Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up February 26, 2017

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for February 26, 2017!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Disney World Magic Kingdom Country Bear JamboreeTip Of The Week

If you are visiting Disney World during a busy season, save entertainment and shows that have large capacities for the afternoon hours when the parks are more crowded.

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Disney World Epcot IlluminationsDisney Did You Know

More than 1,200 fireworks explode each night over World Showcase Lagoon in  “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth”.

Walt DisneyWalt’s Words

“Our greatest national resource is the minds of our children.”

spring-flowers-series-2-pink-flowersDisney World Enthusiast Giveaway

From now through Friday, March 3, 2017 at midnight, please enter daily to win a pair of Pink Flowers MagicBand 2 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 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.

  • More Beauty For Disneyland

For more details about our podcast and to listen, please click here!

Magic Your BandFeatured Advertiser

Create your own unique look with a personalized Disney MagicBand Skin. Magic YOUR Band has a range of designs to choose from that you can use as-is or customize with your own text. And if you want to take it to the next level, you can even upload your own photos or images to fully personalize, customize, and decorate your MagicBand. With great discounts for multi-buys, why not create one for the whole family? For more information or to start customizing your own Magic YOUR Band Skin now, 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 Walt 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!

Have a wonderful week!

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

Helpful Information For Your March 2017 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in March 2017?
March is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World!

Springtime MinnieWeather

The weather in Disney World during March can be beautiful. The average high is about 78 degrees, the average low is about 54 degrees and the average rainfall is about 4.01 inches. March is the fifth rainiest month of the year with generally mild temperatures. Hurricane season has not yet begun, however there are the occasional severe storms with tornadoes during this time of year. Remember that although it can reach the upper 70’s by afternoon, low 50’s waiting for the bus in the morning can be very chilly, especially given the high humidity levels in Florida.

Crowds

In years past, March typically began with moderate crowds and by mid-month when a lot of schools begin their Spring Breaks, the crowd levels became high. In 2017, crowd levels are expected to follow the same pattern due to the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, St. Patrick’s Day, and Spring Break, so pack your patience!

March 1 – March 4
Average Crowd Level 5.8 out of 10
March  5 – March 11
Average Crowd Level 5.6 out of 10
March 12 – March 18
Average Crowd Level 7.3 out of 10
March  19 – March 25
Average Crowd Level 7.0 out of 10
March 26 – March 31
Average Crowd Level 6.7 out of 10

Magic Kingdom ClockPark Hours

Magic Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 11pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Epcot
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Hollywood Studios
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

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

Events

Epcot International Flower And Garden FestivalA wonderful part about visiting Disney World in March is the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. In 2017, the event will run from March 1 – May 29 and features over 100 topiaries, interesting gardening demonstrations, beautiful flowers, weekend music concerts and several outdoor kitchens serving delicious foods and beverages. For more information about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, please click here.

Raglan RoadFor an exciting St. Patrick’s Day celebration, head over to Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Disney Springs for music, food, and fun.

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom
The Hall of Presidents: January 17 – June 29, 2017
Walt Disney World Railroad: January 9 – March 2, 2017

Epcot
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Hollywood Studios
Star Wars Land: Opening in 2019
Toy Story Land: Opening in 2018

Animal Kingdom
Pandora – The World of AVATAR: Opening May 27, 2017

Water Parks
Typhoon Lagoon: December 25 – March 11, 2017

Disney Springs
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Resort Hotels
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 March 2017, 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 March 2017 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!

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up February 19, 2017

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for February 19, 2017!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Bing BongTip Of The Week

If your children like to sleep with stuffed animals, be sure to remember to take them out of the bed each morning so that they don’t accidentally get carried away with the sheets and blankets when housekeeping makes up your room.

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Spaceship EarthDisney Did You Know

Spaceship Earth, the visual and thematic centerpiece of Epcot, weighs 16 million pounds — more than three times that of a space shuttle fully fueled and ready for launch. The outer “skin” of Spaceship Earth is made up of 11,324 aluminum and plastic-alloy triangles. Also, did you know that rainwater never falls off the sphere? It’s channeled into the ball and funneled away.

Walt DisneyWalt’s Words

“Whether you say you can’t or you can, you’re right.”

spring-flowers-series-2-pink-flowersDisney World Enthusiast Giveaway

From now through Friday, March 3, 2017 at midnight, please enter daily to win a pair of Pink Flowers MagicBand 2 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 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.

  • Resort Transportation?
  • Behind MouseMingle.com

For more details about our podcast and to listen, please click here!

Magic Your BandFeatured Advertiser

Create your own unique look with a personalized Disney MagicBand Skin. Magic YOUR Band has a range of designs to choose from that you can use as-is or customize with your own text. And if you want to take it to the next level, you can even upload your own photos or images to fully personalize, customize, and decorate your MagicBand. With great discounts for multi-buys, why not create one for the whole family? For more information or to start customizing your own Magic YOUR Band Skin now, 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 Walt 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!

Have a wonderful week!

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up February 12, 2017

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for February 12, 2017!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

spaceship-earth-at-nightTip Of The Week

When starting your day at Epcot, don’t make a beeline for Spaceship Earth. Many guests enter the park and just get in the first line they see. As a result, the wait for Spaceship Earth can be very long in the morning. Make a Fastpass+ reservation for later in the day or hop in line on your way out of the park in the evening instead.

