Category Events

May 16 2018

Star Wars: Galactic Nights Returns To Disney’s Hollywood Studios May 27

If you are a Star Wars fan, you are probably already thrilled by the upcoming addition to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the currently under construction Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, slated to open in 2019. But to get your Star Wars fix in the meantime while you are awaiting opening day, Disney is hosting an out-of-this-world event on May 27, 2018…Star Wars: Galactic Nights. Here’s everything you need to know, courtesy of Disney:

Tickets are now on sale for the May 27 return of Star Wars: Galactic Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The one-night event celebrates the entire Star Wars saga with exclusive, out-of-this-world entertainment, encounters with Star Wars characters, a panel discussion with creators of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – a new land coming to the theme park in 2019, special photo opportunities, event-exclusive merchandise, specialty food & beverage and much more.

“Star Wars: Galactic Nights is an incredibly special event, and this is only the third time it’s been offered,” said Phil Holmes, vice president of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. “Combine all of the one-night-only experiences with the limited number of tickets available, and it’s easy to see why this night is wildly popular with casual Star Wars fans, super fans and Jedi Masters alike.”

Other treats in store for guests at this exclusive after-hours event include:

  • Stunning Projections transform The Hollywood Tower Hotel. Jaw-dropping projection technology will bathe the theme-park icon with stunning images of locations from across the Star Wars Favorite film moments, special effects, lighting and, of course, the stellar Star Warscinematic score support each celestial scene all night long. These projections will be exclusive to Star Wars: Galactic Nights.
  • New enhancements to Star Wars. The popular Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks and the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show will glow with new show elements that debut at the May 27 event.
  • Select theme park attractions will be open for event guests to enjoy including Star Tours – The Adventure Continues, Star Wars Launch Bay, Star Wars: Path of the Jedi, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Toy Story Mania!, Muppet*Vision 3D, and Walt Disney Presents. There may even be a special Star Wars surprise on an attraction or two.

Park access and activities will be exclusive to Star Wars: Galactic Nights ticket holders. Event hours on May 27 will be 7pm to midnight.

Tickets are available at all Walt Disney World ticket locations and are priced at $129 for adults and $124 for children ages 3-9 (discounts available for annual passholders and DVC members). Call 407-WDISNEY (407-934-7639) for event details and to make reservations. Tickets can also be purchased online by clicking here.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Are you a Star Wars fan? Will you be attending
Star Wars: Galactic Nights? Please leave a comment!

May 15 2018

Celebrating Fourth Of July 2018 In Walt Disney World

Will you be visiting Walt Disney World for the Fourth of July this year? If so, you are in luck! As usual, there are lots of exciting and entertaining options available to make your holiday a magical one. Here’s the current lineup:

Magic Kingdom

Park Hours: 8:00am to 12:00am
(no Extra Magic Hours)

Be sure to see Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky at 9:15pm in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom. Before the fireworks, head on over to Liberty Square for some more patriotic fun at Hall of Presidents or watch The Muppets Present…Great Moments in American History throughout the day.

American AdventureEpcot

Park Hours: 9:00am to 9:00pm
(no Extra Magic Hours)

Check out IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at 9:00pm around World Showcase Lagoon in Epcot. This regular nighttime spectacular adds a patriotic twist to the show, with a special laser light finale celebrating America. All afternoon and evening, guests can also enjoy the Voices of Liberty a cappella group performing traditional Americana tunes as well as take a journey through history during The American Adventure both offered at The American Adventure Pavilion in World Showcase.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Park Hours: 8:00am to 10:30pm
(7:00am to 8:00am Extra Magic Hours)

If it’s fireworks you need for your holiday, make your way to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at 10:00pm to catch the one-of-a-kind Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Park Hours: 9:00am to 10:30pm
(8:00am to 9:00am Extra Magic Hours)

If you’re looking for a more calm and serene way to wrap up the Fourth of July, Rivers of Light, showing at 9:15pm and 10:15pm at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, celebrates a connection with nature through light, water and fire.

