Category Events

Feb 27 2015

Full Menus For Epcot Flower And Garden Festival Outdoor Kitchens

Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalThis year the 2015 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will be held for 75 days from March 4 through May 17. The theme is “Fresh Epcot” and once again this springtime event will feature beautiful blooms, exciting entertainment, and loads of delicious drinks and dishes. A few of the highlights are:

  • Disney themed topiaries
  • Magical gardens and exhibits
  • Garden Rocks Concert Series
  • Fun festival themed merchandise
  • Entertainment for the kids
  • Festival Event Center offering hands-on demonstrations
  • Outdoor Kitchens with delicious drinks and dishes

Outdoor Kitchens

The Flower & Garden Festival will feature eleven outdoor kitchens very much like what you see at the Food & Wine Festival in the fall. This year’s kitchens include Botanas Botanico,  Urban Farm Eats, Pineapple Promenade, Fleur de Lys, Taste of Marrakesh, Hanami, The Smokehouse, Primavera Kitchen, Lotus House, Jardin de Fiestas, and Florida Fresh. Be sure to pick up a Garden Passport and get stamped at your stops along the way. Passports will be available at the Festival Event Center, all Outdoor Kitchens, plus select merchandise locations. With just a week until the kick off of the festival, Disney has released the full menus. Better grab a snack, you’re about to get very hungry!

Botanas Botanico
  • Cachapa con Queso
  • Seafood Ceviche with Shrimp, Scallops and Grouper
  • White Corn Arepa
  • Coconut Tres Leches
  • Polar Beer
  • La Tizana
  • Monte Paschoal Reserve Tannat
  • Monte Paschoal Natural Brut White Sparkling Wine
Urban Farm Eats
  • Quinoa Vegetable Naanwich with Arugula Pesto & Oven-Dried Tomatoes
  • Kale Salad with Dried Cherries, Almonds and Goat Cheese
  • Ghost Pepper-Dusted Tilapia with Winter Melon Slaw
  • Urban Mary
  • Cucumber Lemon Spa Water
  • Hess Shirtail Creek Vineyard, Chardonnay
  • King Estate Acrobat Pinot Noir
  • Crispin Blackberry Pear Cider
Pineapple Promenade
  • Spicy Hot Dog with Pineapple Chutney and Sriracha Mayo
  • Pineapple Soft Serve
  • Pineapple Soft Serve with Sammy’s Beach Bar Red Head Macadamia Nut Flavored Rum
  • Pineapple Soft Serve with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum
  • Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade
  • Ace Pineapple Hard Cider
  • Sparkling Pineapple Wine
  • Berry Tea Cocktail with Twinings Cold-Brewed Mixed Berry Tea
Fleur de Lys
  • Macaron Guimauve à la Fraise (Strawberry Marshmallow Macaron)
  • Confit de Canard (Pulled Duck Confit) with Garlic and Parsley Potatoes
  • Gnocchi Parisien à la Provençal (Parisian Style Dumpling with Vegetables and Mushrooms)
  • Ice Pop Peach Grand Marnier Cocktail
  • La Vie en Rose St-Germain Vodka Slush
  • Kir Imperial with Sparkling Wine and Chambord Liquor
  • Beer Kronenbourg Blanc 1664
Taste of Marrakesh
  • Vegetarian Falafel Pocket with Cucumber Tomato Salad & Tahini Sauce
  • Harissa Chicken Kebab with Couscous Salad
  • Pistachio Baklava
  • Mint Iced Tea
  • White Sangria
  • Guerrouane Red
  • Desert Rose — Sparkling Wine with Pomegranate Liqueur
Hanami
  • Frushi (fresh pineapple, strawberry and melon rolled with raspberry coconut rice, sprinkled with toasted coconut and whipped cream)
  • Teriyaki Curry Bun
  • Salmon Sushi
  • Kirin Draft Beer
  • Yuzu Plum Wine Slush
  • Strawberry Nigori
  • Karatamba Sake
The Smokehouse
  • Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash with White Cheddar Fondue & Pickled Jalapeños
  • Pulled Pig Slider with Cole Slaw
  • Smoked Debreziner Sausage
  • Piggylicious Bacon Cupcake
  • Billy’s Chilies
  • Floridian Hefeweizen
  • Category 3 IPA
  • Maple Bacon Stout
  • Beer Flight
  • The Original Rib Shack Red Wine
  • Frozen Lemonade (with or without Palm Ridge Reserve Whiskey)
  • R.C. Sweet Tea made with Twinings Cold-Brewed English Classic Tea
Primavera Kitchen
  • Pinwheel of Mozzarella, Prosciutto, Ciabatta Bread
  • Three Cheese Manicotti
  • Lemon Panna Cotta
  • Placido Pinot Grigio
  • Placido Chianti
  • Bosco del Merlo Prosecco
  • Corbinello
  • White Peach Bellini
  • Strawberry Rossini
  • Frozen Italian primavera
  • Moretti Lager
  • Moretti La Rossa
Lotus House
  • Beijing Candied Strawberries
  • Kung Pao Chicken Bun
  • Vegetable Spring Roll
  • Oolong Peach Bubble Tea
  • Kung Fu Punch
  • South Sea Storm
  • Plum Wine
  • Tsing-Tao Beer
  • Honey Mango Wine Cooler
Jardin de Fiestas
  • Tacos with Achiote-Marinated Pork
  • Vegetarian Quesadilla
  • Flan de Chocolate Abuelita
  • Tecate with Patrón Citrónge
  • White Mexican Sangria
  • Blueberry Pomegranate Margarita
  • Tequila Liqueur Flight
Florida Fresh
  • Watermelon Salad with Pickled Onions, Baby Arugula and Feta Cheese
  • Shrimp and Stone-Ground Grits with Andouille Sausage
  • Florida Blueberry and Lemon Curd Tart
  • Watermelon Passion Fruit Slush
  • Key Lime Sparkling Wine
  • Blonde Ale
  • Channel Marker Red Ale
  • Feast of Flowers Farmhouse Ale (Festival Exclusive)
  • Jai Alai
  • Beer Flight

