections and releases of ear hats and headbands that you would be able to purchase in the Disney parks.

But Shop Disney is not the only place you find Minnie Mouse ears. Many creatives have taken the idea and made it their own.

Etsy made it possible for people to come up with their own ideas, and share them with the world. You can search by theme or design and find exactly what you’re looking for. And because there are no design limits, you can see things like Mouse Ear Scrunchies, Adjustable Elastic Headbands, 3D-Printed Ears, and more.

There have also been a number of Instagram users that have come up with their own custom designs using different fabrics and expanding beyond only Disney themes.

One user I follow can be found at @magicalmouseears on Instagram.

Instagram users will often use their platform to promote their designs, then have a link in their bio to their own personal website, or a shop on Etsy.

There are many options as far as purchasing new Minnie Mouse ears. I will place a disclaimer though, that quality is sometimes the cost if you choose to venture away from Disney’s Mickey and Minnie Mouse Ears. Most I have purchased third-party are well made, but they start to lose their quality after a few wears if they have extra jewels, lace, or charms on them.

DIY Mouse Ears

If you are feeling particularly adventurous, you can tackle making your own pair of mouse ears. There are many templates for ear size online, making the process easier.

What you’ll need:

• Headband
• Cardboard for the ears
• Cotton Stuffing for the ears
• Fabric for the ears and headband
• Fabric for the Bow
• Charm for the Bow (Optional)
• Additional fabric (based on design)

For these ears, I based the design off of Pirates of the Caribbean. I went to my local fabric shop, Joann, to pick up most of the supplies and got going.

You can make ears of your own with a basic knowledge of sewing and some patience. And if you find that you like it, your homemade ears will only get better with practice.

When to Wear Minnie Mouse Ears

If you ask most people, they would tell you that the most appropriate time to wear Minnie Mouse Ears would be the Disney parks themselves. However, there are many other occasions that you can wear your Minnie Mouse Ears.

In fact, I sported one version of Disney’s Graduation Ears just last week.

On Shop Disney, you can find Birthday Ears, Graduation Ear Hats, Bride and Groom Ears, and ears that are perfect for playing dress up.

But of course, you don’t need an occasion to wear your favorite Mickey or Minnie Ears. Sometimes they’re just fun to have around and try on every once in a while.

How to Store Minnie Mouse Ears

There are many ways to store Minnie Mouse Ears. I have seen people create stands for them or create frames for them to display them in their hallways.

However, most of the time, people are just looking for a way to store them in their closet without them getting crushed by other clothing or valuables.

Lucky for you, there is a solution that that problem. At Target, there is a box that is the perfect size for storing multiple pairs of Mickey and Minnie ears.

This is a cute and practical way to store your favorite collectible ears and preserve their quality so you can wear them during Disney vacations for years to come.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse ears are treasured momentos of a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth. They remind us of happy times and mark special occasions.

Collectors of all ages enjoy these special ear hats and headbands and make it a hobby to collect even more.

The post Collectibles: Mickey & Minnie Mouse Ears appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

Some people are natural planners. They love planning their vacations, sticking to a schedule and being prepared. Other people resist the idea of planning a vacation at all costs.

They don’t want a schedule to dictate what they do. They want to be free to be spontaneous. Ironically it’s the desire for these freedoms that are why planning is necessary when it comes to Walt Disney World.

Trust me – being someone who has gone on Disney trips where I barely planned it a few weeks before versus planning months ahead…it’s worth it to be prepared.

Here are five scenarios where you will be grateful you planned ahead of time!

If you are planning your trip right now, be sure to considering booking your trip through our friends at Get Away Today. They are the BEST at making sure you get the most out of your trip – and they even offer a Disney World Concierge service (for free) to make sure you have the best time ever!

Eat Where You Want

Imagine you are hungry in the parks and you decide to find a place to eat. The counter service restaurants nearby look busy, so you go to the closest table service restaurant. Unfortunately the tables are al reserved, so you have to go somewhere else.

You don’t have to wander around the parks hungry in the middle of the day. When you plan your days, you structure them around your reservations, so that you have a table, and know where to be as lunchtime approaches.

At Disney World, you can book your dining 60 days ahead of time. While you can usually find somewhere to eat in the park, it can be disappointing to discover that restaurant you’ve been dying to try has no openings at all.

It’s really easy to book your dining through the My Disney Experience App or through the Walt Disney World Website.

Get on More Attractions

Imagine you get to the park late in the morning, because you don’t know the park hours, and you decide you have to ride Peter Pan’s Flight – only when you get there the line is 90 minutes long!

You don’t have to deal with long wait times when you plan your trip using Fastpass+. Shorter wait times for schedules attractions means you can experience more attractions in one day.

Fastpass+ attractions can be booked months ahead of time – and we definitely recommend doing that, especially for the more popular times. There are a lot of great articles out there that share tips on how to make the most of your Fastpass, so I would definitely consider looking at one of those. You have a limited amount of Fastpasses available – you want to make the most of them!

Have Extra Time

When you plan your Walt Disney World vacation, you will notice extra magic hours for a select park each day throughout the week. Planning lets you take advantage of the opportunity for extra time. It also helps you save time in the parks, by mapping out an efficient route.

Disney World planning also saves time when it comes to park-hopping and knowing when and where and how to hop. For example, Magic Kingdom to Epcot via monorail, or Epcot to Hollywood Studios via Skyliner.

Experience Extras

There are a ton of things to do at Walt Disney World that you would never know about if you didn’t plan. some of them are very pricey and luxurious, but others are affordable and fun.

Some experiences at Walt Disney World are even free! By taking the time to do your Disney World planning right, you can find activities like Archery Lessons at Fort Wilderness, Surfing Lessons at Typhoon Lagoon, or free Drawing Lessons at Art of Animation. There are also countless guided tours, scavenger hunts and recreational activities that you only find by researching to make your Disney plans.

Of course, it can be fun to just show up at the park and let the wind take you where it is, but I find a lot of people miss out on some of the extra magic of Disney World by not learning about some of the secret fun that it beholds.

Be Prepared

Lastly, it is so important to be prepared, but you can’t be prepared if you don’t plan. Do you know what the weather is going to be like in Orlando during your Walt Disney World vacation? Don’t get caught in the rain without a poncho and make sure you bring proper attire. Wear comfortable walking shoes that you break in before the trip and have a backpack with essentials that you can take into the parks.

Let me tell you – I made the mistake of not being prepared for the crazy Orlando weather, and I ended up wearing shoes that did not make it through a rainstorm. Make sure you prepare for any type of weather!

Are you a planner or do you just like to show up at the park? I’d love to hear what you prefer!

The post 5 Major Ways Smart Walt Disney World Planning Pays Off appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.