Independence DayThroughout Walt Disney World

At each resort hotel across Walt Disney World look for BBQ cookouts, movies under the stars, campfires with s’mores, and more to commemorate the holiday. Be sure to check in with Guest Services at your hotel upon arrival for details on how your location will be celebrating!

And of course, it wouldn’t be Walt Disney World without tasty treats, right? Look for some delicious baked goods and confections decorated for the Fourth of July in all the parks.

There’s no better place to celebrate the red, white and blue this Fourth of July than Walt Disney World Resort!

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Have you celebrated 4th of July in Walt Disney World?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Why not celebrate the holiday in style? Check out these cute shirts; I love mine!
Please CLICK HERE to purchase now!

Spaceship Earth at Night
May 14 2018

Helpful Information For Your June 2018 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in June?
June is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World!

Weather

The weather in Disney World during June is hot and rainy. The average high is about 91 degrees, the average low is about 71 degrees, and the average rainfall is about 8.32 inches. You can expect some rain every afternoon or evening, so be sure to bring your poncho!

Crowds

You can anticipate the crowd levels throughout the month of June to be moderate to high as many families enjoy a summer vacation to the most magical place on earth. Unlike Spring Break or Christmas, summer travelers are spread out over a three month time frame making this a much more manageable time of year to visit.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowJune 1 – June 2
Average Crowd Level 8.0 out of 10
June 3 – June 9
Average Crowd Level 8.0 out of 10
June 10 – June 16
Average Crowd Level 6.4 out of 10
June 17 – June 23
Average Crowd Level 6.0 out of 10
June 24 – June 30
Average Crowd Level 6.1 out of 10

Magic Kingdom ClockPark Hours

Magic Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 10pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Epcot
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Hollywood Studios
Open most days from 9am – 9:30pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

For specific hours on each day during June, please click this link. Remember that park hours are subject to change and are often adjusted two weeks prior.

Events

On Thursday and Saturday evenings beginning June 21, Disney will be throwing a glowing pool party at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. For more information or to purchase tickets, please click here.

On June 30, get ready for the long awaited opening of Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. For more information about this new area of the park, please click here.

Refurbishments

Periodically throughout the year, Disney closes attractions for refurbishments and enhancements. Here are the currently scheduled closures during June (subject to change without notice):

Magic Kingdom
Liberty Square Riverboat: January 8, 2018 – July 19, 2018
Tron Themed Attraction: Opening in 2021

Cinderella CastleEpcot
Guardians of the Galaxy Themed Attraction: Opening in 2021
Kringla Bakeri og Kafe: February 4, 2018 – Summer 2018
Ratatouille Attraction: Opening in 2021
Space Themed Table Service Restaurant: TBD

Hollywood Studios
Alien Swirling Saucers: Opening June 30, 2018
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway: Opening in 2019
Slinky Dog Dash: Opening June 30, 2018
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Opening in 2019
Toy Story Mania: June 11, 2018 – June 18, 2018

Animal Kingdom
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Water Parks
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Disney Springs
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Planning Tips

If you are traveling to Disney World in June 2018, your planning is probably well under way at this point. Here’s a checklist to make sure you are on track:

  • Make sure you have created your My Disney Experience account. If you haven’t, click here to sign up now.
  • If you haven’t already made your dining reservations, be sure to make them now by clicking here.
  • If you are staying on site, be sure to customize your MagicBand on your My Disney Experience account by picking the color and adding your name. And if you really want to make your MagicBand special, personalize it with your own custom designed MagicBand Skin from Magic YOUR Band. Click here to get started!
  • Now is a great time to research what attractions you and your family would like to see at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Because Walt Disney World is so large, it is very difficult to see everything during one trip, so be sure to get everyone’s top priorities. This is also a great time to begin looking at menus for counter service restaurants so that you have an idea of which locations serve foods that your entire family will enjoy.
  • Whether you are staying on site or off-property, be sure to purchase your admission tickets and link them to your My Disney Experience account.
  • 501 WaysOnce your tickets are linked and at exactly 60 days in advance of your check in date (7:00am EST time) if you are staying on site or 30 days in advance for all other guests, login to your My Disney Experience account and book your Fastpass+ reservations.
  • If you are staying on site, be sure to check in online at 60 days out from your arrival date.
  • Double check your flight times and if you will be using Disney’s Magical Express for your airport transportation make your reservation at least 60 days in advance by clicking here.
  • It’s never too early to start creating a packing list so that you don’t forget anything.
  • Need more help planning? Please check out my new book 501 Ways to Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Vacation, for hundreds of insider tips and secrets for having the most magical Disney World vacation possible!

