Tips for Spring Break at Disney World

Let me start out by saying this: I love Disney. As a seasoned guest of Walt Disney World and a former employee, I enjoy sharing my knowledge with new visitors to make their trips less stressful. I haven’t wrote much about my time in the Disney College Program, but I feel like spring breakers could benefit from my knowledge of this crazy, magical place! I interned at Disney World back in winter/spring 2013 and was there long enough to watch the huge crowds trickle in week after week to celebrate spring break. I was “stationed” in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so most of my information is based on my knowledge of this park.

Walt Disney World Travel Tips

1. Get to the parks early. It’s that simple. Be first in line when the parks open and run to the attraction you most want to see. After that, head over to the next biggest attraction you want to see. Within that first hour I can almost guarantee you’ll be able to hit all the major things on your list with minimal wait time.
2. Parades are your friend. If you don’t want to see the park’s signature parade, then this is a great time to hop on rides and see a few shows. People flock to the parades and the wait time for attractions goes down, just be sure to be on the side of the park you need to be on because when a parade goes through they shut entire areas down to walking traffic.
3. Get the pesky brochures. At the entrance of every park you will find an array of pamphlets and brochures outlining everything there is to know about the park you’re in. I suggest grabbing a map, character meet and greet guide, and a show time guide to minimize the amount of time you spend wandering around trying to find something.
4. Understand how character meetings work. As a former character attendant (glorified body guard and time keeper), I can tell you from experience that the characters have incredibly strict schedules. I can also tell you that with certain characters especially in Hollywood Studios, they run on a 25 minute on, 5 minute off schedule. This schedule runs about 8 or more hours a day. The character has 25 minutes to meet his fans and is then given a 5 minute warning from his handler that he needs to finish up with his meet and greet. Then, the character gets a 5 minute break before returning to his line of waiting guests. Also, character will likely not be out during parade times. Why? Because most of them are in the parade!
5. Have a schedule. Before heading to each park, make a list of what you want to see and do the most. Schedule out what time you want to arrive at the park and when you want to leave. My advice? Get to the park when it opens and stay until lunch time when everyone is getting tired. Return to your hotel and relax by the pool and take a nap. Around 4 or 5, head back into the parks to enjoy the evening festivities (fireworks every night in Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot). Trust me, this saves a lot of stress and fatigue.
6. Take advantage of the “Extra Magic Hours”. This particularly applies to the crazy college kids who are used to being up until midnight or later. Every night one park will either open an hour early or stay open 2 hours late. Find out which park is staying open late and enjoy those hours. Typically, the smaller children have fallen asleep and are headed back to the hotel and you can finally enjoy those little kid attractions you’ve been dying to get on (think Peter Pan’s Flight in Magic Kingdom).
7. Pack for Florida weather. Florida is unpredictable in the spring. As an attendant, at any given time I had with me a water bottle, rain poncho, sunscreen, and lip balm. You never knew what was going to happen. Take a drawstring backpack with you (not the time to sport your new Kate Spade tote) and throw in some all-weather gear. You’ll thank me for this.
8. Do not have melt downs. Do you know how many times I’ve seen people absolutely lose it over something because of stress? This is a vacation. Take everything with a grain of salt and just enjoy the day. The funny thing about Disney World is that you don’t typically walk away remembering every single ride you went on or show you saw, you only remember who you were with and the laughter you shared. If you don’t make it to see a show, who cares? Find something new to enjoy. I promise you that your vacation will not be near as wonderful if you get caught up in the details.

If you have anything to share, please feel free to comment below!

Summer Bucket List

 

What to do During the Summer

Every year when our final classes are over and all of our finals have been taken we create a list of things we want to do over the summer. Relax, read a book, get a tan, have a summer romance, reconnect with high school friends just to name a few. Days and weeks go by and we tell ourselves that we’ll start checking things off our list tomorrow. Before we know it summer is over and we go back to our regular routine. Well this year I’m committing to my summer bucket list this year and so should you! Here’s 8 things I’m doing this season:

1. Learn at least 10 phrases in Persian

2. Study for GRE and identify 3 graduate schools I would consider attending

3. Get 500 followers on my blog (help me out guys!)

4. Develop arm muscles like I used to have

5. Get 7 children sponsored through my World Vision ambassadorship

6. Identify 5 employers I would consider working for in Florida (my favorite state!)

7. Volunteer at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

And last but not least,

8. Lay in the sun and get my tan back

What’s on your summer bucket list? Comment and share!

