Crowds...

I have been asked a few times throughout my life one particular question, "isn't it crowded at Disney World?" The answer to that questions usually yes. However, there are times throughout the year in which you can avoid the crowds. A good rule of thumb is when students are in school it is less crowded at WDW... For me this rule can NOT apply because I am a teacher and I am also in school when the students are. So when planning your trip, know that if there is a school holiday the crowd level goes up.
What this rule does not take into account though is special events. Walt Disney World has multiple events throughout the year and many of them occur multiple days and even weeks. It is good to check ahead when booking a trip. The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Show, Star Wars Weekends at Disney Hollywood Studios, The EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, as well as Mickey's Not SO Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade and Party are just a few of the "special" events that occur annually and bring in more visitors each year. 
I'd be amiss if I didn't mention this about a NON-SANCTIONED Disney event that occurs the first weekend of June every year. This weekend has been called "gay days" it is as I said non-sanctioned by WDW and I am not really sure what it is about but I have known of friends who went down during this particular weekend and regretted the timing. I am not going to become political here but I just tell you so you are aware and make sure to check your calendars (it is called Gay Days Orlando and it is from June 3-9 this year).
I am attaching a link to this post to have another planning tool. It is a expected crowd control calendar.
UNDERCOVER TOURIST CROWD CONTROL
It is put out by a site called Undercover Tourist and not only breaks it down by weeks but by days as well and even though you might notice a week or day is in the red if you look at the individual parks it might be green. For example from about mid-December on it is red (which means the area is crowded) however, on individual days you might see where the Magic Kingdom is green (see December 24-25) where other parks might be red and vice versa. I will say that in 2008 on Christmas Eve we were in the Magic Kingdom and it wasn't  that bad crowd wise.
One thing to remember is to plan. Look into Fast-Pass+ and make reservations at restaurants during off hours (non-peak meal times). Also remember to have fun, for some, Walt Disney World is a once in a lifetime event, I have been blessed enough to go back pretty much annually and I have to remind myself that a time or two,  don't ruin the time by stressing over the crowds that you forget the fun.
In my next post I will start to tell you about how to avoid or lessen the burden the crowds and the heat of Central Florida. Until then have a blessed day and remember  It's a Small World.

Me and one of my closest advisors...

Reflections From Disney 2014!

It has been over a week now and I am sort of off my post-WDW depression. We stayed at the Art of Animation and I have my opinion on that, which is to say that I am glad I stayed there but I won't be hurt if we never go back. We had a great time and the room fit our needs but I like to stay closer to the action. I took a poll of two of my children and they both liked the Polynesian Resort best of the ones we have stayed at. I am a fan of the Poly and I also like the Contemporary for the same reason, the monorail. I do not want you to misinterpret this post as a gripe, I had a wonderful, magical, time and I am already planning our next trip to WDW. The Art of Animation (AA) is a wonderful resort, and for the right family (one with young children) it can be a magical place. However, it wasn't the best for me and my family. One of my "complaints" is the lack of transportation, or maybe I should say lack of choices concerning transportation. It is either the bus or your own vehicle. For old pros like us we can scoot around WDW like tour directors in our minivan but not everyone is as comfortable doing that.  Busses are okay but the travel time is extended to the parks because of the distance from the resort.
Let me change directions now. What did we do that made our trip special this year? Nick and I went fishing, Jule and Corri went for mani-pedis and the whole family experienced the Hoop-De-Doo Review. We also found that Wyatt is our ride guru. He likes rides, although he was a little upset when we went a second time on the Kali-River Rapids at the Animal Kingdom. He went on Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, the Haunted Mansion, Goofy's Barnstormer, and It's a Small World. He also helped me get the high score on Toy Story's Midway Mania.
One thing I want to point out is we came across the Disney Hollywood Street Performers on this trip and loved them. Nick agrees that we'd go to DHS just to watch them.
Disney has done it again by the way. The new Magic Kingdom parade "Festival of Fantasyland" is in my opinion "AWESOME" I think it is the best Disney parade I have ever seen and I have seen the Christmas parade.
Let's face it, I love Disney World and the feeling I get when I am walking right smack dab down the middle of Mainstreet USA with the castle in front of me is awesome. Oh before I leave you I must say that if you ever get to eat at "Be Our Guest" try the grey stuff it IS delicious, don't believe me... wait for it, wait for it... ASK THE DISHES!

THE TOPIARIES AT EPCOT WERE NEAT (MY FAVORITE)

WYATT'S GIRLFRIEND (SO HE SAYS)

TRY THE GREY STUFF!

HE THOUGHT HE BROKE MY CAMERA...

BEST GAME/RIDE AT WDW (IN MY HONEST OPINION)

THEY WERE A BITING!

ME WITHOUT MY MORNING COFFEE...

WHY DO I ALWAYS THINK OF MY WIFE AND I WHEN I SEE BELLE AND THE BEAST:)