Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up October 25, 2015

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for October 25, 2015!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Tomorrowland At NightTip Of The Week

If you are visiting Magic Kingdom when the park is open late, you’ll be happy to know that the crowd level drops dramatically after the second evening parade. Many guests to choose to leaving after watching to try to beat the lines for transportation that will form once the park closes. You can take advantage of this extra hour or two to ride some of the more popular attractions that normally have long waits during the day. Last week, my boys and I rode over a dozen rides between midnight and 2:00am on a day with a crowd level of 10. The wait for Space Mountain at 1:30 in the morning was only 5 minutes which was basically the amount of time it took us to walk the queue.

Haunted MansionDisney Did You Know

There are really only 107 ghosts in the Haunted Mansion not 999.

Walt DisneyWalt’s Words

“Over at our place, we’re sure of just one thing: everybody in the world was once a child. So in planning a new picture, we don’t think of grown-ups, and we don’t think of children. But just of that fine, clean, unspoiled spot down deep in every one of us, that maybe the world has made us forget. ”    

CoastersDisney World Enthusiast Giveaway

Look for a new Color Fusion Mickey Mouse Coasters giveaway beginning Friday, October 30. Good luck, everyone!

Icon S3Behind The Magic Podcast

Be sure to catch up on this week’s episodes when Zeek, Rachel, Tim, Richard, Sarah 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 holiday information plus all of the latest Disney World news!

Do you have a question or article idea?
Please leave a comment!

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up October 18, 2015

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for October 18, 2015!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Haunted Mansion Ghosts 3Disney Did You Know

The hitch-hiking ghosts in Walt Disney World’s Haunted Mansion, Ezra, Gus and Phineas, were given their names by fans.

Plaid Skins CollageDisney World Enthusiast Giveaway

From now through Friday, October 23, 2015 at midnight, please enter daily to win a set of four Plaid MagicBand skins. Just click here and follow the instructions to be entered into the giveaway. Be sure to take advantage of the bonus entries, and please feel free to share with your friends and family!

Icon S3Behind The Magic Podcast

Be sure to catch up on this week’s episodes when Zeek, Rachel, Tim, Richard, Sarah 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!

Do you have a question or article idea?
Please leave a comment!

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up October 11, 2015

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for October 11, 2015!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Halloween Merchandise 14Tip Of The Week

Remember to stay hydrated and nourished. Fatigue and irritability can set in fast if you let yourself get overly thirsty or hungry. Take a few minutes to refuel and try some of the tasty food and beverage choices that Disney World has to offer. This will help give you the energy you need to keep going.

Haunted MansionDisney Did You Know

In the Haunted Mansion, the ghosts in the Grand Ballroom Scene are actually reflections of animatronics located above and below the Doom Buggy track. This is a variation of the “Pepper’s Ghost” illusion.

Hocus Pocus Villain SpelltacularWalt’s Words 

“Children are people, and they should have to reach to learn about things, to understand things, just as adults have to reach if they want to grow in mental stature. Life is composed of lights and shadows, and we would be untruthful, insincere, and saccharine if we tried to pretend there were no shadows. Most things are good, and they are the strongest things; but there are evil things too, and you are not doing a child a favor by trying to shield him from reality. The important thing is to teach a child that good can always triumph over evil.”

Plaid Skins CollageDisney World Enthusiast Giveaway

From now through Friday, October 23, 2015 at midnight, please enter daily to win a set of four Plaid MagicBand skins. Just click here and follow the instructions to be entered into the giveaway. Be sure to take advantage of the bonus entries, and please feel free to share with your friends and family!

Icon S3Behind The Magic Podcast

Be sure to catch up on this week’s episodes when Zeek, Rachel, Tim, Richard, Sarah 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 rumors, dining, and holiday information plus all of the latest Disney World news!

Do you have a question or article idea?
Please leave a comment!

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up October 4, 2015

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for October 4, 2015!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Disney World Saratoga Springs BedroomTip Of The Week

For both the young and old alike, it is a good idea to bring a night light for your hotel room. With the darkening curtains, the rooms can get very dark at night. This can be scary for little ones and can make it difficult for the older crowd to navigate to the bathroom safely in the middle of the night. A small inexpensive night light (usually under $5) can keep everyone happy and safe.

Haunted Mansion RavenDisney Did You Know

The raven that is seen several times throughout the Haunted Mansion was originally planned to be the narrator of the attraction.

Walt’s Words

Walt Disney 2“Somehow I can’t believe that there are any heights that can’t be scaled by a man who knows the secrets of making dreams come true. This special secret, it seems to me, can be summarized in four Cs. They are curiosity, confidence, courage, and constancy, and the greatest of all is confidence. When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionable.”  

Magic YOUR BandDisney World Enthusiast Giveaway

Look for a new MagicBand skins giveaway beginning Friday, October 9. Good luck, everyone!

Icon S3Behind The Magic Podcast

Be sure to catch up on this week’s episodes when Zeek, Rachel, Tim, Richard, Sarah 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 some planning and dining information, plus all of the latest Disney World news!

Do you have a question or article idea?
Please leave a comment!

Disney World Valentine's Day

Helpful Information For Your February 2016 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in February 2016?
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 6
Average Crowd Level 4.2 out of 10
February 7 – February 13
Average Crowd Level 6.1 out of 10
February 14 – February 20
Average Crowd Level 8.7 out of 10
February 21 – February 27
Average Crowd Level 4.9 out of 10
February 28 – February 29
Average Crowd Level 6.5 out of 10

Magic Kingdom ClockPark Hours

Magic Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (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 – 5pm (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

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
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: January 18 – February 11, 2016
Mad Tea Party: February 22 – February 26, 2016
Magic Carpets of Aladdin: January 25 – February 3, 2016

Valentines Day 2Epcot
Frozen Ever After: October 5 – May 1, 2016
Soarin’: January 4 – June 1, 2016
The Circle of Life: February 7 – April 2, 2016

Hollywood Studios
Pizza Planet: January 11 – TBD
Star Wars Land: Opening TBD
Toy Story Land: Opening TBD

Animal Kingdom
Boneyard: February 22 – March 17, 2016
Flights of Wonder: January 25 – March 17, 2016
Kali River Rapids: January 4 – February 11, 2016
Pandora – The World of AVATAR: Opening TBD
Rivers of Light: Opening in 2016

Water Parks
Typhoon Lagoon: Park Closed January 4 – March 12, 2016

Disney Springs
Planet Hollywood: January 1 – June 1, 2016

Resort Hotels
All Star Movies: Duck Pond Pool February 22 – 24, 2016
Animal Kingdom Lodge: Kilimanjaro Lounge January 11 – February 5, 2016
Art of Animation: Schoolyard Sprayground January 1 – March 11, 2016
Bay Lake Tower: Bay Cove Pool February 1 – March 18, 2016
Boardwalk Inn: Flying Fish Café February 1, 2016 – September 30, 2016, Luna Park Pool January 11 – February 2, 2016
Caribbean Beach Resort: Barbados Quiet Pool February 17 – 19, 2016, Aruba Pool February 22 – April 15, 2016
Contemporary Resort: Bay Cove Pool February 1 – March 18, 2016
Polynesian Village Resort: Polynesian East Pool To Be Completed In 2016
Pop Century: Bowling Pin Pool February 16 – March 1, 2016
Port Orleans Riverside: Ol’ Man Island Pool January 11 – February 29, 2016, Alligator Bayou Pool B February 10 – 11, 2016, Alligator Bayou Pool C February 15 – 16, 2016
Walt Disney World Dolphin: Guest Room Refurbishments 2016 – 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 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 February 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!