Happy Canada Day! If you are a Canadian heading out on your first (or 4th, 10th, etc.) vacation to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, here are some tips and tricks for you!
Have you been counting down your vacation with other travelers on social media and seeing them all receive (and decorate) their Magic Bands and wondering when you will receive yours? Sorry, the Walt Disney Travel Company will not ship Magic Bands to your home if you do not live in the United States, even if you happen to be flying out of the U.S. When/if you decide to take Disney’s Magical Express (see below), you will show up to the desk, and watch all the American Guests scan their Magic Bands to board the coach. You, my fellow Canadian, will be giving your voucher found at the back of the booklet that was sent to you. You will receive your Magic Bands once at your resort.
Duty Free
Many people enjoy grabbing some Duty Free bottles of wine or liquor for their vacation. However please remember that if your flight has a layover this will be an issue as you are not allowed to have liquids in your carry-on and you will have to pick-up your duty-free if it is your first entry into a country. A few people have tried this and had no issues, and others had their wine taken away. Be sure to ask at the duty-free counter if you have a layover. No layover – no problem!
A question frequently asked is, “Can I use the Magical Express luggage service if I am flying from another country?” If you are flying from Canada – YES, you can! You will receive the yellow luggage tags in the mail about a month or so before your trip. Once you arrive in Orlando, there is no need to gather your luggage. Just place the yellow tags on your bags before flying and your luggage will “magically” arrive in your room up to 3 hours after you arrive – same as our American friends!

Disney’s Magical Express luggage tags have a code (DD=Downtown Disney) so they get to the right resort!
DIStracted Tip: If you are near a U.S. airport, it is worth checking the price difference for your flight. The price from Syracuse to Orlando is often cheaper than Ottawa to Orlando and there are more direct flights!
Smart Phones/Wifi
Remember many moons ago when Walt Disney World Resort only had a hard-wired internet connection and you had to (gasp) pay for it?! Now it is easier than ever to stay in touch with family and friends in Canada (or anywhere else, really) as there is free wifi throughout the resorts and parks! No more crazy roaming or data charges to upload that important Dole Whip pic! I especially like the convenience of being able to use Skype, Facetime, or any other app to call home. No long distance charges = money for another Dole Whip!
Canadian Pavilion
For many Guests, the Canadian Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase is their favourite (yes – I am writing “favourite” and not “favorite” as this is a post for Canadians!). You can’t blame them; the lush gardens and beautiful landscapes remind us Canadians why we love our country so much! Be sure to sign the Canadian Guest Book at the pavilion, watch the O’Canada movie, see Canadian beer labeled as “imported” and check out the new Lumberjack show!
Special Offers
Sometimes Walt Disney World Resort has special offers JUST for being Canadian! Also, sometimes the regular special offer is extended or starts earlier for Canadians. For example, last year the free dining offer started about 1 week sooner for Canadians than it did for other Guests! Make sure to keep a look-out for these special offers!
Enjoy your next visit to “the most magical place on Earth,” but first, take time to celebrate our great nation. Happy Canada Day!
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