We are so excited at some of the new changes we just learned about coming to Walt Disney World in 2024!! Our travel advisors are standing by and so excited to help you plan a visit to the most magical place on Earth!
Sometimes when you’re on vacation, things don’t always go as planned. Whether you need a bandaid, Tylenol, anti-nausea meds, an ice pack, or even possibly medical attention, Disney has got you covered with their First Aid Centers.
There’s a First Aid Center located inside each of the 4 theme parks, as well as at each of the water parks. They’re staffed by Registered Nurses who can help with most basic first aid needs, as well as take you vitals and bring in an EMT if needed.
I experienced the First Aid Center at EPCOT first hand on my trip this past October. Something felt “strange” as I was walking around the park, but I’d had a slushy from France and it was hot out as we were walking around the park, so I thought nothing of it until I was in line at Test Track in the air conditioning. I wasn’t cooling off like I thought I should, and my heart felt funny. Thankfully, I had on my Apple Watch and opened up the ECG app which alerted me that I may be experiencing my first episode of atrial fibrillation (something I was very familiar with as it runs in my family). I knew enough not to go on the ride and sat down to drink some water and see if my heart would settle on its own. Unfortunately, it did not; I had my husband take me over to First Aid where an RN escorted me to a room to take my vitals and asked if I’d like to see an EMT for them to hook me up for an EKG.
The room I was in resembled that of a doctor’s office. I had never been into one of these centers before so I was pleasantly surprised by how nice it was. 2 wonderful EMT’s from Reedy Creek came in to hook me up and tried to help me get my heart rate to convert into sinus rhythm on its own – sadly that did not happen so I opted to take my first ever ambulance ride to Dr. Phillips Hospital for some testing and observation. I joked that I didn’t have a Lightning Lane pass for this – I needed to do whatever I could to not cry at this point since I felt horrible that this was happening on our vacation.
If you ever need anything while in the parks, don’t hesitate to pop over to First Aid – they were great! They are located as follows:
In addition, there’s also a First Aid Center at the water parks:
If you should ever require medical services while at your Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you can call the front desk from your in-room phone for assistance 24-hours a day for in-room medical services. There are urgent care centers located a short drive from Walt Disney World if needed. And of course, if you ever think you’re having a true medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
Lead Travel Advisor
Hi, I’m Aly Hirst, Travel Advisor with Living with the Magic Vacations! For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a Disney-obsessed gal. Even though I didn’t take many Disney vacations growing up, I can remember requesting the old vacation planning videos that Disney use to send in the mail; I would watch them over and over again to learn every nook and cranny of the Walt Disney World Resort as well as the Disneyland Resort and Disney Cruise Lines. I was thrilled to be given the opportunity in college to participate in the Disney College Program for a semester – who didn’t want to spend a semester of college living and working at the Walt Disney World Resort? (Bonus for me – I moved down to Orlando in January that year so it was the best winter escape for me from snowy New England!)
One of the BIGGEST questions I receive from clients wanting to take their family to Walt Disney World is, “Are my teens too old for Disney?” As a Mom of two teenage boys myself, I would say, “No, but the trip isn’t going to look like it did when they were little. It can be SO much more fun! They enjoy roller coasters and my oldest LOVES Animal Kingdom”
The Rogers family, who have a teenage son and a pre-teen son, just returned home from an 8-day Walt Disney World vacation. They had a great vacation and their sons had so much fun playing the new Bounty Hunter game in Hollywood Studios.
Walt Disney World’s new Magicband+ has the functionality of the previous version Magicband (unlock your resort room door, park tickets, make purchases, etc), as well as it lights up during nighttime firework shows and makes the 50th Anniversary statues talk. But, the BEST feature of the new bands is the Bounty Hunter game in Hollywood Studios’ Galaxy’s Edge. Max, The Rogers’ 14 year old son, sent me the following game description and review.
This is where the bounty hunter wall is located. You start the experience at the screen on the left by scanning your Magicband+. This is where you go to get each new bounty. The large door on the right is where you turn in your bounty (scan your Magicband+) and receive your credits
Getting started/instructions
Example of bounty and how many credits it’s worth
Returning to the door to turn in your bounty
Face comes up and talks, and you receive your credits
There are square control panels all over Galaxy’s Edge, usually by doors. You scan your Magicband+ at these to see if your bounty is in there. Your Magicband+ is red when you are far away from your bounty and flashes green when you are getting closer to them. When you find the correct door panel, your Magicband+ turns purple.