For more information about the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival including calendar of events, concert schedule, and more, please click here!

Need help planning your time in Epcot?

Be sure to check out these resources to make the most of your visit to Epcot:

Heading 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 money:

Will you be attending the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival?
What dish are you excited to try? Please leave a comment!

Happy Early Spring!

Feb 24 2015

St. Patrick’s Day In Disney World

Raglan Road

If you will be visiting Disney World around St. Patrick’s Day and are looking for a fun place to celebrate, look no further than Raglan Road Irish Pub in Downtown Disney. Here’s what’s on the agenda courtesy of Disney:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Award-winning Irish and American bands and quick-stepping Irish dancers will showcase their Irish roots during the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Downtown Disney March 13-17. The most authentic St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Central Florida also will feature inventive cuisine by Irish celebrity chef Kevin Dundon, host of the TASTE Award-winning PBS and Create TV cooking show, “Kevin Dundon’s Modern Irish Food.”

Raglan Road guests ready to “get their green on” can participate in festivities that run from 4 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. March 13 and from noon until 1:30 a.m. March 14-17, including complimentary face painting for guests, and live music. The diverse band lineup headed by Scythian — playing gypsy-infused American Celtic tunes — offers something for everyone:

  • Reel Ó Gránde, the newest Raglan Road house band playing traditional Irish ballads, jigs and reels and modern Irish and country music.
  • The West Coast Trio from Connemara, playing traditional and contemporary Irish songs on accordion, flute and guitar with plenty of reels and jigs.
  • 3 Dollar Band, three extraordinary musicians inspired by Irish and Appalachian music.
  • The Brayzen Heads, a popular duo on guitar and banjo playing Raglan Road regularly.
  • Drops of Green, an exciting new ballad group from the heart of Ireland.
  • The Raglan Road Dancers, seven full-time champion dancers, performing daily

Debuting just in time for the big celebration is the updated spring menu. Three new items being featured on the lunch and dinner menus are:

  • Cod Cornucopia – pan-roasted cod on a warm potato salad topped with chorizo vinaigrette.
  • Proud Pork – grilled pork chop with colcannon potato mash with cabbage, buttermilk, and onion.
  • Double Joint – cowboy cut rib-eye steak served with duck fat fries, roasted vegetables, and a salad.

There are also some new cocktails available including:

  • Grapefruit Gin and Tonic
  • Ginger Mojito
  • Smoking Margarita

For more information or to make reservations, please visit RaglanRoad.com or call 407-938-0300.

