Category Events

Dec 3 2016

2016 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Treats

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Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy and dozens of their other Disney pals help ring in the festive spirit of the holiday season during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom.

Frozen Holiday WishOn select nights from now through December 22, guests with tickets to this special, after-hours event can enjoy an evening filled with all the magic and wintry wonderment of the season, complete with complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, snow flurries falling on Main Street, U.S.A., a jolly parade, a breathtaking fireworks show and A Frozen Holiday Wish, where Queen Elsa from “Frozen” uses her powers to turn Cinderella Castle into a sparkling icy centerpiece.

New this year, Mickey and his pals invite some of their friends over for an unforgettable Christmas party filled with music, dancing, color and fun in a new castle stage show titled “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration.” This spectacular show includes medleys of delightful holiday songs both classic and contemporary, along with special effects and magical projections.

ChristmasTwice during party nights, guests can enjoy “Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade” and watch as more than 160 performers, 12 floats and catchy Christmas music fill the streets of Magic Kingdom. Festive floats, toy soldiers, gingerbread men, skiers and ice skaters bring the sights, sounds and even the smells of the holidays to life at 8:30pm and 10:30pm each night of the party.

Sweet aromas of peppermint and gingerbread leap out of the kitchen and onto Main Street, U.S.A. from Goofy’s Candy Company and the Bake Shoppe floats, while the scents of fresh-cut evergreens and pine trees wafts from the Christmas Tree and the Ski Shoppe float.

Guests can dance with polar bears and gingerbread men at Club Tinsel Character Dance Party held at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café.

Remaining 2016 party dates are:

  • December 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, and 22

For ticket prices or to purchase tickets for this special holiday party, please click here or call 407-WDW-7679. The celebration starts at 7pm, but party guests with tickets will be allowed admission into Magic Kingdom beginning at 4pm.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a party without some delicious Disney desserts. Here’s a peek at some of the tasty treats being served up exclusively at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year courtesy of Disney:

Holiday Tree Cupcake
spiced cake topped with sprinkles, buttercream icing and an edible star
at Gaston’s Tavern

Peppermint Cupcake and Holiday Wish Cupcake
chocolate cake and peppermint frosting or vanilla cake and buttercream
at Main Street Bakery 

Pumpkin Spice Waffle
topped with hand scooped ice cream and holiday sprinkles
at Sleepy Hollow

Holiday Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich
at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

And if these aren’t enough goodies for you, joining the hot chocolate and snickerdoodle cookies guests have enjoyed in years past, new complimentary treats are available this year at the following locations:

  • Hot Chocolate and Snickerdoodle cookie, Tortuga Tavern, Adventureland
  • Eggnog and Gingersnap Molasses Cookie, Heritage House in Liberty Square
  • Snow Cone and Snowman Sugar Cookie, Friar’s Nook in Fantasyland
  • Spiced Apple Cider and Snowman Sugar Cookie, Pete’s Silly Sideshow Storybook Circus in Fantasyland
  • Hot Chocolate and Peppermint Bark Cookie, The Lunching Pad in Tomorrowland

501 WaysHeading to Disney World for the holidays?

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 going to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
What treat are you most excited about? Please leave a comment!

Dec 1 2016

2017 Epcot International Flower And Garden Festival First Details

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

With snow flying outside and Christmas right around the corner, it is hard to believe that in just a few short months spring will be here and along with it the 2017 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. Recently Disney gave us a sneak peek into what we can look forward to next year. Here’s everything you need to know:

Celebrating 24 years when it kicks off March 1, 2017, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will jump-start spring with gardens of earthly delights plus new character topiaries, entertainers and food and drink offerings.

