Guest Blog: Harmony Barber Shop at Walt Disney World

Guest Blog: Harmony Barber Shop

by:  Daphne Whitmire

I consider myself to be a Disney pro. I have been to WDW over 20 times, been on DCL twice, and finally made it DLR last fall. My kids are following in my footsteps with several trips under their belts.  My motto is “You are never too young or too old for Disney.” As a mom of two girls, age 11 and 8, we have done almost every magical princess thing, so it’s been a little difficult to find something unique and magical for my 4 year- old boy.

I had heard about the Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street at Magic Kingdom. It’s an actual operating barber shop with licensed cosmetologists.

At first I was a little nervous, my little guy is a crazy man when it comes to haircuts.  Once I saw the price list online, around $18 for a haircut, I thought I would take a chance and made him an appointment. After all Great Clips is $12, but this Disney.

The Harmony Barber Shop is located near the front of Magic Kingdom in between the Fire Station and Emporium Gift Shop.


We arrived about fifteen minutes before our appointment and checked in. The shop itself is tiny with three or four chairs. They were ready for my little man.

He jumped right up in the chair, and our cast member stylist offered him a light up toy. Of course, he picked R2D2, and proceeded to tell her how much he loved Star Wars. She asked me about the type of cut he wanted, and we talked about clipper length.

 The haircut itself was pretty quick. The only difference was my little guy was so pre-occupied with R2D2 and conversation with the cast member, that he wasn’t squirming around like he does with other haircuts.

After the cut, the cast member added some gel and pirate dust, and we were on our way. Side note:  my son hates gel, and never lets me put it in his hair. Maybe it was the pirate dust or the cast member telling him how handsome he was.

We had a magical time at the Harmony Barber Shop. My little guy received the best haircut of his life. My husband and I joked that if we were annual pass holders, we would go there every month for our little guy’s haircut. The price was great for only $18. The cast members only accept tips, if they are cash. The cutest thing I saw while I was there was a baby getting his first haircut. They give little customized First Hair Cut Ears.  Harmony Barbershop gets a two thumbs up from this Disney pro.

To book this experience and others, contact Katie Dixon

Katie@HiHoVacations.com.

Hi Ho Vacations is an Authorized Disney Travel Planner and Katie has almost 9 years of experience making magic for families just like yours!  Her services are 100% Free and 100% Magical! 

Top Ten Ways to Beat the Heat at Disney World!

There's no doubt about it, Orlando is HOT during parts of the year!  Sometimes, the daily storms are a welcome relief to cool off the steamy parks (and reduce the crowds a bit!)  Here are my top 10 tips for beating the heat while you enjoy the parks at resorts at Disney World. 

10. Hydrate!  Refillable water bottles are a must!  Also, ALL quick service locations offer ice waterfor FREE - just stop and ask! 

9. Dress for the heat! Loose breathable material will help keep you cool when the sun is at its hottest.  Clingy material and synthetics can trap in the heat. 

8. Cooling towels rock!  These are amazing when there is just no escaping the heat.  Wet them, snap them, and wrap around your neck for an instant cool down!  Great for small kids too! 

7. Personal fans - These are becoming more and more popular.  You can get battery powered small fans, and even fans with a sprayer to keep you extra cool!  (Purchase before arrival in Orlando - you pay a premium for the Mickey head on the bottle!)

6. Ice Cream!  Who doesn't love a yummy cool treat when it's hot outside?  Mickey Ice Cream Bars ALWAYS hit the spot, but be careful - they melt pretty fast! 

5. Enjoy the pools!  Agressive touring plans can be challenging when it is hot outside.  Some families like to take a break mid-day when it is the hottest and relax at the resort pool or splash area.  You can head back to the same park if you have a base ticket, or ANY park with a hopper, just in time for dinner and an evening show.  Beach and Yacht Club offers my FAVORITE pool on property.

4. Water Parks!  Disney offers two great waterparks for those who enjoy adventure of the splashtastic variety!  Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach passes are nominal in price if you already have a park hopper!  Ask me which water park is best for your family!

3. A/C!  Many of the attractions in the parks are inside in the air conditioning!  Include several of these throughout the day to relax.  Some of my favorites: Monster's Inc Laugh Floor at Magic Kingdom, The American Adventure in Epcot, Frozen Sing Along in Hollywood Studios, and Festival of the Lion King in Animal Kingdom!

2. Travel in winter/spring!  It isn't always an option to choose when you vacation, but some months are cooler than others!  Decemeber and January can even be COLD!  Feb, March, and April along with November are usually fairly comfortable. 

1. Hats!  Your mickey ears won't cut it on this one - you may need a full on floppy hat to keep the sun off your head and neck.  Luckily, Disney has us covered with some mouse-inspired options when a headband won't do! 