Need help planning your Disney World vacation?

Be sure to check out these resources to make the most of your time in Disney World:

Heading 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 money:

Feb 12 2015

What’s On The Agenda At The 2015 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

It happens to me every year. Once Valentine’s Day arrives, I get a bad case of spring fever. I’m ready for the snow to stop falling and for the flowers to begin blooming. Unfortunately, where I live in Colorado, we still have a few months of winter left no matter what the calendar says. Lucky for me, I will soon be escaping the cold and traveling to Disney World to enjoy some warm sun and gorgeous scenery at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. As I eagerly count down the days until my vacation, I’ve been enjoying all of the information and photos that Disney has been releasing about the upcoming event. In case you missed it, here’s everything that we know so far (photos courtesy of Disney):

The Basics

Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalThe 2015 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will be held for 75 days from March 4 through May 17. This year’s theme is “Fresh Epcot” and once again this springtime event will feature beautiful blooms, exciting entertainment, and loads of delicious drinks and dishes. A few of the highlights are:

  • Disney themed topiaries
  • Magical gardens and exhibits
  • Garden Rocks Concert Series
  • Fun festival themed merchandise
  • Entertainment for the kids
  • Festival Event Center offering hands-on demonstrations
  • Outdoor Kitchens with delicious drinks and dishes

Disney Themed Topiaries

This year there will be over a dozen incredibly designed topiaries to view. Here’s what is planned:

  • Anna and Elsa located at World Showcase Plaza.
  • Goofy About Spring featuring Goofy, Chip ‘n Dale, and friends located near the main entrance.
  • Miss Piggy & Tour de Fleurs Garden located at the Italy Pavilion.
  • Spring is in the Air featuring butterfly topiaries located behind Spaceship Earth.
  • Disney-Pixar Buzz Lightyear located near Mission: SPACE.
  • The Living Desert Road Rally Play Area featuring Mater and Lightning McQueen located near Test Track.
  • Fantasia located at Future World West.
  • Phineas and Ferb located at the Odyssey Bridge.
  • Farmer Mickey and Minnie located between Future World and World Showcase.
  • Bambi and Friends featuring Bambi, Flower, and Thumper located at the Canada Pavilion.
  • Aurora and Prince Phillip located between the International Gateway and France Pavilion.
  • Beauty and the Beast located at the France Pavilion.
  • Disney-Pixar Woody located at the American Adventure.
  • Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs located at the Germany Pavilion.
  • Lady and the Tramp located at the Italy Pavilion.
  • The Lion King featuring Mufasa, Pumbaa, Rafiki, Sarabi, Simba, and Timon located at The Outpost between the Germany and China Pavilions.
  • Cinderella and Prince Charming located at the France Pavilion.
  • Year of the Ram located at the China Pavilion.
  • Troll located at the Norway Pavilion.

Magical Gardens and Exhibits

Throughout Future World and World Showcase, you will find many magnificent gardens and engaging interactive exhibits. Here are a few of the dozens of gardens that there will be to enjoy:

  • Illuminated Gardens – Select topiaries and festival play areas will be lit for even more after dark fun.
  • Butterflies on the Go – Learn about a butterfly’s life cycle and journey.
  • Mike & Sulley’s Monstrous Garden – A fun Monsters University themed play area to explore.
  • Health Garden – A unique garden near the Land pavilion in Future World will display ancient medicinal plants.

Garden Rocks Concert Series

This year, eleven bands will appear in the Garden Rocks Concert Series. Performances are at America Gardens Theatre at 5:30pm, 6:45pm, and 8:00pm every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening. These concerts are included with your Epcot admission. Here’s the current lineup (subject to change without notice):

  • March 6 – 8: Gin Blossoms
  • March 13 – 15: Pablo Cruise
  • March 20 – 22: En Vogue
  • March 27 – 29: Starship
  • April 3 – 5: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
  • April 10 – 12: Village People
  • April 17 – 19: Jon Secada
  • April 24 – 26: The Guess Who
  • May 1 – 3: Taylor Dayne
  • May 8 – 10: Little River Band
  • May 15 – 17: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone

Festival Themed Merchandise

This year you will find a huge variety of festival themed merchandise including clothing, accessories, kitchenware, and more. These items will be available at the Festival Center (open Fridays through Sundays) as well as select merchandise locations throughout Epcot.

