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If you’re traveling to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando anytime soon, grab these before you go! Many of these also make great stocking stuffers!
I only recommend products that I use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. 
#1 - Disney Luggage
You can't go wrong with luggage. This American Tourister set is the perfect way to kick of a magical vacation!  
#2 - Ponchos
Okay, so this one doesn't seem very glamorous, but it's a must-pack item! Any visitor to Central Florida knows that those Florida downpours are an almost daily occurance. Don't be caught in one of those infamous afternoon storms without a poncho. (They also come in handy on water rides!) Traveling with a little one? Don't forget a stroller rain cover!    
#3 - Portable Phone Charger
Do not leave for a trip without one of these! Your phone will be working overtime in the parks - joining virtual queues, mobile ordering food, checking wait times, and using Genie+ (on Disney trips!) Not to mention, your phone is still a phone, and you'll still need it for calling, texting, and taking photos/videos. I actually gifted this one to a few people last year!  
#4 - Hair Ties
Special shout out to all of the other long-haired park visitors out there! Do not forget to bring hair ties to keep hair off of your neck! That Florida heat and humidity is no joke! I'm a longtime advocate of the Teleties brand. Get 10% off your order with my code: PARTNER10 
#5 - Water Bottle Strap
Don't waste precious park bag space with a water bottle! I like to carry mine on a strap, like this one, to keep my water close by and remind me to stay hydrated. A caribiner attached to a stroller works well, too!  
#6 - Park Shoes
Keeping your feet comfortable can make or break your trip! You will be walking a lot. My holy grail park sandals are here, while my favorite tennis shoes are these ones. My husband only wears Brooks in the parks and recommends them to everyone!      
#7 - Hanging Toiletry Bag
This is the exact one that I use! It holds a ton, and folds up compactly in my suitcase. (Not to mention, I love the blush color!)  
#8 - Belt Bag
If a big park bag isn't for you, or you're visiting Universal, I highly recommend something small like a belt bag. I have a deep love for my Lululemon belt bags, but I also have this Adidas version and am loving this stunner from Pink Lily!
#9 - Park Bags
I'm a sucker for my Loungefly bags. You can find tons of these on Shop Disney, Boxlunch, Amazon, and more! For more park bag recommendations, click here! For a FREE park bag packing checklist, click here!  
#10 - Printable Disney Planner
A printable Disney planning binder is the perfect gift! Not only is this one printable, but I also offer a digitally editable version in my Etsy shop! Both have 20+ pages of Disney planning printables to customize to your own preferences! 
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Whether you’re an expecting parent or traveling with a little one, I’m rounding up the top 10 things to register for or use for baby travel!
I only recommend products that I use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. 
#1 - YogaSleep Hushh Portable Sound Machine
I love this one because it's small and portable, but is a surprisingly effective sound machine! This was one of the first adds to my baby registry. I'll not only be using this in the car and when we're traveling, but this is actually in my hospital bag! It's for both me and the baby to help drown out hospital noise! 
#2 - Stroller Fan
Okay, so this one is also in my hospital bag! In addition to cooling off little ones, this fan is also great for attaching to workout equipment and for attaching to a hospital bed during labor!  
#3 - Stroller Rain Cover
I can't tell you how many times I've seen this in the parks: during a Florida downpour, a family is sprinting across the park in ponchos, and the poor little ones in the stroller are getting soaked! Enter the stroller rain cover. This keeps your little ones, and your belongings, dry! This is the one that I use, which fits most stroller types!
#4 - Travel Stroller
You probably don't want to travel with your big, bulky stroller. A lightweight stroller like this one is perfect! 
#5 - Petunia Pickle Bottom Bag
It's no secret that I love Petunia Pickle Bottom for the brand's functionality and adorable Disney prints. You really can't go wrong with anything from this collection! It features diaper bags, stroller caddies, overnight bags, packing cubes, and more! 
#6 - Baby Carrier
Baby-wearing can be a lifesaver in the parks. This Babybjorn carrier is one of the best ones I've seen! Grab it from Modern Nursery! Another great budget-friendly option is this one from Infantino.   
#7 - Car Mirror
Driving to your destination? This car mirror helps you keep an eye on your little one in the backseat! This is the exact one that I have, too!  