As always, my BEST advice is to have a plan and be willing to throw it out the window!  Listen to your body and to your family - rest when rest is needed and anticipate hydration needs.  Slowing down a little today can mean a better day tomorrow! 

Looking for a summer getaway?  Great prices available now!  Contact me today! 
Katie@HiHoVacations.com
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Top Ten Things to Know About Disney Cruise Line (before 2020 release!)

Anyone who has sailed on a Disney Cruise Line ship will tell you that the vacations that DCL offers are unforgettable!  WARNING:  You just MAY fall in love with cruising once you experience a Disney Cruise Line Vacation!  As the release of additional 2020 DCL cruises approach, here is a list of top ten things to know about DCL. Whether you're new to cruising or already have your sea legs, 2020 is a great time to plan a cruise with your family!

1. The Best of THREE Vacations! I'm absolutely serious.  You get family time to play games, enjoy water slides, experience world-class entertainment, and all of the fun a Disney Cruise Ship has to offer.  Then, the kids head off to the Oceaneer's Club or Lab (or Vibe or Edge for older kids) while the adults relax in adult-only areas including pools, spa, adult only dining and evening nightclub atmosphere and live music.  THEN, on the days your ship is in port, you'll explore exotic locations or fantastic beaches all over the world with your family!  

2. You Get What You Pay For - I won't pretend that Disney offers a "discount" cruise vacation.  I WILL tell you that once you're on board, you'll forget all about how much the trip costs.  These memories are priceless.  The GREAT news is that you get a TON of extras included in your cruise fare!  Broadway Style shows, first run movies, water slides, room service, soda on the pool deck, meals in whimsical and themed restaurants, (Go ahead!  Order two entrees or two desserts!  It's included!) character meet and greets, character breakfasts on some ships, Marvel and Star Wars themes and characters on some sailings, fireworks, Disney's private island Castaway Cay with included food and activities, kids clubs for ages 3 and up, trivia, adult only activities, and so much more!  Many cruiselines offer basics included and upcharges for MANY things on board.  There are only a handful of things that are a premium on Disney Cruise Line ships!

3. There ARE Better Times to Book - If you're not a Florida Resident or a member of the military, discounts on Disney Cruises seem few and far between.  There are two options that are open to everyone that will offer savings.  First, booking on opening day offers the lowest pricing for cruises.  Disney Cruise Line pricing is dynamic, so as rooms fill, prices increase.  Booking on opening day can save hundreds of dollars per person over last minute pricing.  **HINT: DCL 2020 is opening VERY SOON!  Email me today to get on the list to take advantage of the best pricing available!** 

4. See Ya Real Soon! - The other option to save on a Disney Cruise is to book your NEXT cruise while you're on board!  $250 per room secures discounted pricing for 2 years from your booking date.  You'll save 10% off of current pricing as well as on board credit from Disney (based on the length of your cruise).  If you know which date you'd like to sail, you can secure it with a deposit while on board to get the discount. 

5. Everywhere You Want to Be - Disney Cruise Line sails all over the world.  Alaska, Europe, Norway, Bahamas, Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, Transatlantic.  Want to see the Panama Canal?  Disney does that.  Many ports are also available - San Juan, Vancouver, Port Canaveral, Miami, Rome and more. 

6. Your Kids?  They'll LOVE It! - Parents often ask me about the clubs for kids and there isn't much I can say other than, "They'll LOVE it!"  Ages 3-12 can explore the Oceaneer's Club with books, crafts, dress up, group games, computer games, dance parties, themed rooms like Andy's Room from Toy Story and The Millenium Falcon from Star Wars, and activities with highly trained crew members.  In the Oceaneer's Lab, they'll find video games, science experience, food projects and so much more.  The 11-14 year olds have an area just for them, and teens 14 - 18 have a club for them as well with their own pool area and smoothie bar.  So much to do, and the crew in the clubs even have Special Needs Training! 

7. Vacation Your Way - Gluten free?  Need Handicapped Accessible accomodations?  Use a CPap?  Vegan?  Other special needs and requirements?  Disney Cruise Line has you covered.  In fact, Disney wants to be your go-to destination regardless of your circumstances or needs.  In addition to servers who are constantly asking about dietary restrictions, other services and supplies are available as well.  Wheelchairs for use on sand at Castaway Cay (and wagons if your stroller won't cut it!), distilled water for CPap machines, medical facility on board, sensory friendly movies, handicapped accessible seating at all shows and more.  Want to stay on board while in port?  No problem!  Disney Cruise Line truly wants you to "Be Our Guest."