Entertainment For Kids

Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalThere will be plenty available to keep the kiddos entertained during the festival. There are two play areas – Mike & Sulley’s Monstrous Garden and Cactus Road Rally Garden with Mater and Lightning McQueen – both of which are illuminated at night for even more fun. The butterfly garden returns this year and is always a big hit with the younger set. Plus Disney has created a fun interactive scavenger hunt for kids to follow and discover topiaries of their favorite characters.Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

Festival Event Center

The Festival Event Center will be open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the event to host complimentary demonstrations from gardening and horticulture specialists.

Outdoor Kitchens

The Flower & Garden Festival also includes eleven outdoor kitchens very much like what you see at the Food & Wine Festival in the fall. This year’s kitchens include Botanas Botanico,  Urban Farm Eats, Pineapple Promenade, Fleur de Lys, Taste of Marrakesh, Hanami, The Smokehouse, Primavera Kitchen, Lotus House, Jardin de Fiestas, and Florida Fresh. Be sure to pick up a Garden Passport and get stamped at your stops along the way. Passports will be available at the Festival Event Center, all Outdoor Kitchens, plus select merchandise locations. Disney has just released the full menus:

Botanas Botanico
  • Cachapa con Queso
  • Seafood Ceviche with Shrimp, Scallops and Grouper
  • White Corn Arepa
  • Coconut Tres Leches
  • Polar Beer
  • La Tizana
  • Monte Paschoal Reserve Tannat
  • Monte Paschoal Natural Brut White Sparkling Wine
Urban Farm Eats
  • Quinoa Vegetable Naanwich with Arugula Pesto & Oven-Dried Tomatoes
  • Kale Salad with Dried Cherries, Almonds and Goat Cheese
  • Ghost Pepper-Dusted Tilapia with Winter Melon Slaw
  • Urban Mary
  • Cucumber Lemon Spa Water
  • Hess Shirtail Creek Vineyard, Chardonnay
  • King Estate Acrobat Pinot Noir
  • Crispin Blackberry Pear Cider
Pineapple Promenade
  • Spicy Hot Dog with Pineapple Chutney and Sriracha Mayo
  • Pineapple Soft Serve
  • Pineapple Soft Serve with Sammy’s Beach Bar Red Head Macadamia Nut Flavored Rum
  • Pineapple Soft Serve with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum
  • Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade
  • Ace Pineapple Hard Cider
  • Sparkling Pineapple Wine
  • Berry Tea Cocktail with Twinings Cold-Brewed Mixed Berry Tea
Fleur de Lys
  • Macaron Guimauve à la Fraise (Strawberry Marshmallow Macaron)
  • Confit de Canard (Pulled Duck Confit) with Garlic and Parsley Potatoes
  • Gnocchi Parisien à la Provençal (Parisian Style Dumpling with Vegetables and Mushrooms)
  • Ice Pop Peach Grand Marnier Cocktail
  • La Vie en Rose St-Germain Vodka Slush
  • Kir Imperial with Sparkling Wine and Chambord Liquor
  • Beer Kronenbourg Blanc 1664
Taste of Marrakesh
  • Vegetarian Falafel Pocket with Cucumber Tomato Salad & Tahini Sauce
  • Harissa Chicken Kebab with Couscous Salad
  • Pistachio Baklava
  • Mint Iced Tea
  • White Sangria
  • Guerrouane Red
  • Desert Rose — Sparkling Wine with Pomegranate Liqueur
Hanami
  • Frushi (fresh pineapple, strawberry and melon rolled with raspberry coconut rice, sprinkled with toasted coconut and whipped cream)
  • Teriyaki Curry Bun
  • Salmon Sushi
  • Kirin Draft Beer
  • Yuzu Plum Wine Slush
  • Strawberry Nigori
  • Karatamba Sake
The Smokehouse
  • Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash with White Cheddar Fondue & Pickled Jalapeños
  • Pulled Pig Slider with Cole Slaw
  • Smoked Debreziner Sausage
  • Piggylicious Bacon Cupcake
  • Billy’s Chilies
  • Floridian Hefeweizen
  • Category 3 IPA
  • Maple Bacon Stout
  • Beer Flight
  • The Original Rib Shack Red Wine
  • Frozen Lemonade (with or without Palm Ridge Reserve Whiskey)
  • R.C. Sweet Tea made with Twinings Cold-Brewed English Classic Tea
Primavera Kitchen
  • Pinwheel of Mozzarella, Prosciutto, Ciabatta Bread
  • Three Cheese Manicotti
  • Lemon Panna Cotta
  • Placido Pinot Grigio
  • Placido Chianti
  • Bosco del Merlo Prosecco
  • Corbinello
  • White Peach Bellini
  • Strawberry Rossini
  • Frozen Italian primavera
  • Moretti Lager
  • Moretti La Rossa
Lotus House
  • Beijing Candied Strawberries
  • Kung Pao Chicken Bun
  • Vegetable Spring Roll
  • Oolong Peach Bubble Tea
  • Kung Fu Punch
  • South Sea Storm
  • Plum Wine
  • Tsing-Tao Beer
  • Honey Mango Wine Cooler
Jardin de Fiestas
  • Tacos with Achiote-Marinated Pork
  • Vegetarian Quesadilla
  • Flan de Chocolate Abuelita
  • Tecate with Patrón Citrónge
  • White Mexican Sangria
  • Blueberry Pomegranate Margarita
  • Tequila Liqueur Flight
Florida Fresh
  • Watermelon Salad with Pickled Onions, Baby Arugula and Feta Cheese
  • Shrimp and Stone-Ground Grits with Andouille Sausage
  • Florida Blueberry and Lemon Curd Tart
  • Watermelon Passion Fruit Slush
  • Key Lime Sparkling Wine
  • Blonde Ale
  • Channel Marker Red Ale
  • Feast of Flowers Farmhouse Ale (Festival Exclusive)
  • Jai Alai
  • Beer Flight