Special Offers

If you haven’t already made your June 2018 reservations, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save money:

Join The Fun

Next Disney VacationDisney Vacation Planner Jennifer Hardy and I have teamed up to create a Facebook Group called Next Disney Vacation! It is the perfect place to talk about your next Disney vacation, ask your questions, get them answered, and share the magic. Everyday you’ll find posts, photos, trivia, tips, and more that we find all throughout the Disney Universe. If you’re counting the days until your next Disney vacation or just dreaming of one, we would love to have you join in the fun! Please click here to be a part of our group!

Have a magical vacation!

May 7 2018

Helpful Information For Your May 2018 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in May 2018?
May is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World!

Weather

The weather in Disney World during May is beautiful. The average high is about 89 degrees, the average low is about 65 degrees and the average rainfall is only about 3.1 inches. By traveling in May, you are getting your vacation in just before the rainy season begins. But don’t forget to pack your poncho just in case!

Crowds

May begins with moderate crowd levels. You can anticipate crowds to pick up Memorial Day weekend and beyond. Crowds will feel heavier in Magic Kingdom and Epcot throughout the month as many travelers skip Hollywood Studios completely due to construction and only spend limited time in Animal Kingdom. Epcot will also see slightly higher crowd levels over the weekends as many locals enjoy visiting the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowMay 1 – May 5
Average Crowd Level 5.6 out of 10
May 6 – May 12
Average Crowd Level 5.9 out of 10
May 13 – May 19
Average Crowd Level 6.1 out of 10
May 20 – May 26
Average Crowd Level 6.6 out of 10
May 27 – May 31
Average Crowd Level 8.4 out of 10

Magic Kingdom ClockPark Hours

Magic Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 10pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Epcot
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Hollywood Studios
Open most days from 9am – 9:30pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 10pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

For specific hours on each day during May, please click this link. Remember that park hours are subject to change and are often adjusted two weeks prior.

Events

Epcot International Flower And Garden FestivalA wonderful part about visiting Disney World in May is the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. In 2018, the event runs from February 28 through May 28 and features over 100 topiaries, interesting gardening demonstrations, beautiful flowers, weekend music concerts and several outdoor kitchens serving delicious foods and beverages. For more information about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, please click here.

Refurbishments

Periodically throughout the year, Disney closes attractions for refurbishments and enhancements. Here are the currently scheduled closures during May (subject to change without notice):

Magic Kingdom
Incredible Tomorrowland Expo: May 1, 2017 – May 24, 2018
Liberty Square Riverboat: January 8, 2018 – July 19, 2018
Tron Themed Attraction: Opening in 2021

Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalEpcot
Guardians of the Galaxy Themed Attraction: Opening in 2021
Kringla Bakeri og Kafe: February 4, 2018 – Summer 2018
Ratatouille Attraction: Opening in 2021
Space Themed Table Service Restaurant: TBD

Hollywood Studios
Alien Swirling Saucers: Opening June 30, 2018
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway: Opening in 2019
Slinky Dog Dash: Opening June 30, 2018
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Opening in 2019

Animal Kingdom
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Water Parks
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Disney Springs
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Planning Tips

If you are traveling to Walt Disney World in May 2018, your planning is probably well under way at this point. Here’s a checklist to make sure you are on track:

  • Make sure you have created your My Disney Experience account. If you haven’t, click here to sign up now.
  • If you haven’t already made your dining reservations, be sure to make them now by clicking here.
  • If you are staying on site, be sure to customize your MagicBand on your My Disney Experience account by picking the color and adding your name. And if you really want to make your MagicBand special, personalize it with your own custom designed MagicBand Skin from Magic YOUR Band. Click here to get started!
  • Now is a great time to research what attractions you and your family would like to see at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Because Walt Disney World is so large, it is very difficult to see everything during one trip, so be sure to get everyone’s top priorities. This is also a great time to begin looking at menus for counter service restaurants so that you have an idea of which locations serve foods that your entire family will enjoy.
  • Whether you are staying on site or off-property, be sure to purchase your admission tickets and link them to your My Disney Experience account.
  • 501 WaysOnce your tickets are linked and at exactly 60 days in advance of your check in date (7:00am EST time) if you are staying on site or 30 days in advance for all other guests, login to your My Disney Experience account and book your Fastpass+ reservations.
  • If you are staying on site, be sure to check in online at 60 days out from your arrival date.
  • Double check your flight times and if you will be using Disney’s Magical Express for your airport transportation make your reservation at least 60 days in advance by clicking here.
  • It’s never too early to start creating a packing list so that you don’t forget anything.
  • Need more help planning? Please check out my book updated for 2018 – 501 Ways to Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Vacation, for hundreds of insider tips and secrets for having the most magical Disney World vacation possible!

Special Offers

If you haven’t already made your May 2018 reservations, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save money:

Join The Fun

Next Disney VacationDisney Vacation Planner Jennifer Hardy and I have teamed up to create a Facebook Group called Next Disney Vacation! It is the perfect place to talk about your next Disney vacation, ask your questions, get them answered, and share the magic. Every day you’ll find posts, photos, trivia, tips, and more that we find all throughout the Disney Universe. If you’re counting the days until your next Disney vacation or just dreaming of one, we would love to have you join in the fun! Please click here to be a part of our group!

Have a magical vacation!

Nov 17 2017

Celebrate The Season At Epcot’s International Festival Of The Holidays

With Christmas just a little over five weeks away, the holiday season is in full swing at Walt Disney World. This weekend kicks off the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays with even more seasonal delights in store for us this year. Here’s everything you need to know courtesy of Disney!

Holidays Around the World is transforming into the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays from November 19 – December 30, surrounding guests once again in the wondrous sights, sounds and flavors of the season.

  • NEW! Holiday Kitchens – The number of holiday kitchens doubles in size this year to a total of 15, each bringing the flavors of the season to life. New this year, guests can indulge in cookies and desserts at the Cookie Nook located inside the Odyssey complex. Sweet treats include snowflake sugar cookies and a warm apple fritter with cinnamon ice cream and caramel sauce. Over at the Canada pavilion, dazzling delicacies like the Maple Buche de Noel (maple mousse rolled in gingerbread chiffon cake with cranberry sauce and pecan crumble) celebrate holiday traditions from the Great White North.
  • NEW! Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree – Chip and Dale are collecting ornaments for their Christmas tree. Guests can purchase a map and stickers from select merchandise locations and travel around World Showcase looking for the famous chipmunks with their ornaments. Guests can return their completed maps for a festive surprise, courtesy of Chip and Dale. Maps are available for $5.99 plus tax.
  • Candlelight ProcessionalNEW! Candlelight Processional Narrators – One of the most popular Epcot traditions returns with new celebrity narrators in 2017. Disney legend Kurt Russell is among the newcomers along with Pat Sajak, Matt Bomer and CCH Pounder who join the lineup of returning favorites like Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg and Jaci Velasquez. The Candlelight Processional is a retelling of the Christmas story as told by a celebrity narrator accompanied by 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir. The show takes place at the America Gardens Theatre each evening at 5:00pm, 6:45pm and 8:15pm November 24 – December 30. Candlelight dinner packages can be reserved by clicking here.
  • NEW! Holiday Entertainment – Enjoy the sights and sounds of the nations of World Showcase, as each country’s holiday heritage comes to life amid joyful music and time-honored traditions. Guests will discover an entertaining celebration of Hanukkah in a new location along World Showcase promenade, where a fun and interactive band interweaves the music of Hanukkah with jazz, Latin, rock and even hip-hop influences. Other returning holiday favorites include JOYFUL! A Gospel Celebration of the Season and Canadian Holiday Voyageurs.
  • Fireworks Finale – The nightly fireworks display, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, will feature a special holiday ending.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Will you be visiting Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!