Family Travel Archives - Sand and Snow

2017 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disney World: Dates (and Fun!) Announced

May 11, 2017May 18, 2017 Karyn Locke

You know that old Christmas tune, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year”? That’s how we feel with the announcement of 2017 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates and information! It seems that Disney is loving the party as much as we are with dates beginning in August! Here’s the scoop on the Halloween fun, dates, and what you can expect! 2107 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Dates Halloween Party Dates begin in August 2017 and continue through the beginning of November – wow! Prices have increased across the board by a couple…

Four Reasons Why We’re Already Missing Wishes at Magic Kingdom

May 9, 2017 Vex Maryn

There are shows and parades at Walt Disney World that come and go and we don’t bat an eyelash. Then there are those that are so endearing to us that we’ll miss them forever – and Wishes is one of them. Set to retire on May 11, 2017, we’ve loved everything about it since we’ve begun visiting. Here’s reasons why we’re already missing Wishes at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. The Soundtrack Disney sure does know how to pull at our heartstrings and the musical mashup of our favorite…

Top Disney World FastPass+ Selections and Tips for Each Park

April 26, 2017April 16, 2017 Karyn Locke

Photo Courtesy of WDW News Fastpass+ selections can be a challenge to choose, especially if you’re unsure which ones are super popular. There’s plenty to choose from and tiers in most of the parks which may only help you narrow it down- or leave you scratching your head. Here’s our picks for top Disney World FastPass+ selections at each park for all family touring styles! Here’s the condensed version of how FastPass+ (FP+) works at WDW. You’re able to select up to three ahead of time for each day of your…

5 Things NOT to Do with MagicBands at Disney World

April 19, 2017April 20, 2017 Karyn Locke

Disney MagicBands are an effortless way to link your onsite room reservation, park tickets, meal plan, and FastPass+ selections. But while you may love their features, there’s things you shouldn’t do with them. Here’s our top list of five things not to do with MagicBands at Walt Disney World. Don’t Forget to Select Fasspass+ Selections at the Proper Time Frame If you’re staying on property at a Walt Disney World resort, you can begin making FastPass+ selections at 60 days out from your first vacation day plus up to…

How to See Pandora – The World of Avatar at Walt Disney World Before it Opens

March 27, 2017March 29, 2017 Karyn Locke

With the announcement of Pandora: World of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom comes so many questions. The official opening date is May 27, 2017, but there is a way for you to score a sneak preview. Here’s what we know so far and what Pandora Fastpasses will be available. What We Know about Pandora Fastpass+ Selections There’s so many guesses as to exactly what the park area will look like, but Disney Imagineering has given us teeny tastes of what’s to come including concept art and recent aerial photos. Here’s…

Do You Know the 5 W’s of Spring Break Family Travel Planning?

March 16, 2017March 16, 2017 Karyn Locke

When it comes to Spring Break travel I can tell you when and where to visit, but for me and my family? We stay home! That’s my time to spring clean and prepare for a busy travel season. I’m all about visiting travel hot spots during the low crowd levels, aka off season, but that doesn’t mean that I’m the only one. Sometimes work and school schedules don’t allow for that sort of flexibility and it’s completely understandable. Or sometimes there are folks that love the hustle and bustle of…

Fun Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Walt Disney World

February 27, 2017February 26, 2017 Karyn Locke

We love to say that any day at Walt Disney World is a holiday but if you’re lucky to visit when an actual holiday hits? The fun is amped up even more. And while we’ve visited WDW for a couple of the big holidays, there’s plenty of fun on St. Patrick’s Day in the parks and Disney Springs. Ready to get your Irish on? Here’s fun ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Walt Disney World. Disney Springs Whether you’re Irish, have Irish blood, or or Irish for a Day…

8 Things NOT to Pack for Walt Disney World

February 15, 2017March 29, 2017 Karyn Locke

I love looking a packing lists when it comes to Walt Disney World. Heck, I’m a certified overpacker and proud of it. But, when you’re headed to WDW on a plane or have limited space in your suitcase, I’ve learned what I absolutely don’t have to bring when staying on property. Here’s the most common things not to pack for Walt Disney World and where to find them. 1. Bandages Packing a box of bandages just in case we got blisters from walking loads of miles in the parks day…

Why You Should Have Bought Disney Tickets Last Week

February 13, 2017February 13, 2017 Karyn Locke

New word on the streets of Walt Disney World and Disneyland: ticket prices have increased again. The announcement was made yesterday and includes WDW and DL, as well as Preffered Parking options. While you may have heard buzz for the last week or two that Disney MAY up their ticket prices, that generally means that they will – and did. Here’s the scoop on new pricing for all parks including parking, single day tickets, and Annual Passes. Single Day Park Tickets Single Day tickets have increased anywhere from $2 to…

Disney Springs | What’s New for 2017

February 8, 2017February 14, 2017 Karyn Locke

Remember the whirlwind that was Disney Springs last year? While this year seems to be a bit less massive for the “fifth gate”, there’s still plenty of new things going on. From delicious dining to an aerial makeover, here’s what’s new at Disney Springs in 2017 – and what’s still coming! When it comes to Disney Springs, there’s constant additions and changes every time I turn around – and that’s a good thing! Last year we saw the addition of a higher-end shopping area, parking garages, and delicious restaurants and…