It is fair to say that from this Spring onward we have all been living through this strange world that feels like a cross between a Netflix mini-series and a misunderstood British comedy where none of the jokes make sense. All of us, adults included, just need a break. A Disney holiday is often an escape from reality – a much needed break from reality and resurgence of the fun and carefree feelings of being a kid again. Disneyland is currently still closed, and Disney World is at limited capacity.
Why not create an all-inclusive Disney holiday at home? Eat some Disney goodies, dress up to the nines, enjoy a few rides, and listen to the music of Disney with these links and tips below. This will be the most affordable trip to Disney – ever!
TASTE OF THE PARK
A favorite on Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom, Casey’s Corner showcases delicious Corn Dog Bites. These bite size hot cogs encased in cornbread is perfect for on the go eating. Which is also great for making it at home because you can prep them in a muffin tray. Prep and make these to snack on in between rides courtesy of YouTube.
The Turkey Leg is a giant meat snack that can be found in both U.S. Disney parks. If you don’t have a smoker, but have a traditional grill at home, use wood chips in an aluminum packet in your grill to create the smoker effect. Pecan, oak and hickory wood chips provide a moderate to aggressive smoke flavor to the meat.
A Mickey pretzel is an iconic snack that can be found in all the parks. Biting off Mickey’s ear is an image often shared on social media. In the parks, the pretzels are shaped into snowman for the winter holidays, and different characters or themes throughout the seasons. Try your hand at folding the pretzel into fun shapes, or three circles for the classic Mickey outline we all use for pancakes.
The Adventureland classic of a Dole Whip is delicious and creamy and a must-have on a visit to the Magic Kingdom. The amazing bonus is that the treat is 100% vegan! We have tried this recipe with Coconut Cream instead of whipping cream as a dairy-free option. Take a spoonful and close your eyes and don’t be surprised when you start humming the Tiki room intro.
Thankfully the Commissary is stocked with these ingredients, so you can easily prepare for a tasty visit to the Disney Parks. Well, maybe talk to the butcher about the Turkey Leg.
COSTUMES
Matching vibrant shirts to easily spot family members in the park isn’t needed for a visit from home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress up! Chances are if you have solid color pieces at home, you can piece them together into an Alice costume or a Disney bound of the cats from Aristocats. Pinterest boasts many boards full of costume ideas using items or clothing you have at home. Use your closet without having to leave home to costume shop or spend extra money!
RIDES
Now that you are dressed up for the day and have food prepped and ready to go, it’s time for some rides.
Head to Tomorrowland and enjoy space travel through Space Mountain. The People Mover ride is a classic that is now only at Walt Disney World and while it isn’t considered a thrill ride, it’s a ride that will allow for taking in the atmosphere for the park. Another ride only at Walt Disney World, The Carousel of Progress, is one ride that Walt Disney personally worked on, preparing it for the World’s Fair in New York – bonus it can count as a history lesson for the kiddos. Move to Fantasyland and take a ride on the musical) boat ride of It’s A Small World. While in Fantasyland, trade your boat in for a flying ship and go on Peter Pan’s Flight. Before heading over to Adventureland, make sure to ride Disneyland’s famed Storybook Land Canal boats. In Adventureland, riding Pirates of the Caribbean and Jungle Cruise are a must do. Stop in New Orleans Square to ride the Haunted Mansion if you dare, before you ride the wildest ride in the wilderness at Big Thunder Mountain. Disneyland’s Critter Country favorites of Splash Mountain and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh are great ways to end the timeless rides.
Epcot’s classic rides of Spaceship Earth and Living with the Land are must dos. Don’t forget about Soarin’ Around the World and dive into the big blue world on The Seas with Nemo and Friends – all without the need for tickets, layovers or a long boat ride.
Make a stop over to the Animal Kingdom to ride Kilimanjaro Safari, Dinosaur and Expedition Everest without worrying about height restrictions or long lines.
Toy Story fans will want to jump on the Slinky Dog Dash while those who favor the force will want to support the Rebels with the Star Wars – Rise of the Resistance and the Smuggler’s Run ride.
Head to Disneyland Paris to ride Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril! all while learning about the ride’s creation and history.
End the entertainment portion of your Disney day with a Fireworks show without the crowds or waiting. From the comfort of your own home, rain or shine, watch the feat of projected images, timed fireworks and music in the Happily Ever After Fireworks Show from the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. When the music starts, close your eyes and let that goosebumps and exhaustion mixture wave over you…without having walked the 30,000 steps taken in one day pushing the stroller and humping with a backpack.
SOUNDS
If you are looking to stream Disney music throughout the day, check out fan favorite Sorcerer Radio. The radio channel can be found online, on their app and on Roku. Sorcerer Radio shares the sounds of the park, sometimes complete with park noise. The Atmospheres station shares loops of park background music while the Spa Day station provides instrumental versions of Disney classics. Seasons showcases seasonal parade music and sound effects and seasonal ride music immersing you in the sounds of, well, the season. Planet D is a new station as of October 2019 offering Disney Pop remakes and Disney park remixes along with the traditional Disney pop music.
The Dapper Dans are a barbershop quartet that walk and sing along Main Street U.S.A. Getting creative, the groups virtually linked together to serenade to When You Wish Upon A Star bringing the sounds of Magic Kingdom into your home.
Get motivated with Disney Broadway stars singing “Go The Distance” – a favorite from the notable animated Disney film Hercules.
EXTRA
Since the parks shut down due to the pandemic, Disney Parks YouTube channel has released how-to-draw videos with Disney Imagineers. This is by far our favorite pastime from the days of visiting Disney California Adventure and hiding out in Animation Academy to take in a lesson on how to draw a character. There are several Learn to Draw lessons, and you should definitely check out Draw Your Pirate Scene.
TECH TIPS
Use the HDMI connection from your computer to your tv to easily click through links on here for in your face views of the rides and entertainment. Alternatively, use a device like a FireStick or Roku to use YouTube on your TV to look up rides.
Now, all that is left is to have a magical time!