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Schedule

Weekend 1: March 6 – 8, 2015
Festival Center Events
  • Hands-on presentations on the Greenhouse Stage: 11:00am and 2:00pm
  • Demonstrations on the Fresh Epcot Stage: 12:00pm and 3:00pm
Concert Series
  • Musical Act: Gin Blossoms
Spring into Spring Weekend 2: March 13 – 17, 2015 (extended by two days)
Festival Center Events
  • Hands-on presentations on the Greenhouse Stage: 11:00am and 2:00pm
  • Demonstrations on the Fresh Epcot Stage: 12:00pm and 3:00pm
Concert Series
  • Musical Act: Pablo Cruise
Extra Spring into Spring Experiences March 16 – 17, 2015
  • St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at the American Adventure
Weekend 3: March 20 – 22, 2015
Festival Center Events
  • Meet specialists from Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park
  • Hands-on presentations on the Greenhouse Stage: 11:00am and 2:00pm
  • Demonstrations on the Fresh Epcot Stage: 12:00pm and 3:00pm
Concert Series
  • Musical Act: En Vogue
Art in the Garden Weekend 4: March 27 – 29, 2015
Festival Center Events
  • Hands-on presentations on the Greenhouse Stage: 11:00am and 2:00pm
  • Demonstrations on the Fresh Epcot Stage: 12:00pm and 3:00pm
Concert Series
  • Musical Act: STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
Extra Art in the Garden Experiences
  • From 11:00am to 7:00pm, see nature through the eyes of “Plein Air” artists, along with one-of-a-kind works of art in Guest Artist booths—located all throughout World Showcase.
Weekend 5: April 3 – 5, 2015
Festival Center Events
  • Hands-on presentations on the Greenhouse Stage: 11:00am and 2:00pm
  • Demonstrations on the Fresh Epcot Stage: 12:00pm and 3:00pm
Concert Series
  • Musical Act: The Orchestra
Weekend 6: April 10 – 12, 2015
Festival Center Events
  • Hands-on presentations on the Greenhouse Stage: 11:00am and 2:00pm
  • Demonstrations on the Fresh Epcot Stage: 12:00pm and 3:00pm
Concert Series
  • Musical Act: The Village People
Earth Day Weekend 7: April 17 – 22, 2015
Festival Center Events
  • Hands-on presentations on the Greenhouse Stage: 11:00am and 2:00pm
  • Demonstrations on the Fresh Epcot Stage: 12:00pm and 3:00pm
Concert Series
  • Musical Act: John Seceda
Extra Earth Day Weekend Experiences
  • Meet specialists from Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park: April 17 – 19, 2015
  • Hear about conservation efforts to protect coral reefs, sea turtles, sharks and more at The Seas with Nemo & Friends: April 22, 2015
  • See the grand reveal of a sand sculpture, based on the new Disneynature film Monkey Kingdom: April 22, 2015
Florida Fresh Weekend 8: April 24 – 26, 2015
Festival Center Events
  • Hands-on presentations on the Greenhouse Stage: 11:00am and 2:00pm
  • Demonstrations on the Fresh Epcot Stage: 12:00pm and 3:00pm
Concert Series
  • Musical Act: The Guess Who
Extra Florida Fresh Weekend Experiences
  • From 10:00am to 5:00pm, head for the Festival Center and discover why Florida is one of the top agriculture producing states in the nation.
Weekend 9: May 1 – 3, 2015
Festival Center Events
  • See a stunning display of hibiscus in a wide array of colors at the Hibiscus Show
  • Hands-on presentations on the Greenhouse Stage: 11:00am and 2:00pm
  • Demonstrations on the Fresh Epcot Stage: 12:00pm and 3:00pm
Concert Series
  • Musical Act: Taylor Dane
Weekend 10: May 8 – 10, 2015
Festival Center Events
  • Hands-on presentations on the Greenhouse Stage: 11:00am and 2:00pm
  • Demonstrations on the Fresh Epcot Stage: 12:00pm and 3:00pm
Concert Series
  • Musical Act: Little River Band
Weekend 11: May 15 – 17, 2015
Festival Center Events
  • Hands-on presentations on the Greenhouse Stage: 11:00am and 2:00pm
  • Demonstrations on the Fresh Epcot Stage: 12:00pm and 3:00pm
Concert Series
  • Musical Act: Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone

