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Cinderella Castle
Mar 31 2016

Helpful Information For Your August 2016 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in August 2016?
August is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World!

Mickey on the BeachWeather

The weather in Disney World during August is hot and rainy. The average high is about 92 degrees, the average low is about 73 degrees and the average rainfall is about 7.71 inches. You can expect some rain most afternoons or evenings, so be sure to bring your poncho!

Crowds

The crowds in August are high at the beginning of the month as families enjoy vacationing during the last few weeks of summer break. By the end of the month, the crowds drop off dramatically as kids head back to school.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowAugust 1 – August 6
Average Crowd Level 8.0 out of 10
August 7 – August 13
Average Crowd Level 8.3 out of 10
August 14 – August 20
Average Crowd Level 7.9 out of 10
August 21 – August 27
Average Crowd Level 5.6 out of 10
August 28 – August 31
Average Crowd Level 3.8 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 – 8:30pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 5pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

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

Events

There are currently no special events scheduled for August in Disney World. Check back often as I will update this post if anything new is announced.

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: August 8 – November 19, 2016
“it’s a small world”: August 22 – September 15, 2016
Liberty Square Riverboat: August 15 – August 21, 2016
Swiss Family Treehouse: July 7 – September 24, 2016

Epcot
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Space MountainHollywood Studios
Pizza Planet: January 11 – November 2016
Star Wars Land: Opening in 2018
Toy Story Land: Opening in 2018

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

Water Parks
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Disney Springs
Fulton’s Crab House: May 1 – December 31, 2016

Resort Hotels
Boardwalk Inn: Flying Fish Café February 1, 2016 – September 30, 2016
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 August 2016, 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 August 2016 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!

Mar 28 2016

2016 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates Announced

Christmas

Recently Disney announced the dates for one of my all-time favorite Disney World events…Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

The dates this year are:

November 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, and 29

December 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, and 22

The party is held at Magic Kingdom from 7pm to 12am.

ChristmasTicket prices have not been released and are not available for purchase yet. Check back often as I will update this post as soon as the information is officially released.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a festive and heart warming experience for the entire family. There is a special holiday parade, entertaining shows, spectacular fireworks, hot chocolate and cookies, character dance parties and even snow on Main Street! My family and I had such a wonderful time when we attended the party and it definitely put us in the holiday spirit! You’ll want to purchase your tickets as soon as they become available if you plan to attend, because they do sell out.

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 been to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Mar 24 2016

2016 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Dates Announced

MNSSHP 1

Recently Disney announced the dates for one of my all-time favorite Disney World events…Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!

The dates this year are:

September 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, and 30
October 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, and 31

The party is held at the Magic Kingdom from 7pm to 12am.

Ticket prices have not been released and are not available for purchase yet. Check back often as I will update this post as soon as the information is officially released.

Halloween PartyI have been to this party several times and I would highly recommend it. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a lively and light-hearted experience and it is truly a family friendly event. There are special parades, exciting dance parties, stunning fireworks, and tons of trick-or-treating stations filled with candy for everyone! Adults and children alike really get into the spirit of the event by dressing in costume, trick-or-treating and dancing the night away with all of the characters. You’ll want to purchase your tickets as soon as they become available if you plan to attend, because they do sell out.

This year Disney has revised its costume policy (from the official website):

While we encourage creativity, we also value safety and good judgement. Please take a moment to read over our latest rules and regulations:

General:

  • Halloween Party 1Disney reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that is considered inappropriate or attire that could detract from the experience of other Guests.
  • All Guests may dress as their favorite character, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests.
  • Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.
  • Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
  • Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.
  • Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into, and/or removed from, unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards.

For Guests ages 13 and under:

  • Costumes and some masks may be worn, as long as the mask does not cover the entire face and eyes are visible.

For Guests ages 14 and older:

  • Halloween Party 2Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.
  • Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground. (e.g. full-length Princess dresses)
  • Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.
  • Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts, and hats are acceptable.
  • Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords, and tutus. Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.
  • May not wear masks of any kind.

 Here’s a little video from the party to get you in the spirit!

Have you been to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party? What did you think?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Mar 17 2016

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Themed Gift Card

Flower & Garden 4

Will you be visiting the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival this spring? If so, here’s a helpful tip for you; when making purchases at the Outdoor Kitchens rather than using cash, credit card, or MagicBand, why not use a Disney Gift Card? When I vacation during Flower & Garden in the spring or Food & Wine Festival in the fall, I always find it easier to load a Disney Gift Card and make my food and drink purchases with it. Not only does it help set a budget for my spending, it is also more convenient especially when using the mini gift cards that are designed with a wrist band.

For this year’s event, Disney is offering a brand new orange-scented (think Soarin’) mini gift card with an exclusive Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival design and wrist strap. You can activate this Disney Gift Card with as little as $15 and reload it as many times as you would like.

Currently the Epcot International Flower & Garden Design gift card is available at Boardwalk Inn, Beach Club, Yacht Club, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin as well as locations throughout Epcot while supplies last.

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:

Do you use a gift card during the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Mar 14 2016

Visiting The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival With Young Kids

Epcot International Flower And Garden Festival

Will you be visiting the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival with your kids this spring? If so you’re in luck! There are lots of special activities and experiences for little ones and their families to enjoy throughout the event this year. Here’s a quick look at some of fun that is in store for you courtesy of Disney:

Nature Works Everywhere

Kids will absorb amazing tips on how to create gardens that will help their school yards filter water, provide welcoming habitats and improve soil quality.

Butterflies on the Go

Visit this foliage-filled exhibit to view a kaleidoscope of butterflies fluttering in every direction. Kids will have an opportunity to observe several species up-close, learn about their life cycles and may even witness them emerging from cocoons.

Epcot Flower and Garden FestivalMusic Garden Melodies Playground

Hum your favorite tune on the way to a rockin’ fun zone that’s as sweet as nectar. Starring Disney’s “Fab Five” topiaries, including bandleader Mickey Mouse and his fellow members Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Donald Duck, this outdoor wonderland is filled with hands-on amusement and even lights up after dark.

Children can express their creativity by playing instruments like drums, chimes and xylophones—and tap into their adventurous side by tackling state-of-the-art net climbers. Music-themed plants also add a clever touch to this sonic scene.

Backyard Habitat

Unearth sources of inspiration to construct your own wildlife-friendly spaces at home.

Purple Martins

See an incredible species of small migratory songbirds that have undergone an impressive 3,000-mile journey from the Brazilian Amazon to raise their families at Walt Disney World Resort.

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival 2Cactus Road Rally Interactive Play Garden

Topiary buddies Mater and Lightning McQueen invite you to relax and recharge while your kids race around in a desert-themed mini park. Inspired by the Disney•Pixar film Cars, this playful area features a canopied jungle gym and eye-catching cacti. As a bonus, enjoy an “I Spy” moment by taking turns pointing out the various auto parts scattered among colorful flower beds.

Ranger Mickey and Friends

Pose for a family photo with this spectacular topiary and then find your closest neighborhood park with the help of the National Park Foundation and the National Park Service.

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:

Do your kids like Epcot in the Spring?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!