Category: Disney

Don’t Make These 10 First Time Disney World Visit Mistakes

Karyn Locke
Cinderella castle is still beautiful with rain clouds

Going to Walt Disney World for the first time and your head’s going in a million different directions? Or maybe you’re at the point where you’ve planned so much for your first visit that everything’s jumbling together? No worries, we’ve got you covered. From what not to do with FastPasses to what freebies to never forget, don’t make these 10 first time Disney World visit mistakes. I really wish I would have listened to the dozens of blogs I read and the friends I talked to about Walt Disney World…

Insider’s Guide to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: 11 Things NOT to Do

Karyn Locke

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And for my family, that time of the year is Halloween. No kidding. Yes, it’s technically still summer. Yes, the kids aren’t even in school yet. But, ding dang it, I’m already thinking about Halloween at Walt Disney World. There are so many ways to celebrate the holiday, but my family’s favorite way is to attend a Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP). And while there are so many things you must do, there are things you should never do when you visit.…

Is a Walt Disney World Character Couture Makeover Worth it?

Karyn Locke
Disney Character Makeover at Walt Disney World: Cinderella sat Ivy Trellis salon in Grand Floridian Resort

When it comes to visiting Walt Disney World (WDW), I’m the first in my family to pack my suitcase with red and white polka dot shirts and glittery accents. I’m also that girl that peeks into Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and wished she could get a Disney-style makeover. Until now. A recent visit to a Disney World Character Couture makeover showed me you can have the best of both worlds – the ability to channel your inner Disney Princess and still look adult-ish. So, what exactly is a Character Couture makeover,…

The Insider’s Guide to Toy Story Land: Tips and Tricks

Karyn Locke
Woody tips his hat to toys that come to play in the new Toy Story Land in Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios just opened – yay! Filled with cute touches from the movie, fun dining options, and giggle-inducing rides, it’s THE place to visit at Walt Disney World for fans. So, exactly what do you need to know for your visit? Here’s Toy Story Land tips and tricks to make the most of your time in the park. On Thursday, June 28, members of the media had a chance to check out Toy Story Land, myself included. From the moment I walked through the entrance…

The 4 Best Instagram Walls in Toy Story Land

Karyn Locke
Slinky Dog Dash in Toy Story Land

As a gal that loves a great photo backdrop, heading to Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a media preview this week gave me new inspiration compliments of all of the fun photo opportunities. And it’s exactly what I hoped it would be: whimsical, colorful, and downright fun – and that includes places to snag photos. Here are the four best Instagram walls in Toy Story Land and what’s making them so popular! Each Walt Disney World theme park has its own popular walls in the Instagram world.…

2018 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Planning Guide

Karyn Locke
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2017 Mickey and Minnie

This year, more than ever, Walt Disney World is expecting to amp up the Halloween fun at Magic Kingdom, especially for 2018 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Why is it even bigger and better than ever? Here’s the scoop. Sand and Snow uses affiliate links to give to great deals and savings for products we endorse and support. Yes, we also may receive a small commission, too.  Save $8 on Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party ticket! 2108 MICKEY’S NOT-SO-SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY DATES Halloween Party Dates begin in August 2018 – wow!…

7 Easy Tips for Planning a Trip to Orlando on a Budget

Karyn Locke
Tips for planning a trip to Orlando on a budget

Planning a trip to Orlando on a budget can be rough, I’m not going to lie. There are so many things to consider including, travel style and where to stay. Add in theme park tickets and dining and you’re head will probably be spinning. Happily, I’ve been there, done that. Several times. Dozens of times, in fact. The easiest way to plan a trip to Orlando is learning from those with experience and taking advise where you can get it. I’m happy to share my best tips for planning a…

Where to Stay Off Property at Disney World: Tropical Palms RV Resort

Karyn Locke
Tropical Palms RV Resort and Campground: Deluxe Super Loft exterior.

Are you looking for a place to visit in the Orlando theme parks area that is comfortable, safe, and is amazing for larger families? Or maybe you simply want more space than a typical resort room. Tropical Palms RV Resort and Campground is one of those places that offers both plus so much more – including affordability. The best part? You don’t need to either camp or own an RV to enjoy it! Here’s why we loved it – and it might not be what you expect to read! When…

1-Day, 1-Park Pre-Linked FastPass+ Disney World Tickets: Worth it?

Karyn Locke
Magic Kingdom's mini Pluto statue

I finally had my head wrapped around the Walt Disney World park tickets and Disney annual passes. Then WDW goes and offers a 1-Day, 1-Park with 3 Linked Fastpass+ selections. Sigh. Is a 1-Day, 1-Park Pre-Linked FastPass+ Disney World ticket worth it? Maybe. Here’s the scoop to help you decide. Is this type of ticket worth it? And furthermore, why would you want to purchase a Disney World park ticket with pre-chosen FastPass+ selections? Here’s the scoop on ticket offerings for each park, FP+ selection options and value. What We Know…

Must Try Interactive Experiences in Pandora – The World of Avatar

Karyn Locke
Floating Mountains in The Valley of Mo'ara in Pandora - The World of Avatar

Maybe you didn’t get FastPass+ selections for Pandora – The World of Avatar. Or maybe both attractions are closed – that just happened to us. So, what else is there to do beyond the rides in Pandora? Here’s our fave interactive experiences in Pandora – The World of Avatar to make the most of your visit. As I type, I’m sitting in our Walt Disney World Resort room thinking about our morning at Animal Kingdom. Excited for Extra Magic Hours, we hit the park entrance at 7am. We then waited…