I am back with my Disney series! We will be talking about that extra magic that can be found in Disney parks. Disneyland and Disney World aren’t just characters and rides, it is also many experiences that come together to form one fantastic vacation. No matter how many times you go, there is always a new experience that can be found. When I go, I always try to find one new thing for my kids to do that they haven’t done before. There are adult friendly experiences and there are experiences that are very expensive and there are some that are not very popular, but for the sake of this article, I have picked five, child friendly, wallet friendly, popular experiences.
1. Jedi Training Academy – This is an awesome experience that kids can experience at both Disneyland and Disney World and it is free! Kids between the ages of 4-12 become Jedi recruits under the teachings of real Jedi Knights and they learn how to use the Force with their lightsabers. The recruit’s skills are soon challenged when the Dark Side enters the stage and readies for a duel. Kids do have to be pre-registered before the show and it is highly suggested that you register your child first thing in the morning as it is first come first served and spaces are limited.
2. Biddidi Bobbidi Boutique/Pirates League – Your kids can get made over like their favorite princess or pirate. Biddidi Bobbidi Boutique is available at both Disneyland and Disney World. The Pirates League is only available at Disney World. For BBB, girls can choose their hairstyle, then add make-up, nail color, accessories, and a Disney princess costume. Once the choice is made they are transformed from head to toe. My tip to save some money is to bring a costume from home. At the Pirates League kids ages 3 and up can be turned into Jake, a themed pirate, Captain Hook, an empress, or a mermaid. Reservations need to be made months in advance for both experiences.
3. Pin Trading – This is a fun activity for children and adults! It doesn’t take much to get started, just a lanyard (or somewhere to display your pins safely) and a few pins. Then away you go in the parks. Almost every cast member (Disney employee) has pins that they will trade, you just have to ask. See a pin you like, ask to trade. A cast member can make up to 2 trades per person. This is a great activity for shy kids, for people who like to collect things, or for people who just like to meet new people; it is a great ice breaker.
4. Pressed Pennies – My kids love their pressed pennies and loved searching for the pressed penny machines throughout the parks during our trips. Such an easy and inexpensive experience that made huge impact. Each machine is .51 cents, two quarters and a penny. There are some machines that will do pressed quarters, dimes, and nickels also.
5. Fireworks/Lightshows – Walt Disney believed that at his parks people should be able to see a fireworks show every night and so that is what they still do to this day. Those shows are spectacular and worth many ohhhs and awwws. Each park has their own show after dark and are included in your theme park admission price. Consult your daily times guide for what time the show will be, and be sure to get there early to get a good viewing spot! The shows are sometimes altered or cancelled due to weather.
This is just a small list and just the beginning of all the extra fun you can have at a Disney park! If you just wanted to do a few of these things I guarantee your kids will be ecstatic and never forget the fun; they are at Disney after all. Pick what works best for your family and you will have the best vacation ever!