Max’s Review:
“For the bounty hunter wall, I find it very interesting because you have to get 20 bounties. If you can get the hang of finding the right way around right after taking the bounty, it’s pretty easy to find where it is. There aren’t a lot of places where it juts off, so it makes it easier to navigate.
One thing that I really like about the bounty hunter wall is that it doesn’t always stay the same. It randomizes the bounties where you and another person are not hunting for the same bounty person. Something I found difficult is that there are a ton of the panels, but it makes it fun to search around and find the right one.
The thing I dislike about the bounty hunter wall is that it resets everyday (we did not sync it to the Play Disney app) so it makes it more of a one and done deal. It does take a decent amount of time to complete. For me personally it took around 2 hours to finish all 20 bounties, but overall it’s pretty fun to run around and find the right door.”
Travel Advisor - Rogers, AR!
Hi! I’m Kristy and I am a Travel Agent with the amazing team at Living With The Magic Vacations. I am a wife and mom of 3 boys and when I’m not helping my kids with homework or cheering for them at a baseball or basketball game, I LOVE to help busy Moms plan vacations for their families and friends that will provide lasting memories for years to come!
It’s not news to anyone that food is expensive. It is especially true on vacation. This is how my husband and I can eat on less than $50 a day at Walt Disney World!
We very rarely visit sit down restaurants while at Disney World, we are usually much too busy. Just cutting these experiences down will save you a ton of money without the Disney Dining Plan. (No word on when this will return). The dining plan is back! Want to make the most of your credits?
The next important point is that a lot of time we share food. We really like to try a lot of different items, and this is the way we can without getting so full we are unhappy.
For breakfast food, we like to get to the parks early and hit something quick.Here are our go-tos at each park for breakfast
Hollywood Studios – Ronto Morning Wrap ($12.50) at Ronto Roasters in Galaxy’s Edge.
Magic Kingdom – Gaston’s Tavern for a giant Cinnamon Roll ($6.79)
Epcot- Béchamel, Cheese & Ham Galette crêpe ($10.95) at Crêpes À Emporter at La Crêperie de Paris,
Animal Kingdom – Breakfast Bowl ($12.99) at Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes
No trip to Disney World would be complete without ALL the snacks and we love to try all of the fun food that is offered. Some of our favorite snacks to grab are a Mickey Soft Pretzel ($7.19) found throughout all of the parks, Cheeseburger Spring Rolls at Magic Kingdom ($9.50 for 2), School Bread ($4.25) in Norway at Epcot and Mr. Kamal’s Seasoned ($5.99) Fries in Animal Kingdom
You can also order a kids meal, even if you are an adult, at a quick service location. Not only is this a great way to save money, but it also saves room in your stomach for more snacks! Most kids meals at Disney quick service locations are around $8.00, perfect for getting something a little more substantial, but not getting too stuffed!
By sharing snacks and meals, you can really maximize your budget while still trying all of the wonderful food Walt Disney World has to offer.
Travel Planner
Sarah is a travel advisor from Kansas City, MO. She grew up as a fan of Disney but only made it to the parks once as a child. But ever since her and her husband decided to get married in Disney, they have made up for her lack of trips as a kid. The obsession really started when she was hired as a Cast Member for the Disney Store. Ever since that time, she has made about 8 trips and stayed at 10 of the Disney resorts, with a goal of staying at all of them someday. Being a Cast Member allowed her to bring Disney Magic to those who may not have had a chance to experience the magic at the parks.
The holiday season is upon and there is nowhere more magical than Walt Disney World!! From the Holiday Kitchens at the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays to the holiday decor at each resort, you could spend days just exploring it all!
Let’s take a look at all the amazing food and treats available this season!
Magic Kingdom
Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies
Casey’s Corner
Cool Ship
The Friar’s Nook
Golden Oak Outpost
Main Street Bakery
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
Sleepy Hollow Refreshments
Sunshine Tree Terrace
Various Carts Throughout Main Street U.S.A.