Need help planning your time in Epcot?

Be sure to check out these resources to make the most of your visit to Epcot:

Heading 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 money:

Have you attended the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival before?
What did you like the most? Are you going this year? Please leave a comment!

Happy Early Spring!

Feb 9 2015

Helpful Information For Your August 2015 Disney World Vacation

Cinderella Castle

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in August 2015? August is an exciting time of year to visit Walt Disney World. The temperatures are still hot, the Parks continue to be open late, but the crowds drop dramatically mid-month.

Weather

Tree of LifeThe 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 during the first half of the month as families try to squeeze in a last minute vacation before the kids head back to school. Beginning in mid August, look for the crowd levels to drop dramatically.

August 1 – Average Crowd Level 7.0 out of 10
August 2 – August 8 – Average Crowd Level 7.7 out of 10
August 9 – August 15 – Average Crowd Level 6.7 out of 10
August 16 – August 22 – Average Crowd Level 6.0 out of 10
August 23 – August 29 – Average Crowd Level 3.6 out of 10
August 30 – August 31 – Average Crowd Level 4.0 out of 10

Park Hours

Magic Kingdom ClockThe Parks continue to have long hours to wrap up the busy summer season.

  • Magic Kingdom: Open most days from 9am – 10pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
  • Epcot: Open 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

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

Magic Kingdom

  • Diamond Horseshoe: August 2 – November 19, 2015
  • Dream Along With Mickey: July 19 – August 22, 2015
  • Liberty Square Riverboat: August 4 – August 10, 2015
  • Liberty Tree Tavern: July 6 – November 20, 2015
  • Mad Tea Party: August 26, 2015
  • Pirates of the Caribbean: May 11 – September 25, 2015

Epcot

  • Frozen Ever After: October 5 – May 1, 2016

Tower of TerrorHollywood Studios

  • No refurbishments currently scheduled

Animal Kingdom

  • Pizzafari: August 23 – October 19, 2015
  • Primevil Whirl: August 17 – November 12, 2015

Water Parks

  • No refurbishments currently scheduled

Downtown Disney

  • Downtown Disney is undergoing a major transformation to become the reimagined Disney Springs. Construction will be finished in phases with the final completion date set for Fall 2016.

