Category News

Jan 17 2016

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up January 17, 2016

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for January 17, 2016!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

SoapTip Of The Week

The Disney resort hotel rooms all supply small bars of hand soap for the bathrooms. After one use, these little soaps become a mess, not only themselves, but the counter underneath them. Not to mention, they can be difficult for tiny hands to use. Consider bringing a pump hand soap from home instead. It is so much cleaner and easier!

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Magic Kingdom At NightDisney Did You Know

The two characters which adorn the chariot on Prince Charming Regal Carrousel in Magic Kingdom are Lady Liberty and a golden eagle. Built in 1917, the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel was originally named the Liberty Carousel, hence the patriotic chariot decorations. Disney acquired the carousel in 1967 and refurbished it before placing it in Magic Kingdom in 1971.

Walt Disney 5Walt’s Words

“Times and conditions change so rapidly that we must keep our aim constantly focused on the future.”

2016 Tale CoverDisney World Enthusiast Giveaway

From now through Friday, January 22, 2016 at midnight, please enter daily to win “A Tale of Two Resorts 2016”. Just click here and follow the instructions to be entered into the giveaway. Be sure to take advantage of the bonus entries, and please tell your friends and family to enter as well!

Behind The Magic Podcast

Be sure to catch up on this week’s episodes when Zeek, Rachel, and I discuss Disney news, rumors, and so much more. For more information about this week’s podcasts or to listen, please click here.

Featured Advertiser

BitbeltHave you heard of this incredible gadget – Bitbelt? If you aren’t familiar, this handy creation secures your MagicBand so that it doesn’t accidentally become lost. Anyone that carries a child, a backpack, or wears a jacket at Disney World knows how easily a MagicBand can become unclasped. That’s where this little beauty comes in! Simply place a Bitbelt on your MagicBand and save yourself the trouble of having to search for a lost band or take the time to get a replacement. Bitbelts come in a dozen different colors and in two sizes – adult and junior. They are only $4.99 each plus they offer discounted pricing when you purchase multiple Bitbelts in one order. And if you think Bitbelts are great for MagicBands, they are also available for your fitness trackers. Never lose a pricey Fitbit again! For more information about Bitbelt, please click here!

501 WaysFeatured Book

The difference between an average and an outstanding Walt Disney World trip is in the details. Kristi Fredericks helps make your dream vacation a reality with her numerous tips and tricks to save money, time, and sanity while at the happiest place on earth in her new book “501 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Walt Disney World Vacation”. For more information, to read an excerpt, or to purchase, please click here.

Considering A Disney World Vacation

Book Your Disney VacationJennifer Hardy, a Disney Vacation Planner with Destinations in Florida, is the official travel partner of Disney World Enthusiast. She can help you book your next Disney vacation whether it is to Disney World, Disneyland, or aboard the Disney Cruise Line. Currently Jennifer has some incredible deals for discounted travel to Disney World. For more information about Jennifer’s amazing and absolutely free services or to get a free no-obligation quote, please click here!

You’re Invited

Next Disney VacationJennifer Hardy, from Destinations in Florida, and I have teamed up to create a brand new Facebook Group called Next Disney Vacation! It is the perfect place to talk about your next Disney vacation, voice your opinions, ask your questions, get them answered, and share the magic. Whether it’s Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, or the Disney Cruise Line, Jennifer and I are ready to help. 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 and conversation! Please click here to be a part of our group!

dwe logo small size white bkgdComing Up Next Week

Next week I’ll have more dining and planning information plus all of the latest Disney World news!

Have a wonderful week!

Jan 16 2016

Behind The Magic Podcast Recap January 11 – January 15, 2016

BTM S4 Logo

Welcome to Season 4 of Behind The Magic Podcast!

This “snack credit” of podcasts is a unique 15-minute daily Disney podcast hosted by Zeek, Rachel, and myself. Every day Monday through Friday you can join us for entertaining Disney information, discussions, guests, games, and more. We’ll be surprising you each and every day with all of our funny stories and Disney insider knowledge. And of course, we’ll also keep you up-to-date on all of the latest Disney news and gossip.