The festival, which expanded to 90 days in 2016, will open with an irresistible array of fresh surprises and new treats:

  • Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalFresh, farm-market food and beverage flavors will debut at two new Outdoor Kitchens that will join 13 returning Outdoor Kitchens. Guest can sip and savor their way around Epcot, enjoying chef-inspired noshes and refreshing libations with or without a kick.
  • The new generation of princess topiaries (Snow White, Anna and Elsa – the first to be designed and created with topiary facial features) will welcome a brand-new Belle topiary as fans remember her from the Oscar-winning Disney film, “Beauty and the Beast.” Located outside the France pavilion with the Beast topiary, Belle will come to life with sculpted facial features and her yellow ball gown created with golden blooming Joseph’s Coat plants.
  • Another festival first will be a 6-foot-tall topiary of Figment, the feisty dragon mascot of the park’s Imagination! pavilion, perched atop a 5-foot-diameter ball fashioned from yellow Joseph’s Coat.
  • The brand-new Epcot front-entrance topiary garden inspired by a vintage Walt Disney short film will spring to life with a floral-festooned maypole featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Daisy and Pluto.
  • The popular Garden Rocks concert series will expand to four days each week, with three concerts each Friday through Monday presenting pop musicians that span multiple genres over four decades.
  • New Garden Rocks Dining Packages will be available on select days at a number of Epcot restaurants.
  • Reimagined interactive play gardens will include a new take on the “Cars”-themed garden introducing a new character topiary from the June 2017 release of the Disney•Pixar sequel, “Cars 3.” Music Garden Melodies play area will return with new garden and topiary elements.
  • For the first time, the event’s Festival Center will extend operating hours from Wednesday, March 1 through Sunday, March 5. Throughout the rest of the festival, the center will be open each Friday through Sunday with an entertaining mix of gardening seminars and DIY workshops.

One of the popular Outdoor Kitchen gardens, Urban Farm Eats, will return with savory bites, sweet treats and ideas for planting produce that can inspire growing numbers of guests who want to learn to grow their own edibles.

“A lot of people, including young children, are serious foodies now, and they have lots of questions about gardening,” says Eric Darden, festival horticulture manager. “We’re getting more and more people in their 20s and 30s asking, ‘How can I grow this?’ I think we’ll be creating more gardeners because people can see what’s possible.”

The 2017 festival forecast will be sunny with colorful floral bursts by day and a nighttime landscape aglow with twinkling lights:

  • 2017-flower-garden-1Topiaries of Donald Duck and nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie will share Future World space in front of Spaceship Earth with Chip and Dale for a “Fresh Epcot” selfie and family photo opportunity.
  • Anna and Elsa topiaries will return to the Norway pavilion festival landscape in celebration of the park’s new Frozen Ever After. Nearly 100 festival topiaries in all will include up to 70 character creations such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Lady and the Tramp, Simba, Timon and Tinker Bell.
  • Guests will encounter garden surprises and special appearances related to Earth Day and other spring activities.
  • The Butterflies on the Go garden will return with the story of the Monarch’s epic journey across the continent and featuring butterflies emerging from their chrysalises.
  • On the way to the new Soarin’ Around the World film at the Soarin’attraction in The Land pavilion, guests can discover gardens featuring edible flowers, plants that benefit health and healing, and a pollinator paradise.

Dozens of Disney-crafted “flower towers” and beds of multi-colored blooms will transform the park’s landscape.  At least 70,000 bedding plants will surround the Future World east and west lakes alone; on the water, 220 mini-gardens will be set afloat.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World this Spring?

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 attending the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival?
What are you most excited about? Please leave a comment!

Disney World Valentine's Day
Nov 30 2016

Helpful Information For Your February 2017 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in February 2017?
February is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World!

Mickey Mouse Dressed For WinterWeather

The weather in Disney World during February can get chilly. The average high is about 73 degrees, the average low is about 50 degrees, and the average rainfall is about 2.71 inches. This is one the coldest months of the year, and it can sometimes drop into the 40’s. Be sure to pack accordingly!

Crowds

The crowds in February vary from low to high. President’s Day Weekend the crowds are high and during the rest of the month the crowds are low to moderate.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowFebruary 1 – February 4
Average Crowd Level  2 out of 10
February 5 – February 11
Average Crowd Level  1 out of 10
February 12 – February 18
Average Crowd Level  5 out of 10
February 19 – February 25
Average Crowd Level 10 out of 10
February 26 – February 28
Average Crowd Level 4 out of 10

Magic Kingdom ClockPark Hours

Magic Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 8pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Epcot
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Hollywood Studios
Open most days from 9am – 7pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 7pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

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

Events

spaceship-earth-at-nightDebuting in 2017 is the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. This event will run weekends until February 20, 2017 and will feature breathtaking works from Disney artists past and present, Broadway talent showcasing favorite Disney music, and Food Studios serving delicious culinary delights. For more information about the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, please click here.

