Disney Archives | Practical Wanderlust

What to Pack for Disney: The Ultimate Disney Packing List (for Adults)

March 15, 2019

Years ago, when I was a Walt Disney World Cast Member, I didn’t think about what I threw into my bag on my way to the parks. I would just hop on a bus and go have lunch in Epcot or grab a Mickey Bar. Like it was routine. Like it was NORMAL. Oh, how I miss those days! Now that I’m a regular shmuck again, packing for Disney is a STRUGGLE. It’s like packing for a marathon combined with packing for a costume party combined with packing for a camping trip. But with the right packing strategy, you can feel comfortable all day long and save money on unnecessary purchases in the parks! Here’s everything you need to know about the essential gear to bring, what NOT to pack, & budget-friendly Disney packing tips!

United States

18 Magical Disneyland Picture Ideas: The Ultimate Disneyland Photography Guide

Last Updated: July 9, 2019

Disneyland isn’t just one of the most magical places on earth: it’s also one of the most photographed. The Disney Parks regular top lists of the most Instagrammed places in the world, and for good reason – they’re designed to be freakin’ gorgeous! But capturing all of the magic isn’t as easy as you’d think: from harsh sun to crowds of brightly dressed people to that inevitable sticky, sweaty look everyone gets around 4pm, Disneyland photography is challenging. But don’t worry: our photography tips and picture ideas will have you snapping Instagram-worthy shots to capture your Disneyland vacation like a pro, no matter your level of expertise!

United States

The Disneyland Scavenger Hunt & How to Next-Level Your Disneyland Trip

Last Updated: May 10, 2019

For years, Lia and I have been longing for a Disneyland Scavenger Hunt that we could play with our game-loving friends and family. We’re the kind of people who get aggressively competitive on game night. Like, Lia once faked an ankle injury during a game of Laser Tag on the streets of San Francisco just to slow down her brother in law, who had teamed up with me on the opposing team. It was the week of our wedding. And for the record, it worked.

We needed something to make our Disneyland trips EPIC. To give us an excuse to DESTROY one another. But sadly, we couldn’t find a Disneyland Scavenger Hunt that wasn’t either laughably easy (basically glorified games of I-Spy) and/or designed for kids. So, we made our own! In this post, we’ll be sharing our favorite do’s & dont’s for your next Disneyland trip, plus a taste of our epic 100-point Disneyland Scavenger Hunt.

United States

10 Tips for Soothing Your Post Disney Depression (by a Former Cast Member)

Last Updated: May 10, 2019

Post Disney Depression is that blue, miserable, nothing-will-ever-be-magical-again feeling you get after you leave a Disney park or cruise. Colors seem more dull. Food tastes less delicious. Nothing is sparkly or exciting. Will anything ever feel good again? Post Disney Depression hit me HARD after my glorious stint as a Walt Disney World Cast Member came to an end. I fell into one of those slumps where it’s difficult to do anything other than lay on the couch under a fluffy blanket and cry a lot and eat soup even though you’re not really sick. But I made it through, and in the meantime, I found some really creative ways to soothe my Post Disney Depression. And if I can do it you can definitely do it! Here are my Former Cast Member tips for beating the post Disney blues.

Food & Drink Travel, United States

The Disney World Resort Bar Crawl: A (Former) Cast Member’s Guide

Last Updated: May 10, 2019

As a former cast member, I’m always trying to find ways to have more magical Disney World fun (as a grown-up) without breaking the bank. Well, I found my new favorite thing! I’ve designed a Disney World Resort Bar Crawl that uses FREE Disney transportation, doesn’t require a single park ticket, and is chock full of Disney fun! Plus, I’ve created a Disney Scavenger Hunt to go along with it – so that you can drink and complete ridiculous Disney challenges at the same time. It’s the most fun you can have outside of the parks as an adult at Disney World!

United States

How to Do Disney: A Disney Parks Guide by a Former Cast Member

Last Updated: July 22, 2019

The year I turned 21, I worked at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. I did an internship through the College Program at Walt Disney World and worked at Soarin’ Over California, in Epcot. Of course, it was magical. One very useful thing I learned from my time as a Disney Cast Member was what I call Disney Parks Strategy (“strat” for short, because it makes me sound like a spy or someone very important). I’ll never visit Disney World or Disneyland the same way ever again. And I want to share all of my insider Disney tips with you, too! Here are the things you need to know before you go to the Disney Parks!