We are all either trying to live vicariously through Disney blogs, and YouTube, or else letting ourselves feel the sorrow for postponed or possibly canceled trips. (Guys, I'm not sure I even have the energy to book fast passes in a few weeks when it sounds like our June trip won't be happening,  that there are multiple whispers the parks might not be open) 

The next few blogs are going to be Disney activities that you can do from home, to help keep you busy while at home. 

Whatever is going on in your home, and maybe you are just still in the planning mode, Disney Parks lovers are doing their part to try and cheer us all up a bit. Check out ride through on Youtube, and start planning, or sniffling, whichever it is at your house. You'll see why we said Youtube is the best way to plan! 

Having a park bag with the essentials not only saves money, but precious park time. While the contents vary, based on the ages in your party, some things are always going to be handy to have in there. These are our must have's, in no particular order! 

1. Cash 

It happens more than you'd expect. Disney' payment system goes down on occasion and you can't buy something with your magic band or credit card. While you can always come back by later, of course, if it's an important purchase, like a snack for your hangry child, or a drink on a hot day, cash is important. I always keep $20 in my bag, just in case. Every trip, I've had to use it, and often more than once.  
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2. Advil/Tylenol

Whether it's your tired feet, aching back or the migraine that's forming, a little pain reliever is important! While you can go visit the free first aid stations, sometimes you just don't feel like getting out of line to do that.


3. Poncho

Summer afternoon showers are as predictable as the song getting stuck in your head after you exist It's a Small World. Be ready to protect your clothes and gear from getting soggy. 


4. Disney Pins

My boys and I loooove our Disney pins! These are always a must have for some on the go trading. If you aren't sure what these are, and wont to know how to get started with this inexpensive hobby, you can click here! 


5. Hand Sanitizer / wipes

Look around next time you go. Besides the hundreds of people each hour riding the same rides as you, ever seen all of the kids licking the handrails, and everyone coughing, sneezing, rubbing at their noses, and then touching stuff? the same stuff that those in your party are going to touch? Enough said! 


6. Extra camera battery

We had done two trips before I made the best investment of all. A second camera battery. No longer did it drain and leave me with no battery after I filmed Jedi Training, or a parade. It was so, so worth it to have a spare. 


7. Portable battery pack for phone

You might be snapping photos, pulling up Disney games, making fastpass changes or browsing menus on your phone and that eventually can wear down your battery. A portable charger might do the trick, and then can be recharged that night, ready for the next day. These are especially helpful if you were so tired the night before, you forgot to charge your phone.


8. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is so important. Not only does it protect your skin from a burn and possibly cancer later, it helps you from being overheated. How? When you get a sunburn, you feel so much hotter! Later up, and reapply every few hours, so you aren't walking around looking like a lobster and feeling the burn. Save that for the gym!


​9. Ziploc bag

Wet rides or rain, your phone risks getting soaked! A quick tip is a ziploc bag. We've a bunch of other great ideas to use one of those, click here to see why it's our favorite thing to pack. 


10. Snacks

We bring snacks along not just to save money, but to always have one at the ready for a hungry child. In line, on a bench, waiting a really long time to get our lunch, it doesn't matter. Having a snack on hand is always important. One of our children also has a food allergy, so it's even more important that he has a few safe options to choose from if we can't find him something fairly quickly. As a bonus, here are our suggestions for snacks to bring in, that they already sell (for a lot more money!)


What do you think of our list? What's a must have in your park bag? 

The last few weeks I've seen more posts than ever about people arriving to their resort, and instantly being disappointed and upset, sure their vacation is going to be ruined because of one or two disappointments right off the bat. We've talked before about when your perfect vacation isn't perfect, but when you just get to the resort, and things go wrong just because you don't get the exact section of the resort with the view you wanted, it's time to take a deep breath, and ask yourself is that really worth getting upset over? 

Part of the problem is that Disney is known for their AMAZING Pixie Dust. Those little surprises and special things that happen and totally make your day. We've had four trips to Disney, and I can count the number of small Pixie Dust sprinkles on one hand. In fact, one trip the internet was out, and the TV too at the resort, plus it poured. Did we even get a bonus fast pass for the kids having to miss out on the poolside movies, and the adults getting to relax with laptop browsing in the evening? Nope! However, it's the stories on the internet that are over the top and incredible, like a current one, a woman checking into a value resort, complaining she didn't like her view, and getting upgraded to a moderate. That's not a common thing, (if it really happened) but it's the sort of thing that makes others unsatisfied with what they've bought, and gotten. 

Yes, you've spent a ton of money for the perfect vacation, but things happen. People get sick, your car starts acting weird, your wallet was stolen. Those are all upsetting to be sure, but not getting the view you wanted? Or the fast pass? Or the restaurant reservation? That's not trip ruining. 

Getting upset at a Cast Member isn't going to make things better. Line isn't moving fast enough, or the ride broke or it started raining and they sent everyone away? Take a breath and smile. Something good is happening by just being there! You're just going to be making someone else feel upset, too when you start yelling at them. A person who gets yelled at by every guest who isn't happy with something that's quite probably, beyond this cast members control. 

It's okay to feel disappointed. It's okay to feel sad. But don't let this ruin your trip! Enjoy being where you are, and all of the amazing things that you can do! Circumstances didn't get Cinderella or Snow White down, they shouldn't you, either! Making the most of what you've got is going to make for some of the most amazing stories ever. Sometimes not getting what we want, leads us to something better. 

There's a new Disney Dining Plan option, and it might be a good fit for some families. 

This new plan is a happy medium between the Standard Disney Dining Plan and the Deluxe. If you'd like a little more flexibility in your dining options, and a little less food, this might be for you! 

Whereas the Deluxe plan is three meals a day, and the Standard one table service and one quick service meal a day, the new Disney Dining Plan Plus, is two meals a day, your choice of quick service or table service.  

Like the other plans, two snacks a day and your refillable resort mug are included. Priced in the middle, this new plan is $94.61 for ages 10 and up per night, and $35.01 for ages 3-9. 

With several new quick services opening with an above average menu, like the Regal Eagle in Epcot, you might might this a good fit for your family. With two meals a day it's easier to space out so you don't feel so full and sluggish, but you can still enjoy two table service meals a day if you like, including the perks that some may have, like meeting characters or special show seating. 

​What do you think? Is this a plan you might try? 

Though our hearts belong to Pop Century, no trip is complete without a stroll through Art of Animation's Radiator Springs! From the cute signs, to the Cozy Cones and of course, Lighting McQueen and all of his friends, you truly do feel like you've stepped right onto Route 66. 

Grab your Disney mug, fill it with something refreshing, and join us on a mini tour! No sneakers required! 

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Are you ready to buy a few postcards to send to your friends? Both Cars and Humans are welcome here at the Cozy Cone as long as there's a vacancy! (Sadly, the postcards aren't really for sale) 

Do you have a favorite Car? We love Mater, and of course, Lightening!