Hello, hello!

In case you missed it, in April, I went to Orlando, FL, for the Ragan’s Social Media Conference hosted by Walt Disney World Resort. I went for work but of course, when at Walt Disney World, you make time for play.

WHERE I STAYED

The conference was held at the Swan and Dolphin Resort however, the hotel was fully booked by the time I went to make my reservation. So I ended up booking my stay at Coronado Springs and I cannot recommend this place enough. This being my first Disney trip as an adult I was highly impressed by the customer service, the grounds, etc. which I think ultimately is the Disney way – but I was blown away!

WHAT I DID

With the conference being scheduled during the day I lucked out because Disney After Hours was offered two of the three nights I was there. Disney After Hours events are separately ticketed and take place after the park “closes.” Think cooler temperatures, shorter lines, smaller crowds, fun perks and more!

The first night I purchased a ticket for Disney Villains After Hours at Magic Kingdom Park which lasted from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM. Upon entering you are given an exclusive wristband to distinguish that you are there for After Hours. Even though the event “begins,” at 10:00 PM you are allowed to enter the park at 7:00 PM which means you have the opportunity to catch the spectacular closing firework show that Magic Kingdom showcases. Once the firework show ends and the massive crowds exit, the fun begins!

Everything turned to the dark side and the Disney Villains arose! There were frightful photo ops, cuisine, entertainment and even a haunting parade. Included in your ticket were unlimited ice cream novelties (Mickey bars, popsicles, etc.), popcorn, soda and water which were available at carts stationed all throughout the park.

I rode every single ride and some of them twice with little to no wait times. It was absolutely incredible and has completely spoiled me, ha!

The second night I purchased a ticket to Disney After Hours at Animal Kingdom. Same as After Hours at Magic Kingdom, you could enter the park at 7:00 PM and were given an exclusive wristband. This event lasted from 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM and was very similar to my experience at Magic Kingdom. Unlimited treats, cool temperatures, small crowds and little to no wait times. For example, I literally walked onto Flight of Passage two times in a row! IYKYK how unbelievable that is. Side note: I literally cried while riding Flight of Passage… so love that journey for me.

Overall, I had a great time discovering Pandora, as well as getting in touch with more nostalgic Disney characters at Animal Kingdom.

As you can tell, I am a big fan of both of the After Hours events I attended. I truly think everyone must experience the park at night, at least once! Also, I think the After Hours events are great for families with young children because it is not too hot, not too crowded and not too long of wait times, it is a late night but I think it is 100% worth it! After Hours events are only offered during certain times of the season so be sure to plan ahead and check to see when dates are offered.

The final day of the conference ended at noon and I had a late flight home so I of course had to hit up Disney Springs. The fact that you can have an open container (hello white claw) while shopping definitely could have gotten dangerous for me, but I was good, and only bought a couple things from Zara!

Lastly, I made a stop by the Four Seasons Orlando to look at the exclusive Stoney Clover Lane Disney merch and it did not disappoint. I honestly wish I would have bought more while there since the Disney patches are only available at the Four Seasons. But, I did scoop up this small pouch in lime with the cutest Mickey patch I ever did see. Luckily, the Four Seasons takes phone orders so I definitely see one of those in my future!

Sorry this post was long overdue it just felt really weird to publish a travel post while being mandated to stay home and quarantine, which most states are still currently doing.

I will definitely say it was an interesting experience going to Disney solo and realizing we were on the brink of a pandemic while being at The Happiest Place on Earth.

Speakers booked to present at my conference had to cancel their travel plans because of their companies’ non-essential travel policies. Attendance was down and many had to attend virtually. There was no shaking of hands when networking. The Social Media Manager for Walt Disney World Resorts was scheduled to speak and had to cancel last minute because he had to literally somehow facilitate and craft the monumental announcement to close the parks in the upcoming days.

Fortunately, I flew out of Orlando on Friday and, two days later, on Sunday, Walt Disney World announced the park closure. By leaving before the announcement I think I was spared from a lot of potential travel chaos.

Whew, talk about a whirlwind of highs and lows all in a span of three days, ha!

Overall, it was a magical time and I am looking forward to visiting again when it is safe to do so! I hope you enjoyed this chatty recap from my trip to Walt Disney World. Let me know in the comments below which park is your favorite!

Thanks for reading!

xx KL