Valentines DayIf you will be celebrating Valentine’s Day in Disney World, there are so many wonderful ways to enjoy the holiday. Try a couples treatment at one of the spas, a romantic fireworks cruise or dessert party, a delicious meal at one of the many signature restaurants, a cozy horse-drawn carriage ride at Fort Wilderness or Port Orleans, an exciting married proposal on the beach at the Polynesian Village Resort during Wishes, and then top your evening off with a thoughtful gift from Disney Floral delivered to right to your room like this adorable “Minnie’s Garden”. For more Valentine’s Day gift ideas from Disney Floral, please click here.

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom
The Hall of Presidents: January 17 – June 29, 2017
Walt Disney World Railroad: January 9 – February 16, 2017

Epcot
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Hollywood Studios
Star Wars Land: Opening in 2020
Toy Story Land: Opening in 2018

Animal Kingdom
Pandora – The World of AVATAR: Opening in Summer 2017

Water Parks
Typhoon Lagoon: December 25 – March 11, 2017

Disney Springs
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Resort Hotels
All Star Music: Piano Pool December 12 – February 3, 2017
Old Key West: Sand Castle Pool January 2 – February 24, 2017
Walt Disney World Dolphin: Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2017
Wilderness Lodge: Hidden Springs Quiet Pool, Resort Beach, Playground and Fire Pit To Be Completed In 2017

Planning Tips

If you are traveling to Disney World in February 2017, 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 (midnight 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 February 2017 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 new 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!

Nov 28 2016

Epcot International Festival of Arts Debuts January And February 2017

spaceship-earth-at-night

So many new and exciting things have been announced recently for Walt Disney World, it’s difficult to decide when to schedule my next trip. If you’re one of the lucky travelers that have a trip planned for January or February 2017, check out this fantastic event debuting in Epcot. Here’s everything you need to know about the Epcot International Festival of the Arts courtesy of Disney:

Combining visual, culinary and performing arts from around the world, the first-ever Epcot International Festival of the Arts will create a global masterpiece for six inspired weekends. Held Fridays through Mondays starting Jan. 13 – Feb. 20, 2017, the Festival will feature new art each week, making each weekend original.

Here’s a sample of what’s in store:

American AdventureFrom the pieces of Disney historical artist Mary Blair and Herb Ryman art of Epcot, to current Disney artists Joe Kaminski and Costa Alavezos, guests won’t only be surrounded by incredible visions, they’ll watch the creative process live.

In the inaugural year of the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, a collaboration with Disney Theatrical will bring an exciting new showcase of favorite music and Broadway talent to the America Gardens Theatre stage.

Over the six weekends of the festival, park Guests will enjoy different pairings of phenomenal Broadway talent in concert, performing songs from some of Disney on Broadway’s award-winning shows, including ‪The Lion King‪, Newsies, and Aladdin, to name a few.

EpcotNew Food Studios will showcase culinary creations so delicious and intricate, guests may not know if the menus are for admiring or eating. Disney chefs will surely encourage guests it’s the latter.

And there’s more: hands-on experiences for the whole family, favorite Disney characters channeling their favorite artists, and seminars. It’s a colorful, whimsical celebration of a new artful Epcot.

The festival is included with Epcot admission.

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 attending the Epcot International Festival Of The Arts?
What are you most excited about? Please leave a comment!

