Hello and welcome to Disney Tourist Blog! We’re Sarah & Tom Bricker, and we founded this website over a decade ago as a place to assemble our reviews, recommendations, tips & tricks, and guide for doing Walt Disney World and Disneyland like pros. We strive to provide informative and unbiased advice to fans and first-timers alike planning trips to the Disney Parks around the globe.
Since being founded in 2011, Disney Tourist Blog has helped hundreds of millions of readers save money, time, and reduce stress in preparing for truly magical vacations. Our site and expertise have been featured by several prominent publications, including the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, CNN, Forbes, NBC News, The Hill, Travel & Leisure, Business Insider, USA Today, and more. Our charitable efforts have also been highlighted on several television news outlets, including the Today Show and local broadcasts in Central Florida and Southern California.
We created Disney Tourist Blog after graduating from college and law school initially as a place to share daily photos and trip reports from our visits to the parks. We resided in the Midwest at the time, and this blog was a good outlet in between trips. In the years since, DTB has grown beyond our wildest expectations.
We’ve relocated on multiple occasions to be closer to the parks to gain a fresh perspective as locals. We’ve lived less than 30 minutes from Disneyland (twice!) and under 10 minutes from Walt Disney World (we could see the Magic Kingdom fireworks from our bedroom window) for over 4 years. We’ve made these moves in order to intimately understand the ins and outs of Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
While the primary perspective of this blog remains one of tourists–to help you plan memorable vacations–living near the parks offered invaluable experience as locals. We’re current Annual Passholders on both coasts, as well as Universal’s parks in Orlando and Hollywood. We’re past Annual Passholders at Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Universal Studios Japan.
To that end, we continue to visit Disneyland on a weekly basis and make monthly research trips to Walt Disney World. During those visits, we field test new strategies, put our plans through the paces, conduct hotel stays and restaurant reviews, and more to ensure that our guidance is up-to-date and accurate. On-the-ground field testing to produce planning guides is critically important to us; that along with Disney news & rumors and analysis thereof have become DTB’s primary focus.
You can subscribe to our highly popular and totally-free Disney email newsletter here for regular news, planning posts, and other updates.
Disney Tourist Blog remains owned and operated solely by Sarah & Tom Bricker. While our family has grown in recent years to include our daughter, Megatron (real name not used here for privacy), the team behind the website has not. It’s just us. You will never find a guest post on DTB, because we strive for this blog to have a singular voice and consistent, high-quality research and planning recommendations.
We take seriously being objective and critical, but we still enjoy the parks a lot. If we didn’t, we wouldn’t visit the Disney parks so regularly or have a blog devoted to the subject. Our goal is to present a frank and candid assessment of all things Disney. You will seldom meaningless fluff words like “magical” here, and this blog most certainly is not “sprinkled with pixie dust.” This is written by real people trying to offer unbiased advice based on actual experiences visiting the Disney theme parks.
In addition to Disney Tourist Blog, we also own and operate a sister site, TravelCaffeine.com, that revolves around our non-Disney trips. That mostly focuses on California, U.S. National Parks, Japan, and a handful of international cities (mostly ones with a Disney presence, conveniently enough). In addition to bouncing between residing in Florida and California, we also took two “gap years” (or whatever you call it when you’re already established adults), put our stuff into storage, and spent extensive time living as digital nomads in Tokyo, Kyoto, Paris, etc.
Love this blog! It’s a little different than anything else out there. It’s definitely my new favorite Disney site, and the photography is wonderful! Thanks for sharing your Disney experiences with us.
Thanks for the kind words…although I’m not sure whether the words “a little different” are actually kind! 😉
Hello to all, it’s really a good for me to go to see this web page, it consists of
useful Information.
Hello, I have a very specific situation. I have 5 year old son and a 1 year old daughter. My parents are taking me, hubby and kids to Disney during Christmas. My son is autistic (he is higher functioning), but still {both kids} are DEFINITELY a handful. My son will be difficult to manage. My parents are INSISTING we go during Christmas, and they want me to make the hotel arrangements, etc.
My parents are elderly and recently got into a (almost fatal) roll-over car accident, so I do understand their perspective(s) on the importance of doing this for us at Christmas. Because of these unique circumstances that I have to consider, I would prefer to have my parents in the same suite/room(s) with us. What resort hotel would you recommend? I was thinking of one the Family Suites at the Art of Animation. I am looking for ‘spacious’ and things to do within the hotel as I know I will need some personal/”private” time to rest and “regroup”.