#8 - Portable Changing Pad
This one's great for traveling any distance, whether you're heading on a trip to the mall or traveling across the country. This is also the exact one that I have!  
#9 - Kids Travel Tray
Keep little ones occupied in the car seat and on planes. It's got a secure tablet holder, plenty of pockets for snacks, drinks, and toys, and the top is even a whiteboard surface! It comes in several colors and prints.  
#10 - Portable High Chair
This one's perfect for heading to the beach, grandma's house, or even for a little outdoor barbecue at home! We have this one, and actually store it at my parents' house for when our little one is a bit older! Please note: I wouldn't take this one to Disney or Universal, but it's great for more local travel!  
If you're traveling to Walt Disney World in 2022 and beyond, you've probably heard of Genie+. But what is it?
Genie+ is Walt Disney World's paid replacement of the old FastPass+ system. It arrived in late fall 2021 and completely changes everything when it comes to Disney travel. This system can feel overwhelming. Below, you'll find 10 tips for navigating Genie+ like a pro. This list is a labor of love between myself and many of my colleagues. (It's important to note that these tips are only for Genie+, and do not pertain to the paid Individual Lightning Lanes for headliner attractions.) This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. 
1) Call Me, Beep Me, Genie+ Me
You'll be on your phone all day long. I suggest planning some downtime activities to give yourself a break from the app. I offer my recommendations for easy "anytime" activities to my clients. Regardless of how much you use your phone, you're going to need a portable phone charger. Amazon has tons of great portable phone chargers, including my personal favorite and an extra slim option. (Pro tip: keep your phone on battery save mode to help it charge faster and keep its charge longer.)
2) Practice Makes Perfect
Before you use Genie+ for the first time, go into the My Disney Experience app and get familiar. Like I mentioned above, you'll be on your phone a lot in the parks. Having a little experience with the Genie section will help the process feel less overwhelming. When that early alarm goes off for your 7 am selection, the whole Lightning Lane process will seem much less intimidating and you can hit the ground running in the parks. (Pro tip: make sure you're using the most updated version of the My Disney Experience app.) 3) The limit does not exist. There's no way of knowing how many folks will purchase Genie+ on any given day, because there's no limit to the number of guests who can add this feature. What does this mean for you? Book your top selections before they’re gone. Genie+ won't sell out, but Lightning Lane queues can only physically hold a certain number of people for the day. If Slinky Dog Dash is your top must-do, choose that first before selecting something that won't fill up, like MuppetVision 3D. (Note: MuppetVision is a personal favorite, but it's not a good use of a Lightning Lane.) 4) If at first you don't succeed, refresh and refresh again. If you don’t like the times that are offered for a particular ride, and you haven't made your selection yet, refresh that screen! Occasionally, you'll see options that were previously unavailable. DO NOT do this for top priority rides, as these can run out of return times. (See #3 and #9)
5) Watch the Clock
Booking a Lightning Lane "blocks" your account for 2 hours. The only way to "clear the block" is to wait 2 hours from when you made your last reservation OR use the last selection you booked, whichever comes first. After that, you can continue to reserve Lightning Lanes every 2 hours. Use your phone alarm to help keep track. Remember, the 2 hour clock starts at park opening time. (ex: park opens at 9, book your next selection at 11) 6) The Stacking Trick Typically, you’ll have one Lightning Lane at a time. That's how the system is designed. But there IS a way to stack them and have your return times overlap. This happens when you schedule multiple return times for later in the afternoon/evening. How does this work if you can only book every 2 hours? At 7 am, you can make your first selection, and let's say your return time is for 2:50-3:50. At 11 am, you can select another attraction, again at 1 pm, 3 pm, and so on. If you keep choosing later return times, they can overlap, meaning you can hop from attraction to attraction with no waits!
7) Park Hop 'til You Drop
You can reserve Lightning Lanes for parks that you're not physically in. That means that if you're at one park in the morning, but know you’ll hop to another park later, you can make selections before you hop. Just make sure that your return time is late enough to accommodate the travel time between parks after hopping begins at 2 pm. This, of course, requires a park hopper ticket. 8) Head of the Party Planning Committee If you have several parties traveling together, designate ONE person to handle Genie+ for everyone. Otherwise, with multiple people on the app making changes, things get messy quickly. To make things easier for your designated Genie+ booker, make sure that everyone is linked via friends & family and that everyone has valid park admission and reservations.
