First Look At Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Coming To Hollywood Studios In 2019

Hey fans of the Radiator Springs gang and Lightning McQueen in particular…KaChow! I have exciting news if you’re heading to Walt Disney World soon…Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy will be racing from the starting line at Hollywood Studios on March 31, 2019. Here’s a first look at what we can expect, courtesy of Disney:


Learn what it takes to be a champion racer from the legendary Lightning McQueen at Sunset Showcase.

To kick things off, Lightning demonstrates what he’s learned over the years by using his brand-new, state-of-the-art racing simulator and its wraparound screen. Of course, as this seasoned racer has discovered throughout his career, things don’t always go according to plan, and he has to think fast to get back on course.

With Tow Mater, Cruz Ramirez and the gang from Radiator Springs rooting him on, Lightning gears up for the challenge. Will he emerge victorious? Speed on over to find out.

Bonus: after the show, you’ll even have the chance to snap a photo with trainer-turned-racer Cruz Ramirez just outside the Academy.


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 checking out Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

2018 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets Now On Sale

This year Magic Kingdom is celebrating the Halloween season with the annual family friendly Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party on select nights August 17 through October 31.

August 17, 24 and 31: $79 plus tax (ages 10+), $74 plus tax (ages 3-9)
August 28: $75 plus tax (ages 10+), $70 plus tax (ages 3-9)
September 3, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23 and 25: $75 plus tax (ages 10+), $70 plus tax (ages 3-9)
September 7, 14 and 21: $79 plus tax (ages 10+), $74 plus tax (ages 3-9)
September 28 and 30: $89 plus tax (ages 10+), $84 plus tax (ages 3-9)
October 2 and 4: $89 plus tax (ages 10+), $84 plus tax (ages 3-9)
October 5, 12, 19, 26, 28 and 30: $109 plus tax (ages 10+), $104 plus tax (ages 3-9)
October 8, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23 and 25: $99 plus tax (ages 10+), $94 plus tax (ages 3-9)
October 31: $125 plus tax (ages 10+), $120 plus tax (ages 3-9)

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

Halloween PartyMickey’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 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 possible if you plan to attend, because they do sell out. Please click here to purchase now!

Please keep in mind Disney’s costume policy (from the official website):

While we encourage creativity, we also value safety and good judgment. If you’re planning to attend these special holiday events, take a moment to read over our latest rules and regulations:

General

  • Disney 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:

  • Layered 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. 
  • Masks of any kind may not be worn. 

 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?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Pixar Play Zone At Disney’s Contemporary Resort

If you’re hoping to enjoy a night out during your Walt Disney World vacation at a romantic signature restaurant, but not sure what to do with the kiddos, Disney has the answer for you. Look no further than the fantastic new Pixar Play Zone at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Here’s everything you need to know courtesy of Disney:


Kids, ages 4–12, can now star in an adventure-packed evening filled with interactive fun, arcade games and dinner. It’s all part of the new Pixar Play Zone at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

While the kids play, parents can enjoy their own getaway throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

The new Walt Disney World entertainment experience is a pilot program that takes place nightly from 6-10:30 pm. It transports young guests to a world full of excitement and adventure with their favorite characters from Disney•Pixar animated films “Toy Story” and “The Incredibles!”

Pixar Play Zone encompasses several elaborately themed spaces.

Big time fun awaits in The Living Room. There’s Space Ranger Training where kids learn what it takes to become a Jr. Space Ranger of Star Command, including how to master the call of the Space Ranger, “To infinity and beyond!”

Then, Woody and Jessie will show them the ropes of the Wild West during Woody’s Roundup – complete with a sing along for a rootin’ tootin’ good time.

Around the corner, toys of all kinds are waiting to play in Bonnie’s Play Room.

Radiator Springs Racetrack is where youngsters can build their own racecars and send them down a soapbox derby racetrack in the Piston Cup Derby Races.

The evening builds to an Incredibles Super Dance Party where kids learn super sweet moves with Mr. Incredible and Mrs. Incredible.

Doors open for registration at 5pm nightly. Children must be toilet-trained. Activities and entertainment are subject to change.

The immersive Pixar Play Zone experience costs $65 plus tax per child. Availability is limited and reservations are strongly recommended, by calling 407-824-KIDS (5437).


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 your kids be checking out the Pixar Play Zone?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

TouringPlans – The Best Of Walt Disney World For Seniors

Welcome back to Part 6 of my blog series on TouringPlans – The Best of Walt Disney World! In case you missed it, over the next several weeks, I’ll be sharing with you the top picks in attractions for various groups of travelers visiting the Walt Disney World theme parks. So far we’ve discussed favorites for babies, preschoolers, grade school kids, teens, and adults, next up are the young-at-heart seniors. When checking out the list, keep in mind each attraction that made the cut scored at least four stars by the seniors surveyed. Please click here to read my latest TouringPlans article for a full list of The Best of Walt Disney World for seniors!

Have you traveled to Walt Disney World as a senior?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

TouringPlans – The Best Of Walt Disney World For Adults

Welcome back to Part 5 of my blog series on TouringPlans – The Best of Walt Disney World! In case you missed it, over the next several weeks, I’ll be sharing with you the top picks in attractions for various groups of travelers visiting the Walt Disney World theme parks. So far we’ve discussed favorites for babies, preschoolers, grade school kids, and teens, next up are the young-at-heart adults. When checking out the list, keep in mind each attraction that made the cut scored at least four stars by the adults surveyed. Please click here to read my latest TouringPlans article for a full list of The Best of Walt Disney World for adults!

Have you traveled to Walt Disney World as an adult?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!