~Liz 

 

Travel Edition: Daytona Beach!

I’ve spent quite a bit of time traveling around and seeing Florida’s beaches. Last weekend I visited Daytona Beach for the first time. I wasn’t expecting too much given that I’m a Gulf Coast snob and prefer their beaches. However, Daytona surprised me in a good way! The beach was much nicer than what I was expecting.

What is there to do in Daytona Beach?

My first comment/suggestion is to partake in some of the unique restaurants in the area. We ate at one called Crabby Joes and had a really nice lunch. While the food is pretty much what you would get at a TGI Fridays or anywhere that serves seafood, the view is spectacular. It sits on a pier and you can literally see the waves crashing beneath you through the small spaces between the floor boards. If you sit at a high top table you’ll be able to feel the pier move slightly.

Second, the beach is a little different than what I have experienced at other beaches. People park their cars on the beach. Convenient if you left something behind however, not so environmentally friendly or people friendly for that matter. Cars are driving by as you lay on the beach. Possibly dangerous if you have kids that just like to take off for some random place on the beach and you can’t chase them down fast enough. It makes for great people watching though!

Third, the water was a nice temperature and color. We had a nice time wading in the water and acting like idiots. Not quite the Gulf Coast, but a nice compromise for those who live closer to the Atlantic side. There’s decent surfing and great waves for the inevitable boogie board loving kid. If only TSA would have let me bring mine!

For those who are looking to go where the crowds aren’t, don’t head to the beach until mid afternoon when people start to leave. The sun is still out and strong you just won’t have all the people.

Fourth, while we didn’t do any water sports there were plenty of places to go and do them if you wanted to. Go in any tourist place and there will be brochures and coupons galore! Jet skiing and parasailing are big hits down there.

Finally, if you’re looking for a place that has a fun atmosphere where anything goes and the only thing you have to do is enjoy yourself, then this beach is for you. Generally, people are pretty friendly and are actively seeking the relaxed, fun lifestyle that most of Florida revolves around. My first trip to this tropical state was at age 12 and since then I haven’t been able to get my mind off it. Seriously, take some time and come enjoy this state. It has so much to offer!

Me and my friends Emma and Christina!

Is there anything in Daytona I missed out on? Any other beaches I should check out? Comment below and share with friends!

~Liz

Packing for a Week in a Carry-On

I absolutely hate paying airlines to check my luggage. I paid enough for my flight as it is, do I really have to pay to take my stuff with me too? Apparently the answer is yes. Well, this time around I’ve found a way around that. Tomorrow I head to the land of tourism and sunshine for vacation. I’m spending a week in Orlando, FL visiting my boyfriend and a few friends. One of the hardest things about packing for a vacation is knowing what activities you’ll be doing while you’re there. I’ve packed outfits that can work for many different events and be dressed up or down. Read on to see what I packed!

Florida Bound!

1. Bottoms

I packed mostly white shorts/capris because they will match anything! I also packed some jean shorts for a more casual look and athletic shorts for days that may require athletic clothes. All of these are very versatile and allow me to change the look of my outfit without changing everything.

2. Tops

I picked things that can work for both day and night. The black and white striped top can be worn with white shorts or capris. The light purple top is 3/4 length sleeve and a very light fabric and can be worn with white/jean shorts and dressed up or down for day or evening activities. The silver tank top is best for evenings out and looks particularly good with the white capris. The white tank top works with any combination of shorts. The coral top is also 3/4 length and light fabric and once again can be worn with any combination of shorts (except for the athletic shorts) and dressed up or down with the right accessories! Finally, the yellow top is a tank and looks best with the white shorts and capris.

3. Dresses

The coral dress is mid length and 3/4 length sleeve and looks great with nude pumps or flats. It can be worn for day and night depending the accessories and shoes.  The black lace dress is one shoulder and also looks nice with the same nude pumps.