9) Set in Stone
Once you book a Genie+ Lightning Lane, you cannot modify your return time. But you can cancel that Lightning Lane and rebook another. Please note that by doing this, you do risk that attraction booking up for the day. Lightning Lanes can, and do, fill quickly. Pro tip: If you do cancel and rebook, the 2 hour window restarts. 10) Time is Money The time has come to head to your attraction! You have a 1 hour window to return. There is a grace period of 5 minutes before and 15 minutes after your hour-long window. That's it. If, for whatever reason, you'll miss your return time completely, don't panic! First, try to cancel that Lightning Lane in the app. Easy peasy. Missed Lightning Lanes can result in you not being able to book more Lightning Lanes later. (It can cause issues with the system, essentially tying up your account.) The best option is to find a Guest Services Cast Member (look for the blue umbrellas) and explain the situation. Usually, they'll simply remove the missed Lightning Lane from your account! (This should go without saying, but remember to be kind to all Cast Members!) My clients all get a detailed Genie+ guide, as well as personalized park touring recommendations and tips. To learn more about my client package inclusions, click here. 
I know, I know. You planned your trip to Walt Disney World and that forecast is calling for rain every day. Never fear! I'm sharing my pro tips for how to handle the inevitable rain during your trip.
Plus, a rainy day at Walt Disney World is STILL better than a sunny day anywhere else, right? 
The Forecast
First things first. It rains almost every single day in Florida. This is typically a short afternoon storm followed by beautiful weather. However, there are days where it rains all day long, particularly if there's a nearby tropical storm or hurricane. Make sure that you're prepared with a reliable weather forecast and a perfectly packed park bag. Grab my park bag packing checklist below!
Get Indoors
Of course, as soon as raindrops start falling, thousands of people are going to run to the nearest indoor spot. (Usually they'll head towards shops or quick-service dining spots.) However, if you've got a great minute-by-minute weather forecast, you can beat the rainy rush to a much better spot. Below are a few family-friendly indoor attractions that help kill the time while you wait out the rain.
There are a lot of great places at EPCOT to hide from clouds like these!
Make a Dining Reservation
This one will take some advance planning. However, since most pop-up storms in Central Florida happen anytime between 1-4 pm, make an advanced dining reservation during this time. This will guarantee that you will be happily indoors during those storms. My clients always get my personalized dining recommendations and tips as part of my concierge services. Contact me to learn how to become a concierge-level client. Embrace the Rain Life's all about dancing in the rain, right? Throw on a poncho (or don't!) and enjoy your vacation! If you're lucky, you'll also catch the Rainy Day Cavalcade in Magic Kingdom. This particular cavalcade has actually been in place for years, long before character cavalcades were the norm. It features a very catchy song and some of your favorite characters. The parks clear out big time during a downpour. If you can wait out a storm, you'll be rewarded with cooler temps and shorter wait times as soon as it ends!
Bonus Tips
To get personalized touring plans, money-saving tips, travel hacks, and more, become one of my concierge clients. Want travel news, tips, tricks, and pixie dust straight to your inbox? Sign up for my newsletter below! I'm always looking for ways to keep folks in the loop with all-things travel. In my newsletter, I frequently share links to great travel finds on Amazon. Below are the Top 10 most-purchased items by my readers this week. To sign up for my newsletter full of travel tips, news, and pixie dust, enter your email address at the bottom of this page! This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.  #1 - Personal Neck Fan https://amzn.to/3BQV6MZ #2 - Adidas Fanny Pack https://amzn.to/3hPS180 #3 - Stroller Fan https://amzn.to/36IhrOu #4 - Water Bottle Carrier with Adjustable Strap https://amzn.to/3x0xsdr #5 - FUNKYMONKEY Sandals https://amzn.to/3zjSLIt #6 - Kids Travel Tray https://amzn.to/2UXzddK #7 - AirPods & Case https://amzn.to/3l8aHBY #8 - Waterproof Kindle Paperwhite https://amzn.to/3BmQbTw #9 - Disney Carry-On Luggage https://amzn.to/2UW26r6 #10 - Headrest Hooks https://amzn.to/3BmPdGS
I shared about People Eaters as a "Travel Tip Tuesday" across social media yesterday, but I got tons of questions and "aha" moments in my DMs, so I've decided to let this post live in blog infamy!
