Discovering New Magic in Walt Disney World

Posted:  Events Guest Blogger Trip Reports

The day after vacation is the worst! My mind is spiraling in the magic of our days spent at Disney. This was my seventh trip and my sixth trip for my family. Our once-in-a-lifetime trip has now turned into our yearly vacation. Why? Because every trip is different! The pixie dust never falls the same way, the fireworks and shows hit me in the feels, and each ride takes me to a different place in time. 

Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom under blue skies. The castle is grey brick with soft pink towers and royal blue spires. There is a grey stone brick pathway leading up to the castle with black iron lampposts along the sides of the path.

Green and yellow pastel resort buildings with “Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, a Disney Vacation Club Resort” written in dark green lettering on the top of the pastel green building, along with a racehorse icon.

Our family has stayed at Saratoga Springs four times and booked through David’s Vacation Club Rentals twice. The convenience, accommodations, and luxury is the perfect resort to rest our tired legs after long days at the parks. And I do mean long days! Saratoga Springs is a deluxe resort, and that means Extended Evening Hours in Magic Kingdom (on select days)! This was the first time our family took advantage of this amazing perk. From 10 pm-12 am, only visitors staying at a deluxe resort can take advantage of an ‘almost empty’ park. HIGHLY recommend! If you have never experienced Magic Kingdom after dark, you are missing out! The magic is multiplied!

Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom at night. Crowds of park guests are seen in front of the castle which is lit up blue with pink accent lighting.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride façade at Magic Kingdom at night. And old red barn with foliage is lit up with purple lighting effects. On the front of the barn is a sign reading “A Celebration of Family and Friends of New Orleans. At the proud home of Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen”

This was the first trip where we got to use the new Lightning Lane booking system. Let me tell you, I was a wiz at the previous Lightning Lane system. Think of me as the Fairy Godmother with booking the old Lightning Lanes. So, I was nervous about the new system. There was no need to be nervous. Having three to four rides booked a week before our arrival calmed my planning nerves and helped us plan our days even better. Not to mention, not setting the alarm for 6:55 am every morning was a huge plus. We had five people in our party and were able to ride every ride we wanted. I was nervous there wouldn’t be any Lightning Lanes available throughout the day, but I was wrong. Of course, the popular rides’ multipasses were taken, but I was able to snag a few just by refreshing while I was in line! This was very similar to the old Lightning Lane system. What rides were you able to snag?  We didn’t miss out on any ride (even Tiana’s!) by not being at rope drop. We arrived at the parks by about 10 am each day and had plenty of time to book rides through the new Lightning Lane system. 

Tron at Magic Kingdom at night. The ride canopy is lit up blue, and ride vehicles lit up neon blue race along the coaster tracks.

The buildings of Main Street U.S.A. at night are lit up along the sides of the photo with Cinderella Castle in the center. The castle is lit up green and orange and yellow banners and Mickey-shaped pumpkin lights decorate Main Street for fall. Crowds of party-goers are also seen on Main Street.

Let’s talk more nighttime magic at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP).  If you have only experienced the park during regular hours and not during special events, go ahead and splurge. Make plans now to attend a special event with Disney. MNSSHP is a one-of-a-kind event that brings the spooky season to life. At Magic Kingdom, the event boasts Mickey’s Boo-To-You Parade, Sanderson Sisters (& guests!) stage show at the castle, and a fireworks show that you have to see to believe. After looking at the MNSSHP schedule, we noticed that the parade, stage show, and fireworks were all back-to-back for the first showings. We wanted to make sure we found a spot (early!) where we could see all three. I recommend settling into a spot with your party on a curb toward the front of the castle as early as 7 pm. 

Side view of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, lit up with green and blue lights and colorful Halloween-themed projection effects. The sky is foggy with the smoke from the yellow sparkles of fireworks.

Looking toward Cinderella Castle down Main Street U.S.A. at night with a parade float displaying a sign reading “Mickey’s Boo-to-You! Halloween Parade”. There are Cast Members in green cloaks on either side of the float and crowds on each side of Main Street. The streetlights glow white, and Cinderella Castle is illuminated blue in the background.

The Sanderson Sisters perform on the stage at Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom. The castle is lit up with yellow and pink projection effects with big cobwebs, and there are several large candelabras and big jack o’ lanterns decorating the stage.

The parade began at 8 pm, and you can stay here for all three events! The party officially starts at 7 pm. Yes, there are lots of events going on beginning at 7 pm, but be mindful of events that are a must for you. Two people from our party grabbed some food from Casey’s Corner, and we had a little picnic on our curb. During this time, some of the party members would attend photo ops while others would hold down the spot. It worked perfectly for us! What events are musts for you during MNSSHP? 

A large black and white Jack Skellington puppet performs in front of Cinderella Castle at night. The castle is lit up with yellow projection effects and golden fireworks pop behind it.

A bright orange Mickey-shaped pumpkin light glows at Magic Kingdom at night. The cheerful face carved on the pumpkin is illuminated and a wreath of falls leaves and gourds surrounds it.

People ask us all the time, why go back to Disney year after year? Our answer is that no two trips are the same! The ease and luxury of using David’s Vacation Club Rentals, the true relaxation, magic, and all-around experience, keeps us coming back.  I am already thinking of new experiences for our next trip! What are some ways your trip has had some extra magic?

~Katie

Daisy Duck stands at glass double doors leading out to a seating area at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas. Daisy is wearing a pink shirt and shoes, with a purple bow. Outside the doors, guests can be seen sitting in white wicker armchairs.

About the Author: My name is Katie. I find the thrill in the planning. Having visited Disney seven times now, I have had a variety of experiences and learned tricks along the way. Why I book Disney trips again and again? Every trip is different! I learn more each time and find what works for our family. 

A photo of guest blogger Katie at Magic Kingdom. Cinderella Castle can be seen behind her, and she is wearing sparkly, colorful Minnie ears on her head. Katie is holding a turquoise birthday celebration button and wearing a dark grey Beauty & the Beast t-shirt.

The only thing that stays the same… the MAGIC!

Bronze Walt Disney statue under a blue sky at Dreamers Point in Epcot. The statue is seated on a beige stone bench with part of the Epcot ball icon visible past green foliage and white building facades in the background.

DVC Rentals Magical Hat