When traveling with children, there are always those little extra things you need to remember to do or take with you, to keep them happy and focused. When traveling on a Disney vacation, even though Disney is “the place” for kids, there are a few extra-extra’s to consider. Things that will make your trip magical, fun, and “melt-down” free (hopefully…). For the trip down and also for those long days in the parks, take your own snacks, drinks, and breakfast items. We always take a lot of snacks, some zip-lock bags, juice boxes, and bottled waters. Don’t forget a backpack to fill for the parks. Then you can have a snack and a drink while you are waiting in the long lines. Some snacks and drinks can be taken into the parks As long as you don’t pack and bring a cooler or a full meal with you, Disney is ok with it. This is also a great money saving tip. Snacks and drinks can be one area that is often not thought to budget for. Bringing a few with you into the park can help save on unexpect...

Disney is not just a place for little princesses. Boys of all ages can have a magical and fun time on a Disney vacation. As a travel profession I often have clients traveling with boys that are concerned a Disney vacation won't have as much to offer for their boys as it does for girls. I understand the concern that boys maybe too old or won't have anything to do or that they feel there may be too much age difference between the children they are traveling with, making it difficult to plan fun activities for everyone to enjoy together. The beauty of a Disney World vacation is that not only will every member of your family be able to enjoy activities and experiences customized to their specific personal wants and needs, but you will have lots to choose from that the whole family can enjoy together. Some things to consider for boys might be DisneyQuest a 5-story facility located in Downtown Disney that provides cutting-edge technology, virtual reality and 3-D experiences. There...

Families with small children, who want to have a sporty and magical experience, should book a stay at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort. Fun-loving couples will also enjoy this one-of-a-kind Disney Resort. Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort is one of 5 Value Resorts at the Walt Disney World complex in Orlando, Florida. This unique resort features and emphasizes the fun and beauty of sports like basketball, tennis, volleyball, football and surfing, with a magical Disney touch. The guestrooms are fun, colorful and whimsical while at the same time, providing guests with comfort and affordable luxury. Disney's All Star Sports Resort was the first value resort built on the WDW property and opened May 1994. There are 1,920 rooms spread between 10 buildings. All the buildings feature larger-than-life sports icons. The All Star Sports Resort is located on Buena Vista Drive west of World Drive. It is adjacent to the All Star Music Resort, and near All Star Movies,Blizzard Beach, Coronado Springs...

Today I took my little niece to see Disney on Ice. Other than Disney movies this was her first Disney experience, her first time seeing the characters in person. The theme was Disney's Worlds of Fantasy. It was really cute. The first half featured the characters from Cars, The Little Mermaid and Tinkerbell and her fairy friends with visits from Mickey, Minnie and the gang in between. The second half was a shortened version of Toy Story 3, and Ken and Barbie stole the show. Disney dreams and fantasies <3 class="separator" data-blogger-escaped-div="div" data-blogger-escaped-dixie="dixie" data-blogger-escaped-pixie="pixie" data-blogger-escaped-your="your" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">

I love planning Disney vacations and helping others dreams come true through all of the magical experiences Walt Disney World has to offer. There are so many things to do and experience on a Disney vacation. But sometimes it those special little moments and times when you are just hanging out and finding ways to just have fun. Through my families many trips to Walt Disney World we have had many moments of undiscovered opportunities for fun. I always make sure to suggest them to my clients and also encourage them to seek out their own special ways to have fun (and of course share them with me)! There are many "insider tips" that I share with clients for having fun, here are my Top 3... 1. When visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios I always make sure to tell clients not to miss the Animation Academy. Located inside The Magic of Animation, this is a great experience if your looking for something different to do or are not a big fan of the rides. And it is always fun! The ...

Sorry for the long title but that is exactly what this post is going to address, perhaps in a tongue and cheek sorta way...but there are ways to get a photo if yourself or your family standing on Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom without all the random people in the background. I had a reply on another post about how I had gotten a picture on MSUSA with no one in the background and it got me to thinking...how is that possible? There are always people on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom and even if you have a photo taken by a Disney Photopass photographer it's very hard to get a picture of just you or your family only. You know, that perfect picture of you with Cinderella's Castle in the back. Well there are a couple of way, as you'll see in the photos below, but I'm not sure if they are the best options for everyone... We have on two occasions been able to get pics on Main Street USA with the castle behind us and no one else in the picture. How? Well the first ...

Ok, so I have seen all over Twitter and Facebook these Throwback Thursday posts from everyone. So, not wanting to feel left out here is my first TT post. And of course it has a Disney touch. This photo is of my sister Brandi and I in the Magic Kingdom at WDW during our family trip in April 1983. I have no idea why Disney had this photo set up, but it was in a shop on Main Street USA. Don't you just love the vintage train caboose AND costumes. If I had been smart (and daring) I would have took off running in that costume "Right Down the Middle of Main Street USA"! Hope you enjoy it! Vintage costumes and hugs your favorite retro Dixie Pixie. Follow me on Twitter @RobinFretwell Or Like my pages on Facebook: Dixie Pixie Planner Magical Memories Travel - Robin Fretwell On Instagram I'm DixiePixieFretwell And my new website is: www.magicalmemoriestravelplanning.webs.com See you there!

Imagine a lovely trip to Disneyland, the Walt Disney Resort or a Disney Cruise without hordes of children around.  Not possible you say?  I can have a kid free Disney vacation?  HOW?! Well, it is unlikely that any Disney Destination vacation will be completely child-free.  However, there are a few insider tricks to having as close to a kid free experience on a Disney vacation as you possibly can.  And I am going to fill you in.  In a recent report by CNN, it was revealed that now is the perfect time of year to take advantage of low crowds and not many children in attendance, in both the Disney theme parks and on the Disney Cruise Line.  The reason being, most children have gone back to school.  Early fall and the return to school makes this time of year perfect for adults who are young at heart but who would like a quieter, adult vacation experience. September, after Labor Day, and October are the optimal times to travel to a Disney Destina...

Hi! My name is Robin Fretwell, I live in a small town just west of Charlotte, North Carolina. I have enjoyed researching and planning for my own families many trips to Walt Disney World since 1995. My passion for all things Disney has made me the ‘go-to-girl’ by friends and family for Disney trip planning and tips for over 10 years. To them I’m known as “The Dixie Pixie”. I love to bring the magic of a Disney vacation alive for others, ‘with a Southern charm’. As a Disney Travel Specialist with Magical Memories Travel, I focus on working with families and couples who want to make memories and have fun together, without breaking the bank or spending precious time researching and planning. I work with clients to plan magical, one-of-a-kind vacation experiences. I specializing in planning travel to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, but I can help you with any Disney travel destination. I love to visit Walt Disney World. It truly is the Happiest Place on Earth! My f...