You’ve probably seen photos or videos of long lines at Disney parks. (And some of those lines look loooooooong, I know!) Many people want to blame those lines on the fact that FastPasses won't return. Really, though, there aren’t enough “People Eaters” around!
So what is a People Eater? (No, I don't mean the one-eyed, one-horned flying kind!) People Eaters are shows, meet & greets, offerings, etc. that would typically attract thousands of people daily. Since most People Eaters aren’t currently open, those crowds are all in ride queues. Don’t let the lines scare you, though! Disney Cast Members are working hard to keep the lines running smoothly. During my last several trips, our wait times were actually shorter than what was listed most of the time. See what I packed for a June 2021 trip here. My clients all receive park touring tips to help beat the crowds and tour like a pro! I offer planning services for both clients who book through me, as well as clients who book on their own. Click here to become a concierge client and get all of my tips, tricks, hacks, and money-savers on your next Disney vacation. I'm always looking for ways to keep you in the loop with all-things travel! I'm beginning a weekly series that will share what your most-purchased travel items were from the last week. Below are the Top 10 travel items that you purchased from Amazon from July 5-12! This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.  #1 - Portable Neck Fan amzn.to/3xEzKA2 #2 - FunkyMonkey Women's Sandals https://amzn.to/3ARaMiK #3 - 6 ft. Charging Cords https://amzn.to/3wyoWBZ #4 - Dual Port USB Charger https://amzn.to/2T9AhuK #5 - Water Bottle Carrier with Adjustable Strap https://amzn.to/3ASErbp #6 - Adidas Fanny Pack https://amzn.to/3wEIVyW #7 - AirPods with Charging Case https://amzn.to/3r4x2B4 #8 - Battery Operated Stroller Fan https://amzn.to/3xBDdiI #9 - Stroller Cup Holder https://amzn.to/3xCGRbY #10 - Portable Sound Machine https://amzn.to/3xCGRbY Remember, my clients all get a complimentary, comprehensive packing checklist before they travel. To get my complimentary park bag checklist, click here. To become one of my concierge clients, contact me!
Your theme park bag is one of the most important parts of your entire trip. Without a well-packed bag, your park day can get derailed quickly. After all of the time, money, and excitement you've put towards your vacation, that's the last thing that you want! I give to you one of my most coveted tips...how to pack your park bag!
Be sure to grab my FREE park bag packing checklist below! 
The Bag
First things first, you'll actually need a park bag. The park bag that you choose will depend on who you're traveling with and which parks you're visiting. I've previously talked about the best park bags for every guest. I suggest starting there if you're trying to decide on what type of bag you'll need. However, today we're going to focus on what goes inside that bag! The Basics The first things you're going to carry with you are the obvious basics. This includes things like cash, credit cards, and IDs. I personally prefer not to carry my entire wallet, and instead use a zip-top wallet. If you're looking for a luxury version, this Michael Kors wallet is perfect. This Vera Bradley change purse is very similar to the one I carry. (Except mine has a Hufflepuff print!) Communication You likely always have your phone with you anyway, but make this is more important than ever. You'll use your phone to take photos, order food, check wait times, and can even house your tickets and park passes into there! Therefore, you're also going to want a portable charger in that bag, too. This is identical to my favorite charger! (I couldn't get a link to my exact charger, sorry! Health and Safety The next category we're going to make sure we have are anything related to health and safety. Face coverings* (if you're wearing them), hand sanitizer, and band aids. Hand sanitizer has long been a staple on my packing lists long before 2020, but now it's even higher on my list! Band-Aids are another good one to carry with you. In addition to their normal uses, you'll definitely want those to cover any blisters on your feet. There's nothing worse than touring with blisters! *This list previously recommended 2 face coverings per person, per day. As of April 18, 2022, face coverings have become optional at all Walt Disney World locations. You know your family best! Do what works for you and your travel party. Weather Florida is not only hot, but V E R Y humid. It's also full of unpredicted weather. It's not unheard of to have a beautiful morning and evening with a monsoon-level storm for an hour in the afternoon. For this reason, you'll need to be prepared, rain or shine. The first item you'll need, no matter the temperature, is sunscreen. (Don't make the major