Here’s a quick peek at what you can expect each day:

  • Monday ~ Mouse Whispers Mondays with all of the latest Disney gossip and rumors!
  • Tuesday ~ Topical Tuesdays with exciting Disney discussions!
  • Wednesday ~ With Us Wednesdays with celebrity guests from around the Disney Universe!
  • Thursday ~ Theme Park Thursdays with fun information, facts, and stories about the parks!
  • Friday ~ Fun Fridays with fantastic fun and games!

This Week’s Episodes

This week’s episodes include:

  • Monday ~ Mouse Whispers Monday Muppets
  • Tuesday ~ Toothbrush Topic
  • Wednesday ~ Behind Fresh Baked Disney
  • Thursday ~ Behind Germany
  • Friday ~ First Fun Friday

For more details about each episode and to listen, please click here!

We hope you enjoy our show!

Jan 15 2016

Remember A Tale Of Two Resorts 2016 Traveler’s Reference Giveaway

2016 Tale Cover

Remember To Enter Daily To Win

I am giving away a copy of the 2016 edition of my book “A Tale of Two Resorts: Comparing Disneyland and Walt Disney World – A Traveler’s Reference“!

A Little About My Book

Are you trying to decide between a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World? Or maybe you have visited one resort and are curious about the other? My book, “A Tale of Two Resorts: Comparing Disneyland and Walt Disney World – A Traveler’s Reference”, is now available for 2016!

Sleeping Beauty CastleThis reference book is loaded with facts and information about all of the hotels, restaurants, attractions, experiences, entertainment choices, and resort extras that are available at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Each chapter begins with a handy side-by-side chart that compares each destination and concludes with a “For What It’s Worth” section that gives my personal thoughts and opinions. Topics include Lay of the Land, Atmosphere, Weather, Crowds, Events, Budgeting, Planning Timeline, Accommodations, Admission Tickets, Transportation, Theme Parks, Resort Extras, Dining and of course, there’s helpful advice about planning your trip and organizing your day.

Whether you are going to Disneyland or Disney World and especially if the decision between the two destinations is still being made, “A Tale of Two Resorts” will give you all of the information you need to make the better choice and plenty of advice for planning that magical vacation!

What People Are Saying About “A Tale of Two Resorts”

Cinderella Castle“Bob and his wonderful Theme park Press have done it again- put out another “must have” book for fans of the Disney resorts. Kristi Fredericks (501 Ways to Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Vacation) is a bona fide Disney Park fan, and frequent visitor, and it really shows in this very helpful guidebook.”
– Amazon Customer Review

“Very informative and easy to navigate, this book gives you some incredibly helpful information on every aspect of choosing between Walt Disney World and Disneyland.”
– Amazon Customer Review

“As a travel agent this book is going to be my go to reference manual when guests ask me to compare Disneyland to Walt Disney World.”
– Amazon Customer Review

The Giveaway

From now through Friday, January 22, 2016, please enter daily to win a copy of my new book “A Tale of Two Resorts: Comparing Disneyland and Walt Disney World – A Traveler’s Reference”. Just click the image below and follow the instructions to be entered into the giveaway. Be sure to take advantage of the bonus entries!

Click image to enter!

Can’t wait and need to get the book right away?
Please click here to purchase your copy today!

Jan 14 2016

The Ganachery In Disney Springs

Ganachery 4

The Cure For Common Chocolate!

With New Year’s Day (and those pesky resolutions) behind us and Valentine’s Day on the horizon, you know what I’ve been thinking about? Chocolate, of course! If you love chocolate as much as I do, I’ve got some fantastic news for you. In December, a brand new shop opened in Disney Springs – The Ganachery – aka heaven on earth for those of us addicted to the sweet dark goodness!

Ganachery 9And as with all things Disney, they have once again gone above and beyond with the details. This is not just your typical candy shop. “We like to tell a story, because when guests arrive they want to feel like it’s a real place,” says Imagineer Theron Skees. “Our cast members will bring our story to life and make our guests feel part of it.”

“It’s a fresh take on an old apothecary,” says Skees. Bottles, scales and other props inspired by drugstores of another era adorn the little shop. The walls are even painted the colors of chocolate and caramel. “The theming carries through right down to the packaging,” says Skees. “Traditional Apothecary labels are ‘blocked’ with spaces for weights, measurements and descriptions, so we were inspired by that idea and made it more modern for the elegant chocolate bars and chocolate boxes.” Thus the clever tagline, “the cure for common chocolate.”