8. Castaway Cay - Imagine white sand beaches, beautiful ocean, tropical drinks and Captain Jack Sparrow.  Yes, that's right!  One of the most amazing beaches in the world with Disney characters out to play!  BBQ lunch is included, trams to all areas of the island, bike rental, innertube rental, waterslides IN the ocean, and so much more.  My description doesn't do this magical place justice.  This stop will be a highlight of your trip.  Like a little exercise?  Castaway Cay offers a 5K for those who wish to participate! 

9. Put Our Service to the Test! - If you've visited any of the Disney Parks, you know about the world class service offered to all guests.  Now imagine that level of service turned up a notch!  From your room steward to your service team, Disney Cruise Line Crew Members take their role in your vacation very seriously!  You'll want to take them home with you!  Your dining team may do magic tricks to entertain your kids.  Your room steward may leave towel animals for your delight!  Princess Tiana may remember YOUR princesses name!  Disney service is unmatched and THIS is what makes DCL stand out above the rest.

10. Book with an Expert! - Just like with land based trips, my goal is to make sure that you never return home and say "I wish I would have known..."  With extensive cruising experience on all DCL ships, I'll make sure you have all of the tips and tricks that you need to feel like a pro and make sure that you can take advantage of all of the *extras* that Disney Cruise Line has to offer your family.  From choosing the right itinerary and ship, to finalizing details on pre and post stays and transportation, my advice will make your Disney Cruise even more fun!  As always, my services are 100% free and 100% magical!  I also offer all cruisers booked with me exlusive On Board Credit.  You MAKE money just for booking with me! 

More 2020 dates open very soon - contact me today to get pricing and look at availability for your next vacation! 

Katie Dixon - Katie@HiHoVacations.com

Sleeping Beauty Castle - Old Vs New!

Guests who visited Disneyland in early 2019 may have been disappointed to see construction walls up around the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle while it was updated.  Finally, the new castle has been revealed and it is brighter (and bigger?) than ever! 

Modeled after Neuschwanstein in Germany, the original Sleeping Beauty castle (once called Snow White's Castle) was the only Disney castle that was overseen by Walt Disney himself.  It opened in 1955 and used forced perspective to look taller than it's 77 ft height.

In 1965, the Disney Family Coat of Arms was added to Sleeping Beauty Castle.  Guests can enter the building and view dioramas that tell the story of Sleeping Beauty. 

Earlier this month, Sleeping Beauty Castle has reopened and is more beautiful than ever!  More vibrant colors, pixie dust, and traditional painting techniques called atmospheric perspective were added to continue and enhance the height have been added with the new renovation.  Efforts were made to keep the style and essence of the original designer, Herb Ryland.

Visitors will notice that the lower sections of the castle are warmer pink and the hue lightens as blue is added to the top.  A new roof was added, including some pixie dust!  New paint, lighting, banners, and landscaping rounded out the refurbishment. 

What do you think?  Do you prefer the new classic version or the updated Sleeping Beauty Castle?




Contact me today to see this beautiful castle in person!  I can also assist with expert planning services for all Disney Destinations.  Katie@HiHoVacations.com   As always, 100% Free, 100% Magical.

Glow Brighter at Typhoon Lagoon's H2O Glow Nights!

Glow nights are back at Typhoon Lagoon this summer and they're hotter than ever!  Low crowds, character meet and greets, exclusive food and drinks, and a glowing ambiance make H2O Glow Nights an experience not to be missed.

Guests may arrive as early as 6 pm, but the party starts at 8 pm with splashing attractions, the wave pool, a DJ, and so much more!  Check out the games in the sand for the kids featuring glow in the dark hula hoops.  Adults can have a mini getaway in the adults only areas with 'Glowtinis' and other beverages specially prepared just for them.

Partysaurus Rex is hosting this party again this year, so keep and eye out for his friends!  Woody, Jessie, and Buzz Lightyear will be on hand for meet and greets, and rumor has it that Forky, the newest character to the Toy Story Family, may be avaliable to meet at this event as well!

Come hungry!  Exclusive food offerings make this party a culinary delight, and specialty merchandise for Disney fans will be on hand for this event only.

Discounted Advance Pricing is available - $59 for adults, $54 for children 3-9.  Day of pricing is $69 for adults and $64 for children 3-9.

Typhoon Lagoon H2O Glow Nights are offered Thursdays and Saturdays from May 30 - August 24 (except June 20).  Separate tickets are NOT required for this event!

Contact me today for tickets to this event and expert planning services for your entire Disney experience!  Katie@HiHoVacations.com  100% Free, 100% Magical!

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge 

Opening Info and Early Strategy Thoughts

Disney has announced that Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will open on May 31 in Disneyland Park and on August 29 in Disney's Hollywood Studios Park at Disney World.  Due to limited capacity of the parks (and specific lands), strategy will be essential for maximizing your experience whether you're trying to experience Galaxy's Edge or avoid it. 