Resorts
World Premiere Food Court and End Zone Food Court (Available Dec. 1 through 31; mobile order available)
Intermission Food Court (Mobile order available)
Jiko – The Cooking Place (Available Dec. 24 through 31)
The Mara (Available Nov. 28 through Dec. 31; mobile order available)
Sanaa (Available Dec. 25 only)
Landscape of Flavors and Everything POP Shopping & Dining (Available Dec. 1 through 31; mobile order available)
Beaches and Cream (Available Nov. 28 through Dec. 31)
Beach Club Marketplace (Mobile order available)
BoardWalk Deli (Mobile order available)
Flying Fish (Available Dec. 24, 25, and 31 only)
Trattoria al Forno (Available Dec. 24, 25, and 31 only)
Centertown Market and Spyglass Grill (Available Dec. 1 through 31; mobile order available)
Banana Cabana (Available Dec. 1 through 31)
Contempo Cafe (Available Dec. 1 through 31; mobile order available)
Chef Mickey’s (Available Dec. 18 through 25)
Barcelona Lounge
Dahlia Lounge (Available Dec. 1 through Jan. 7)
Three Bridges Bar & Grill (Available Dec. 1 through Jan. 7)
Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood
Gasparilla’s Island Grill (Available Nov. 27 through 31; mobile order available)
Cítricos (Available Dec. 25 and 31 only)
Good’s Food to Go (Available Dec. 1 through 31; mobile order available)
Olivia’s Café (Available Dec. 25 only)
Capt. Cook’s (Available Dec. 11 through 25; mobile order available)
Kona Island Coffee Bar (Available Dec. 11 through 25)
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace (Available Dec. 1 through 31)
Pineapple Lanai (Available Dec. 22 through 26)
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (Mobile order available)
Scat Cat’s Club – Café (Available Dec. 1 through 31)
Boatwright’s Dining Hall (Available Dec. 25 only)
Riverside Mill (Mobile order available)
Le Petit Café
Primo Piatto (Available Nov. 28 through Jan. 7; mobile order available)
The Artist’s Palette (Available Dec. 1 through 31; mobile order available)
Backstretch Pool Bar (Available Dec. 1 through 31)
The Turf Club Bar & Grill (Available Dec. 25 only)
Roaring Fork (Mobile order available)
Whispering Canyon Cafe (Available Dec. 25 only)
The Market at Ale & Compass (Mobile order available)
Yachtsman Steakhouse (Available Dec. 24 and 25 only)
Available at Various Table-service Restaurants and Lounges
Available at Various Pool Bars
EPCOT
With over 15 Holiday Kitchens, you’ll find flavors from across the globe highlighting ways the world celebrates the season.
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While I will always be a Disney gal first and foremost, I must give credit where credit is due… there are some things that Universal Orlando Resort offers that Walt Disney World does not that I do believe gives Universal a leg up in some areas.
1) Universal Express Unlimited Pass to Premier Resort Guests: Guests staying at one of three Premier Resorts at Universal Orlando Resort are given complimentary Universal Express Unlimited Passes. This means that these guests have access to dedicated lines at most attractions to skip the standby lines. While these three resorts are the three most expensive resorts on property, it is often cheaper to buy the park-to-park tickets and stay at one of these resorts for the complimentary Express Unlimited Pass than if you were to purchase the pass separately while staying at a lower category resort. Not only will you skip the lines, but you’ll be able to get on more rides in less time – leaving more time to enjoy CityWalk and relax at the fabulous resort pools!
2) Walkability: With the exception of the Endless Summer Resort hotels, everything at Universal Orlando is fairly walkable for an able-bodied person. Even when staying at Cabana Bay or Aventura, which are a bit further from CityWalk, there are still walking paths and excellent signage if you’d prefer to walk instead of taking a bus (or water taxi where available) to CityWalk. Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure parks are also close to one another to walk to. And I do also love that CityWalk is the main hub connecting everything; it makes it so much easier to grab a bite or do some shopping outside of the parks without the added step of needing to get on a bus if you don’t want to.
3) Pool Hopping: Did you know that not only does Universal Orlando Resort allow pool hopping, but it’s actually encouraged?! With the exception of Universal’s Endless Summer Resort which is a bit further from the main area of the resort grounds, guests staying at the other Universal Orlando Resort hotels are allowed to pool hop. Are you staying at Aventura but want to check out the beach pool at Portofino Bay? Go for it! Or maybe you’re staying at Royal Pacific, which has a cute play area for younger kids but no water slide – feel free to hop over to Cabana Bay to check out one of their two pools – one has a water slide and one has a lazy river!
Are you team Universal Orlando Resort or team Walt Disney World? Either way, you’re sure to have an amazing vacation!!