But the real star of the show here is the custom-blended ganache, created with Disney’s special recipe of rich dark melted chocolate and cream, that is then covered in a chocolate waterfall to create 16 delicious flavors. “The trend in the United States is dark chocolate, and The Ganachery uses a bold, 65 percent dark chocolate made with a touch of vanilla for a beautiful balance of fruitiness and acidity,” explains Disney Pastry Chef Stefan Riemer.

If your mouth isn’t already watering, check out this video for more details!

Open daily at 10:00am, The Ganachery is located in The Landing at Disney Springs across from Paradiso 37. I plan to check this place out during my next trip, and I’ll be sure to let you know what I thought. It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it! 😉

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 tried The Ganachery yet?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Jan 13 2016

What’s Happening With Disney World Enthusiast In 2016

dwe site header blue final

Welcome to Disney World Enthusiast 2016!

With the start of a brand new year, I thought it would be fun to take a quick look back at where this blog began and to share with you where it is headed in 2016.

Disney World Enthusiast - Kristi FredericksBefore I get started, I want to take a moment to say thank you! Whether this is your first visit to this site or your fiftieth, I appreciate you taking the time to stop by. I hope you enjoy what you read and come back often. I love interacting with fellow Disney fans, so please feel free to comment on the posts you find here, tweet me (@DWEnthusiast), leave a message on my Facebook page (Disney World Enthusiast), or join in the fun in my Facebook group (Next Disney Vacation). I would love to hear from you!

Next month, Disney World Enthusiast will celebrate its second birthday. Where has the time gone? Tired of my usual New Year’s resolutions (eat better, exercise more, yada, yada, yada…), I decided to try a different one in January 2014 – create a blog – and I’m so glad I did. By starting this website, I’ve met so many incredible people and enjoyed some truly amazing moments. Thanks to all of you for being a part of this journey!

So here’s what will be happening with Disney World Enthusiast in 2016:

dwe logo small size white bkgdPosting Schedule

Look for a new article to be posted each day. Monday through Thursday’s posts will typically highlight the latest Walt Disney World news to keep you up-to-date. Friday’s post will talk about my current giveaway, Saturday’s post will fill you in on the week’s podcast episodes, and Sunday’s posts will catch you up on anything you’ve missed with the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up.

And as always, you will be able to find current discounts, refurbishments, and planning information to help with your upcoming Walt Disney World vacation.

Flower MagicBand SkinsGiveaways

I hope you’ve been enjoying the giveaways, because I will be continuing them throughout 2016. I have some fantastic prizes lined up for this year including Disney merchandise, MagicBand Skins, Creative Countdowns, and Disney travel books, just to name a few.

501 WaysBooks

One of the things I’m most excited about this year is for the release of my new books. Currently I have available “501 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Walt Disney World Vacation” and “A Tale of Two Resorts: Comparing Disneyland and Walt Disney World – A Traveler’s Reference 2016“. Later this year, Theme Park Press will be publishing two brand new Disney Parks’ books that I have written in addition to the 2017 edition of “A Tale of Two Resorts”. I’ll be sure to share more information as the release dates are announced.

Thirsty River Bar 5Website Upgrades

During the third quarter of 2016, you will notice several upgrades being added to Disney World Enthusiast. Expect to find more in-depth information, reviews, and tips about all of the attractions, experiences, accommodations, and dining options available throughout Walt Disney World.

The EmporiumStore

During the fourth quarter of 2016, look for my “Emporium” to open. This shop will offer Disney inspired merchandise adorned with my own artwork. I’ve been working on this for quite a while now, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone later this year!

BTM S4 LogoBehind The Magic Podcast

Also new for 2016, I am now a regular host on the daily Disney podcast – Behind The Magic – along with Zeek and Rachel. If you haven’t listened before, be sure to check out the show here. It is a lively, upbeat 15 minutes each day that will help keep the Disney magic alive between your trips!

TouringPlansTouringPlans

Continuing in 2016, you’ll still be able to find me over at TouringPlans a few times a month as I write posts for their blog as well.

Well, that pretty much covers what will be happening here at Disney World Enthusiast in 2016. If there is anything I am missing and that you would love to see included, please let me know in the comments. Once again, thanks for sharing this adventure with me!

Happy New Year!
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!