4. Accessories

I brought with me a pearl necklace and matching earrings (seriously, what doesn’t look good with pearls?) I also brought a large statement necklace that pairs well with almost every outfit. Additionally, I brought dangly earrings in blue to work with both coral pieces in my wardrobe. The multi colored earrings will also work with any of the outfits I brought. Finally, to add a nautical touch to my casual outfits, I brought navy blue anchor earrings.

Also, not pictured is my cross body Coach bag (for days when I don’t want a big bag to carry), navy blue Sperrys, nude pumps, and silver sparkly strappy sandals. The Sperrys are great for my casual outfits (I’m also wearing them on the plane to reduce weight in my carry on) while the pumps and sandals are nice for a dressed up look or brunch with the girls 😉

5. Little extras

Obviously bring your underwear, socks, bras blah, blah, blah. Don’t forget your bikini too! I bought mine in a magenta color that can be mixed with my navy bikini pieces. For this trip, I don’t want to add a lot of weight to my luggage (25 pound limit!) so I’m only bringing the magenta bikini. Also, don’t forget your flat iron or curler. Be aware of weight limits so you may have to choose between them (yikes, you can do this!)

Bonus: I’m bringing my laptop, make up, and Vogue in my tote bag (yes, it does fit under the stupid seat in front of me madam flight attendant!) Most airlines allow you the carry on to be stowed overhead and a laptop bag/large purse to go underneath the seat in front of you.

As for my outfit tomorrow, I’m sporting a navy blue tank top underneath a mint colored hoodie with those white shorts I mentioned earlier.

Am I missing anything? Any things you might take with you? Let me know in a comment below!

~Liz

 

5 Purses to Invest in

Purses and Their Purposes

Every girl needs something to carry their stuff in. We can’t get away with carrying a wallet around like our male counter parts can. But honestly, would we want to? Our bags are way too cute! In middle school, I went to a private Christian school and a few of the popular girls had Dooney & Bourke purses and lunch bags. Being the price that they were I couldn’t buy one. However, I found a great knock-off version that had all the girls at school wondering how I bought one. As I got older though, I realized investing in a few different good bags is worth the money. Here are 5 bags every girl needs to invest in.

1. The Satchel

This is pretty standard and necessary for every girl. Whether you’r shopping, eating out, running errands, or going to a ball game, this purse will serve you well! I got mine from a Coach outlet in Florida. It was normally $250 but I got it for $90! If you don’t want to buy something this expensive, many department stores and places like Ross or Marshall’s carry brands like Tommy Hilfiger or Kenneth Cole that have great satchels. 

2. The Tote Bag

This was especially useful for me when I was in college carrying books around to and from classes. It also makes a great carry on for the plane. Get a sturdy one because it will receive a lot of wear and tear especially around the handles! The one my mom and I share is Dooney & Bourke (I got a fabulous deal on it) but a great tote I used to have was from Kenneth Cole and was only $35 and it lasted for quite awhile!

3. The Clutch

Its perfect for a night out, a wedding, party, or dancing with your friends. No more putting your credit cards and cell phone in awkward places! Mine is a black vintage 1940s clutch that was my grandma’s in her younger days. I used to play dress up with it when I was a kid but I now see the true beauty in such an adorable accessory. Get one in a neutral color such as nude or black to suit all purposes.

4. The Cross-Body Purse

This is so great to have if you’re going to a theme park or on a long day trip that involves walking around. Its small and portable and requires very little fuss. It can easily fit your phone, ID, credit cards, cash, hand sanitizer, and lip gloss. When I worked at Disney World, tons of women wore these because they were small and convenient. The other good thing about them is that they’re small enough to fit on roller coasters. You won’t have to leave your bag behind and worry about it being stolen. 

5. The Duffel Bag

Not quite as big as a suit case but gets a lot of use for long weekends and overnighters. I found my Vera Bradley duffel at an outlet in Florida for $45 when they are normally $85 (for the large size). The print is called Safari Sunset. I’ve gotten so many compliments on my duffel and it truly has served its purpose. 

What purses do you have to have? Are there any purchases you regret? Comment below and share with your friends!

-Liz