Also, what 2 parks would you recommend?
Regarding the fireworks, the sounds will be a bit too much for him. He can handle them (and love them!!!) provided we are not DIRECTLY under the fireworks display. Any suggestions as to where we could go to see them? I would prefer being outside to see the fireworks. (I do plan on bringing noise cancellation earphones for my little boy.) I am an avid scrapbooker and photography enthusiast, so I would love the photo op moments!
I am leaning towards Magic Kingdom and Epcot as I do think my son can handle Epcot and/or will be “interested”/engaged.
Lastly, are there any special services to assist me with the lines? Someone suggested getting a Fast Pass. I am a Florida resident as well. Thank you in advance.
Thanks Tom and Sarah! I love that you are not too serious. I read a lot of sites and people can get “heavy” about topics and take the fun out of Disney! I “get” your wry sense of humor, maybe cause it’s a lot like my family’s weird sense of humor:) I have enjoyed reading the blogs a lot and love hearing from a young couples point of view. I’m gramma-age, but love everything Disney too. We get down there once a year and wish we could visit more often! keep up the great work and include us “seniors” in your viewpoints from time to time!
Tom
I really enjoy your site. I just got back from an 8 night stay at the grand. First time with a real camera, although an entry level d3100. Was wondering if it would be worth it upgrading to the d5200. My “best” lens is a 50mm 1.8 but it was pretty tight on dark rides and I couldn’t figure out the right shutter speed. Any advise would be appreciated.
Thanks
Matt
Thank you so much for all of your information. It’s just what we were looking for. How to do Disney, adult only style 🙂
First, thank you so, so much for putting so much time and effort into this website. It has been an invaluable resource is helping to plan our upcoming disney vacation.
Second, of course, a question. I was hoping you could recommend one viewing spot where we could see Main Street electrical parade, celebrate the magic, and wishes without moving around. We have 2 small children and moving them between those things would probably just be too much. I am sure you get tons of questions so thank you so much for your time.
I’d stand at the end of Main Street, right near Casey’s Corner on the curb for all 3.
I LOVE your blog!
We seem to have had similar childhoods and classic Disney memories. I have been going yearly to WDW since I was born in the late 1970s (my parents started goin to WDW when it opened in 1971). I vividly remember being at EPCOT for opening and have some commemorative items I’m sure are worth some cash (but the sentimental value is worth more).
When I married we honeymooned at WDW Contemporary Resort, unfortunately we stayed in the wing that is no more and now Bay Lake Tower. My husband had never been to WDW and needless to say he was hooked.
We became DVC members in 2007. We have been to Disneyland Paris and Disneyland. Looking forward to visiting the rest!
We are hardcore WDW fans. Disneyland was nice but not “home” for us. I absolutely love your blog for your take on the things we love. When you get nostalgic for classic WDW days (as your blog today about the Norway ride being transformed into a Frozen attraction) I feel your pain and envision my childhood and pre-Eisner days. I watched it change as I grew up and miss the old days.
You have excellent suggestions and even though I consider myself very knowledgeable I learn a few things and love your take on virtually everything!! I look forward to your articles. I wish you owned a business and were hiring Disney experts!! This would be my dream job!
I hope one day to run into you and your lovely wife in WDW!
Hi Tim,
What a great Blog.
After reading your post on Tokyo Disney Resort Planning Guide and those great photos that you had taken really inspire me. Just wonder how possible to arrange access to the park before opening hours?
I have enjoyed the information from your website as I plan my trip. I was wondering if you could offer any guidance. I purchased my park tickets through undercover tourist. I was unaware that I had to buy tickets through tDisney in order to purchase a dining plan. Is there any way that you know of that Disney will work with me? I booked all dining reservations and we are staying at The Floridian. Thank you for any assistance you can provide.
Hi guys! Just found your website about a week ago and I’m really enjoying it! Thanks for all the reliable information and for staying positive about Disney in general.
I do have a very random question. I’m a huge Disneyland fan and have visited many times over the years, usually two or three times each year. On these trips I’ve been able to meet Mary Poppins and Burt a few times. They always seem to be walking. On a couple occasions I’ve seen them sign autographs while walking, barely pausing mid-step for a photo. Maybe you know, is this because (as a nanny) Mary Poppins’ character is too busy to stop, or because of something boring like scheduling? If you have any tips for characters in the parks in general I’d love to hear them!
Loved your article about myths especially, and also the info on DisneySea as I’ll probably never have the chance to visit but love to hear about it. Thanks!