Resort Hotels

  • Beach Club Resort: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2015
  • Coronado Springs Resort: Fitness Center, Salon, Casitas Leisure Pool July 5 – October 12, 2015
  • Grand Floridian Resort: Gasparilla Island Grill August 23 – September 4, 2015
  • Polynesian Village Resort: Ongoing Polynesian East Pool Refurbishment To Be Completed In 2016
  • Walt Disney World Swan: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2016

Planning Tips

Cinderella CastleIf you are traveling to Disney World in August 2015, 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.
  • Get prepared to make your advanced dining reservations (ADRs) at exactly 180 days in advance of your check-in date beginning at 6am EST. You can book your ADRs by clicking here.
  • If you are staying onsite, be sure to customize your MagicBand on your My Disney Experience account by picking the color and adding your name.
  • 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. Need help with your research? Check out my book A Tale of Two Resorts which includes descriptions and tips for every attraction and helpful dining information for every restaurant from snack stand to table service including specifics about atmosphere, cuisine type, dress code and even menu selections including the kid’s meals that are offered. Click here for more information including an excerpt.
  • Whether you are staying onsite 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 onsite 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 onsite, 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, ask a question in the comments section, or take a look at the Planning section here.

Special Offers

If you haven’t already made your August 2015 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, we would love to have you join in the fun! Please click here to be a part of our group!

Have a magical vacation!

Feb 6 2015

Helpful Information For Your July 2015 Disney World Vacation

Independence Day

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in July 2015? July is a thrilling time of year to visit Walt Disney World. The temperatures are hot, the Parks are open late and the crowds are high.

Weather

Disney World Independence DayThe weather in Disney World during July is hot and rainy. The average high is about 92 degrees, the average low is about 73 degrees and the average rainfall is about 7.05 inches. You can expect some rain most afternoons or evenings, so be sure to bring your poncho!

Crowds

The crowds in July are high throughout the month as families enjoy vacationing during summer break. Be sure to lookout for massive crowds on July 4 especially at Epcot and Magic Kingdom as people flock to the Parks to celebrate Independence Day.

July 1 – July 4 – Average Crowd Level 7.5 out of 10
July 5 – July 11 – Average Crowd Level 6.3 out of 10
July 12 – July 18 – Average Crowd Level 7.0 out of 10
July 19 – July 25 – Average Crowd Level 8.1 out of 10
July 26 – July 31 – Average Crowd Level 7.0 out of 10

Park Hours

Magic Kingdom ClockWith the busy summer season comes long hours at the Parks.

  • Magic Kingdom: Open most days from 9am – 10pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
  • Epcot: Open 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 – 7pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

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

Events

Independence DayIf you are visiting for the 4th of July, Disney always has additional offerings to celebrate the holiday. You can count on themed merchandise and foods, extended park hours, and enhanced fireworks displays at Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios to celebrate the occasion. Please click this link for more information!

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom

  • Dream Along With Mickey: July 26 – August 22, 2015
  • Liberty Tree Tavern: July 6 – November 20, 2015
  • Pirates of the Caribbean: May 11 – September 25, 2015

Epcot

  • Captain EO: April 10 – July 18, 2015
  • Frozen Ever After: October 5 – May 1, 2016

Hollywood Studios

  • No refurbishments currently scheduled

Animal Kingdom

  • No refurbishments currently scheduled

Water Parks

  • No refurbishments currently scheduled

Downtown Disney

  • Downtown Disney is undergoing a major transformation to become the reimagined Disney Springs. Construction will be finished in phases with the final completion date set for Fall 2016.

Resort Hotels

  • Beach Club Resort: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2015
  • Coronado Springs Resort: Fitness Center, Salon, Casitas Leisure Pool July 5 – October 12, 2015
  • Polynesian Village Resort: Ongoing Polynesian East Pool Refurbishment To Be Completed In 2016
  • Walt Disney World Swan: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2016

Planning Tips

Independence DayIf you are traveling to Disney World in July 2015, 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 onsite, be sure to customize your Magicband on your My Disney Experience account by picking the color and adding your name.
  • 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. Need help with your research? Check out my book A Tale of Two Resorts which includes descriptions and tips for every attraction and helpful dining information for every restaurant from snack stand to table service including specifics about atmosphere, cuisine type, dress code and even menu selections including the kid’s meals that are offered. Click here for more information including an excerpt.
  • Whether you are staying onsite 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 onsite 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 onsite, 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, ask a question in the comments section, or take a look at the Planning section here.

Special Offers

If you haven’t already made your July 2015 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 your counting the days until your next Disney vacation, we would love to have you join in the fun! Please click here to be a part of our group!

Have a magical vacation!