Uring this first phase, only Star Wars: Smuggler's Run along with some dining options including the Cantina will open.  The second attraction, Rise of the Resistance, will open later this year. The height requirement for Smuggler's Run, the Millenimum Falcon flying experience, will be 38".  

We know the Fastpasses (Walt Disney World) and MaxPass (Disneyland) will NOT be available early on once Galaxy's Edge opens to get guests through the attractions with as short of a wait as possible.  Disneyland ONLY will have reservations to get into Galaxy's Edge available for ON-SITE guests.  Off site guests can make complimentary reservations based on availability as we get closer to the opening. 

Now Tips! 

1. Arrive early.  I can't stress this enough.  The parks WILL close if they reach capacity.  Staying on site will increase your ability to enter the park if capacity closures do go into affect.  Park hours will be posted likely at 8 am, but often park will open 30 - 60 minutes before posted time.  This is the sweet spot.  Many guests will not get up as early as planned, or will not prepare to be THAT early. 

2. Consider alternate transportation.  Buses and ferries (and even Minnie Vans) at Disney World will be packed - consider using Uber or Lyft to get a jump on the crowd.  If you don't yet have the app downloaded, use my code for a free ride credit.  Lyft tends to be a bit cheaper in Orlando. https://www.lyft.com/iei/KATIE316882

3. Plan ahead.  

Florida - Hollywood Studios will ultimately have TWO entrances to Galaxy's Edge - one through Toy Story Land and one near MuppetVision 3D.  Due to crowds and path, I'd suggest using the MuppetVision 3D entrance, but it is likely that cast members will "walk" guests back to Galaxy's Edge to avoid running and pushing.  Early on, both entrances may not be accessible as the land will open in phases. 

California - Disneyland will likely have THREE entrances to Galaxy's Edge - one around Critter Country, one through Toontown, and one through Frontierland.  The most direct route is through Frontierland which will likely make it the busiest...  Critter Country may be the least used, but cast members will likely "walk" guests back to Galaxy's Edge to avoid running and pushing.  Early on, entrances may be limited as it will open in phases.  

4. Ride first.  This seems counter intuitive because it's what everyone will do, but the line, at least in the first few months, will not decrease at all through the day.  The earlier you're in line, the shorter your wait.  Disney Cast Members will cap the line, but it still will be a multi hour wait. 

5. Pack for the wait.  Snacks, drinks, entertainment will be helpful.  But be careful - Disney queues stack people deep - and restrooms will be limited.  Guests will also not be eager to let you sneak back into your spot in line.  

6. If you choose to eat at one of the new Star Wars themed dining offerings, use the mobile ordering from the app!  This will cut down your wait time in line. Also consider moving away from the quick service location to eat - find a curb or a shady spot.  Trying to find a table may be very difficult.  

Bonus tip: If you can pack light and not take ANY bags into the park, I'd recommend it.  This allows you to bypass the bag check line, potentially saving a significant amount of time.  Note: this may change as security and park entrances change - all guests may have to enter through the same queue.  

Bonus tip 2: If you're a group that can ride single rider, pay attention!  It is reported that single rider lines were built into each queue, but we won't know for a bit yet if Disney intends to USE these options or not. 

or AVOID Galaxy's Edge Crowds! 

1. We have to assume that people who are most interested in Galaxy's Edge early on are generally thrill seekers and enjoy bigger rides.  If you're NOT interested in Galaxy's Edge, head to Star Tours, Rock 'n Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, or Slinky Dog Dash first.  

2. Fastpass/Maxpass strategically.  We don't know yet how the tiers will change once the Star Wars attractions are added, but currently, I'd suggest a fast pass for Slinky Dog mid day.  Head straight to Rock 'n Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror (away from the direction of the crowds), then hit Star Wars, and head to Toy Story Land.  Doing this, your longest wait may be Toy Story Mania...  

For Disneyland guests, Indiana Jones, Star Tours, The Matterhorn, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad  may be good choices for your MaxPass.  

3. The park will become busier through the day as people who have ridden the Star Wars attractions move into the rest of the park.  Once the second Star Wars attractions open, the amount of time will extend before crowds enter the remainder of the park. 

Let's hope that the focus on the Star Wars sections keeps the crowds low for a part of the day for those not interested!

As always, this is just speculation at this point - no one can truly predict how the crowds will affect the parks until they've opened, but hopefully these tips are helpful in your planning. I'd love to give you even more useful tips and tricks for your trip - my services are 100% FREE and 100% MAGICAL!  Send me an email today and we will plan your Disney Adventure!  

Katie@HiHoVacations.com

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