Nov 22 2016

Disney Parks Holiday Specials

holiday-specials-2016-1

If you can’t be in a Disney Park this year for Thanksgiving or Christmas, be sure to tune in for the three Disney Parks’ specials airing during the holiday season. They promise to be the most memorable yet! Here’s the scoop courtesy of Disney:

Disney kicks off the holidays with three musical specials originating from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. The shows will be presented on Disney|ABC Television Group platforms, including ABC Television Network, Disney Channel, the ABC and Disney Channel apps and VOD, among other branded digital platforms. The holiday specials will include performances by some of the world’s most popular recording artists, celebrity hosts, Disney character appearances and heartwarming wish-come-true moments for three lucky families from across the country.

holiday-specials-2016-4“The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration,” will air THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24 (8:00–10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. “Disney Parks Presents: A Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration” will air FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25 (8:00–9:00 p.m. EST), on Disney Channel. “The Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration” will air SUNDAY DECEMBER 25 (10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network.

Previously announced performers include Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks, Kelly Clarkson, Sofia Carson, Jordan Fisher, Forever in Your Mind, China Anne McClain, Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce and Booboo Stewart.

The holiday specials are a collaboration by Disney Parks, Disney|ABC Television Group and IMG.

The multi-platform programming schedule is:

THANKSGIVING – THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24

holiday-specials-2016-2“The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” premieres on the ABC Television Network (8:00–10:00 p.m. EST) and on the ABC app. Join Emmy Award-winners Julianne and Derek Hough as they host the magical two-hour special from the Walt Disney World Resort. They join “Descendants 2” star Sofia Carson to kick off the holiday season in a way only Disney can, showcasing extraordinary music performances, special appearances and some unforgettable Disney magic moments.

Musical performances include:

  • Boyz II Men, joined by JoJo, will sing a holiday favorite from the steps of Cinderella Castle
  • Alessia Cara will sing “How Far I’ll Go” from Disney’s animated feature film, “Moana” (in theaters November 23) for the very first time on broadcast television.
  • Kelly Clarkson will perform “Underneath the Tree” and “Stronger.”
  • Flo Rida performs two of his smash hits.
  • From Disney’s Hollywood Studios, OneRepublic performs one of their hit songs.
  • Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks will perform “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” “Ugly Christmas Sweater” and “Marshmallow World,” all from their new album, “Christmas Together,” out November 11 (Pearl Records, Inc.).

Additional performances to be announced.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25

holiday-specials-2016-3“Disney Parks Presents: A Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration” premieres on Disney Channel (8:00–9:00 p.m. EST) and on the Disney Channel app and Disney Channel VOD, beginning at 12:01 a.m. PST. The special will be available on-demand and will be featured in encore presentations on Disney Channel through Tuesday, December 20.

Musical performances include:

  • “Jolly to the Core,” performed by Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Sofia Carson and Booboo Stewart.
  • “Silent Night,” performed by Hollywood Records and Republic Records recording artist Sofia Carson.
  • Kelly Clarkson performing a song from her 2013 holiday album “Wrapped in Red.”
  • “Descendants 2” star China Anne McClain performing “This Christmas.”
  • Forever In Your Mind performing “Celebrate.”
  • Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks perform a holiday duet from their new album, “Christmas Together,” out November 11 (Pearl Records, Inc.).

CHRISTMAS – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25

holiday-specials-2016-6“The Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration” will air on the ABC Television Network (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EST; airtimes vary, check listings) and on the ABC and Disney Channel apps. This Christmas, Disney Parks celebrate the joy of the holiday season as hosts Julianne and Derek Hough take viewers on a magical ride down Main Street and beyond. The Christmas Day celebration will be bigger and brighter than ever before, bringing together the beloved Christmas day parade, magical musical performances, surprise celebrity guests and heart-warming family stories to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

Musical performances include:

  • Alessia Cara will perform a holiday favorite.
  • Sofia Carson performs “Silent Night” featuring an alternate musical arrangement from her performance on Disney Channel and also hosts from backstage.
  • Kelly Clarkson performing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
  • In front of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World, Gavin DeGraw sings a Christmas classic.
  • “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” performed by Jordan Fisher who will also make his Broadway debut in “Hamilton” on November 22.
  • OneRepublic performs from Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
  • Solo and duet performances by Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks from their new album, “Christmas Together,” out November 11 (Pearl Records, Inc.).

Additional performances to be announced.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World for the holidays?

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

Do you watch the Disney Parks holiday specials every year?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!