Hi there,
I’ve noticed a recent enormous spike in traffic to my family blog. Most days I average 10 visitors, the past few days I’ve had around 500. I’m not complaining. It seems I can attribute this to your blog, but I can’t figure out which article is linking to our site. The entry portal seems to be our 2013 trip to Kyoto: http://pillspress.blogspot.com/2013/06/kyoto-japan.html
Can you share with me where you are using it? I’ll link back to you. Maybe a few of my 10 loyal readers will check you out, too.
I’m hoping for a trip to Disneyland Paris in the next few years. I’ll be checking our site for tips. Wish I knew about it before we went to Tokyo Disney. We had a great time, but it would have been better following your tps.
I love your posts as I love all things Disney. Most of my family and friends just doesn’t get it (they’re obviously a strange, deranged bunch). Reading your posts and everyone’s comments makes my Disney obsession seem much more normal and I realize I am not alone in my love of all things Disney. My first trip to any place Disney was to WDW for my honeymoon in 1992. I was 21 years old and fell in love with Disney. Unfortunately the marriage didn’t work out, but I still have WDW and have passed the love of it on to my daughter. Thankfully she appreciates the obsession!
Hello! I believe my husband and I have found our disney vacations role model couple…that’s a tongue twister and not sure if it makes scenes. We (like you) are huge Disney fans, long story shot we became bf/gf, fiancé’s, and soon to be *Mr. & Mrs. At Disneyland ( *We actually eloped but are having our wedding there in 2015) for our Elopemoon? We’re going to Walt Disney World + Disney Cruise for the first time and I been taking notes from your trip reports. For our actual wedding honeymoon we plan on doing a “Asia Disney Tour” visiting Hong Kong/ Shanghai/ Tokyo Disneyland early 2016. I enjoy your posts and the fun adventures you and your wife go on, it’s truly inspiring. Thanks DVRMC
Hello Tom!
Thank you guys for putting up this blog. It was really helpful in planning our family vacation for me, my sister (12) and parents. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at WDW. The reviews on this site were spot on!
Please keep this updated!
Thanks
I found your blog a few weeks ago and have been enjoying it every day since! We’re traveling cross-country in July for our first visit to Disneyland and we can’t wait. We’ve been to WDW at least 10 times and love it there but we’re excited to see Disneyland and what it all has to offer. Thanks for sharing your experiences, suggestions, comments, etc.
Thanks for reading, have a great trip to Disneyland!
hello tom and sarah! as a disney crazy fan i just want to say that I absolutely love your blog,(since a year ago) I have to go on it, maybe twice a day in case I missed something the first time..i know.. stalker would be the proper english word!..( i’m from mexico, “Yorch” is how “George” sounds in spanish,my name is Jorge).. I was once a cast member and I agree 99% of the time about what you’re saying.. and for the things i haven’t experience yet, I can tell you that i trust you 99% of the time , 99% of your reviews.. the other 1% I leave it to my imagination… my fiancee is a disney fan too .. i have to make her that way 🙂 …well my dear friend.. thanks for making people forget about the sadness , hunger, war and lack of love that is happening nowadays in our crazy planet.. and also for making me dream about our next visits to this magical place…
You agree with us 99% of the time??? We don’t even agree with each other that much! 😉 Seriously though, thank you got the very kind words. Glad you’re enjoying the blog!
Tom, you are a cutie, I love this site and thank you both for the great info. Planning a vacation is sooo fun!
GREAT website Tom & Sarah!!! I am a Florida Resident and I WISH I could go to WDW as much as the two of you do. I try to go at least once or twice every year. This year, we have a week long trip planned in June. Trying out POFQ for the 1st time (have stayed at POP, POR, CBR & ASMu in the past) and I am beyond excited! I have already booked a 2nd trip for the year this Labor Day weekend to hit up BOTH water parks. We are staying at AoA for the 1st time as well, VERY happy to check it out FINALLY. I love reading all the reviews, suggestions and comments from you and your readers. Keep up the good work and let me know if you ever need me to make a quick trip down to the “World” during a special event for some insight, lol!!!!!!!
I am traveling to Disney at the end of February (one month from today) with my two grandson’s 6 and 3. I am getting overwhelmed with all there is to see and do and don’t want to miss a thing, I know that is a little (a lot) unrealistic. We just want to get the best experience. Also, what are the best times and places to see parades? Thank you for your thoughts. Chloe
If you were to buy on the secondary market, what would be you top three locations?