Best of Disney - from Disney World Cast Member

Walt Disney World is, for many, a once in a lifetime vacation destination and wish come true. We asked "Mouse Genius," Disney expert, and former Disney World cast member for her top picks on everything from Disney dining, character greetings and parade-watching hot spots. Her tips will help you decide where to best spend your time and money while creating a magical Disney experience.

We asked Angie which hotel she'd recommend for families on a budget. "Any of the Disney Value Resort Hotels, such as Pop Century and All-Star Resorts are a great option for small families on a budget. Opening soon are the Disney Art of Animation Value Resorts which will be able to accommodate larger families in one room. These are good... More >
We asked Angie which hotel she'd recommend for families on a budget. "Any of the Disney Value Resort Hotels, such as Pop Century and All-Star Resorts are a great option for small families on a budget. Opening soon are the Disney Art of Animation Value Resorts which will be able to accommodate larger families in one room. These are good options for families on budgets because while you can stay on Disney World property, guests are able to use the free transportation offered by Disney World and fully immerse themselves in the Disney experience."
Disney's Contemporary Resort is a popular hotel, but it's also one of the best places to have a meal (and a photo) with Disney characters, and you don't have to be a guest to dine. Angie says, "Character dining is a fun way for families to experience one-on-one interaction with Disney characters while having a meal inside and outside t... More >
Disney's Contemporary Resort is a popular hotel, but it's also one of the best places to have a meal (and a photo) with Disney characters, and you don't have to be a guest to dine. Angie says, "Character dining is a fun way for families to experience one-on-one interaction with Disney characters while having a meal inside and outside the theme parks. Any of the many character dining locations like Chef Mickey's at Contemporary Resort and Akershus in the Norway Pavillion at Epcot are two favorites among Disney World regulars."
"Any of the Disney Value Resort Hotels, such as Pop Century and All-Star Resorts are a great option for small families on a budget.
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We asked Angie which of the several daily parades that take place at Disney parks is a must-see for kids. Angie said, "The must-see parade out of all of the theme park parades is the Main Street Electrical Parade at Magic Kingdom. It does not take place nightly, so make sure you plan ahead and go to Magic Kingdom on the day which it's scheduled. The best way to see the parade is to stake out a spot along Main Street at least an hour before the parade start time and stay there through the end of the parade to see the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular fireworks show. It's an experience you'll never forget."
Want to take a break from the theme park chaos for an afternoon or evening? Catching a movie is a great way to relax a little and Mouse Genius recommends heading to Downtown Disney. "Take the time to relax and enjoy a first-run movie at one of the well-appointed theaters at Downtown Disney before a dinner date. Tickets run about the sa... More >
Want to take a break from the theme park chaos for an afternoon or evening? Catching a movie is a great way to relax a little and Mouse Genius recommends heading to Downtown Disney. "Take the time to relax and enjoy a first-run movie at one of the well-appointed theaters at Downtown Disney before a dinner date. Tickets run about the same price as any other typical first-run movie theater, but as Disney is known, the theater is clean, well-lit where it needs to be, and updated."
Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba is an acrobatic show performed at Downtown Disney. The high ticket price often scares families away, but Mouse Genius says it is absolutely worth the price of admission and may be a splurge to consider. "You will be on the edge of your seat throughout the entire show. There are several different acts; all a... More >
Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba is an acrobatic show performed at Downtown Disney. The high ticket price often scares families away, but Mouse Genius says it is absolutely worth the price of admission and may be a splurge to consider. "You will be on the edge of your seat throughout the entire show. There are several different acts; all amazing in their own right. The show lasts approximately an hour and half with no intermission. Adults and kids of all ages will love this show."
Angie says, "Character dining is a fun way for families to experience one-on-one interaction with Disney characters while having a meal inside and outside the theme parks.
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About the Author

Angie Lynch - Mouse Genius
Angie Lynch - Mouse Genius
Angie is a former Disney World Cast Member, Disney College Program graduate, Hospitality Management degree recipient, Florida native, Orlando resident, and author of MouseGenius. MouseGenius provides Disney Guests inside tips and tricks for getting the most out of their Disney vacation.
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