mistake that I made a few years ago!) With all of that heat, I also recommend either (or both!) a personal fan and a cooling towel. I also encourage all clients to carry ponchos with them. A poncho will allow you to get around during any downpours and are also a game-changer when it comes to water rides! Which brings me to my final category... Ready for Anything! There are a few items to include in that park bag that may not make sense when you read my checklist, but trust me on this! The first is a variety of Ziploc bags. Use one to keep face coverings (if you're wearing them) safe and clean while you're eating. Use a larger gallon size to hold wet ponchos. If you're riding Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids, you can also keep cell phones in a sandwich size bag to help keep them extra dry. (I'm a big Ziploc fan, clearly.) I also recommend carrying a hydrating lip balm. Finally, I recommend a water bottle strap. This one doesn't necessarily stay in your park bag, per say, but staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do. If you found this list helpful, be sure to check out some of my other packing tips: Best Items to Beat the Heat New Items to Pack Click here to get a full, comprehensive vacation packing checklist.
Summertime (or hot weather season in Florida, which lasts much longer than summer!) brings its own set of challenges for the parks. Don't travel to Orlando without these items!
Water Bottle Strap
Carry your own water to the parks. I will say this until the cows come home! Don't pay upwards of $4 per bottle. Cups of water are F R E E at all quick-service locations. Use those to refill your own water bottle. I love this water bottle strap for carrying water with me! I don't like wasting precious park bag space for a bottle of water, but I always want to keep it nearby. A water bottle strap is an excellent alternative, plus it reminds you to keep sipping all day long. Stroller & Personal Fans A stroller fan will keep your little ones cool and comfortable. Just like how it sounds, you just clip it to their stroller and let them work their magic! For anyone over stroller age, you'll want a personal fan to carry with you. These neck fans are all the rage right now, and keep your hands free! Cooling Towels I was first introduced to these bad boys during a runDisney event, and now keep them handy for park days and long runs alike. If you're always hot, like me, you might even want to double up on these towels and a fan! Hair Ties If you've got long hair, like me, you're going to be throwing it in a braid, ponytail, bun...anything to get it off your neck! I always carry these hair ties with me in the parks to get my hair off my neck. Between the humidity, heat, water rides, and afternoon downpours, my poor hair doesn't stand a chance staying down! The Basics Of course, I always recommend that my clients bring hats, sunglasses, plenty of sunscreen (and aloe vera gel to be on the safe side!) Don't forget to reapply sunscreen throughout the day. (I've forgotten to do this, and I have photo evidence of my mistake!) Other Ways to Beat the Heat As you all know, I'm a big advocate for the mid-day break for a swim and a nap at the hotel. My 2021 hotel recommendations can be found here! Other ways to beat the Florida heat are indoor rides and attractions, lunchtime table service meals, or splash areas. (Though many splash zones are still currently closed.) All of my clients get my dining recommendations as well as touring plans to show them exactly where to beat the heat! Contact me to get all of my park tips and tricks!
Staying at 2 or more resort hotels during your vacation, also known as a split stay, is one of the best ways to experience Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort (or both!) But what exactly does that mean? And why should you do it? If you're asking yourself those questions, get ready for Split Stays 101!
The Basics
A split stay requires at least 1 night's stay at each resort hotel that you plan to book. Split stays can be between 2 or even 3 resorts. If you choose to do a split stay at Walt Disney World, bell services will transfer your bags free of charge to your next Walt Disney World Resort Hotel. If you transfer from different Universal hotels, or split between Disney and Universal, you're on your own. If you're looking for luggage for the kids (or kids at heart!), American Tourister has some adorable Disney luggage, including Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, and BB-8! Not looking for character luggage? American Tourister also has this great 3-piece set! Where to Split at Walt Disney World The resorts you choose to split between are a completely personal choice. 99% of the split stays that I book are because of the following:
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