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Tower of Terror 4Disney Did You Know

Walt Disney Imagineers viewed 156 episodes of “The Twilight Zone” for inspiration when creating The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Walt Disney 3Walt’s Words

“Whether you say you can’t or you can, you’re right.”

magic-your-band-spring-flower-pinkDisney World Enthusiast Giveaway

Look for a brand new giveaway beginning Friday, February 17, 2017! Good luck, everyone!

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.

  • Patent Whisperer!
  • Diet Dozen!

For more details about our podcast and to listen, please click here!

Magic Your BandFeatured Advertiser

Create your own unique look with a personalized Disney MagicBand Skin. Magic YOUR Band has a range of designs to choose from that you can use as-is or customize with your own text. And if you want to take it to the next level, you can even upload your own photos or images to fully personalize, customize, and decorate your MagicBand. With great discounts for multi-buys, why not create one for the whole family? For more information or to start customizing your own Magic YOUR Band Skin now, 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 Walt 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!

Have a wonderful week!

Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels Offering Special “Escape The Cold” Rates Through April 16, 2017

If you’re looking for a fantastic way to escape the cold and snow this winter, check out the amazing deal being offered by the Disney Springs Resort Area hotels now through April 16, 2017!


Disney Springs aLooking for a cure for the winter blues? You should consider taking advantage of the special Escape The Cold” rates that are being offered by the seven Disney SpringsTM Resort Area Hotels in Central Florida. Available for stays through April 16, 2017, the special rates are a great way to escape to the Sunshine State, experience such special events as the first-ever Epcot® International Festival of the Arts and the 2017 Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival. It also is a wonderful time to take in the many new offerings in the Walt Disney World® Resort, including the many exceptional new venues at the dramatically transformed Disney SpringsTM area, formerly known as the Downtown Disney® Area. Inspired by Florida’s charming towns and natural beauty, the vibrant new waterfront Disney SpringsTM offers a high-quality diverse mix of shops, an impressive variety of new upscale and casual dining options, and outstanding live entertainment options, with more than 150 establishments across its four outdoor neighborhoods.

Safari at NightThe special rates also provide the opportunity to take in such exciting new offerings at the Walt Disney World® Resort as Star WarsTM Launch Bay and Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®; Frozen Ever After and Soarin’ Around The World at Epcot®; Kilimanjaro Safaris® for a full day to night experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park; and Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire stage show at Magic Kingdom® Park.

In addition to the seven Disney SpringsTM Resort Area Hotels having an ideal location with an easy walk to the significantly expanded Disney SpringsTM, these seven Official Walt Disney World® Hotels also provide shuttle transportation every 30 minutes to all four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks, two water parks, and at night to the Disney SpringsTM area.

house-of-blues-1Plus, as a bonus, guests at these hotels also receive the “Disney SpringsTM Passport” booklet that features exclusive discounts and specials from Disney SpringsTM merchants on entertainment, shopping and dining. Among the coupons featured in the booklet are discounts and special offers at Splitsville Luxury LanesTM, House of Blues® Restaurant, Ghirardelli® Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop, STK Orlando, and Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea.

The Disney SpringsTM Resort Area Hotels’ Escape The Cold” Rates for stays through April 16, 2017, are:

  • B Resort & Spa – rates from $104 per room, per night (which is 30% off)
  • Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel – rates from $89 per room, per night.
  • DoubleTree Suites by Hilton – Orlando Lake Buena Vista — rates from $139 per suite, per night
  • Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace – rates from $116 per room, per night
  • Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – rates from $116 per room, per night
  • Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney SpringsTM Area – rates from $129 per room, per night
  • Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney SpringsTM Resort Area – rates from $77 per room, per night.

For more information on the special hotel rates, or to make a reservation, visit DisneySpringsHotels.com. The special rates are available for stays now through April 16, 2017, based on availability. Some blackout dates may apply, and availability may be limited. The rates do not include the Resort Services Fee or daily parking fee (if applicable), taxes or gratuities. The offer is not valid with any other special offers, promotions, existing reservations, or for groups.

Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalVisiting provides the opportunity to take in such special events as:

  • 2017 Epcot® International Festival of the Arts – weekends (Fridays-Mondays) between January 13-February 20, 2017 at Epcot®
  • Atlanta Braves Springs Training – February 25 – March 29, 2017 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
  • 2017 Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival – March 1 – May 29, 2017 at Epcot®
  • Garden RocksTM Concert Series – Fridays-Mondays March 1 – May 29, 2017 at Epcot®

Note that Theme Park admission may be required, and some events require a separately priced ticket.

Other benefits of staying at one of the seven Disney SpringsTM Resort Area Hotels include:

  • The ability to purchase Disney Theme Park admissions at each hotel
  • Advance tee times and discounts at all Walt Disney World® Resort golf courses
  • Disney Merchandise store located in each hotel
  • The ability to book advance dining and dinner show reservations for all restaurants across the Walt Disney World® Resort.

Disney Springs 1The reimagined Disney SpringsTM area overflows with the sights, sounds and flavors that come together in a beautiful outdoor environment with a charming waterfront setting. Set amid beautiful open-air promenades and bubbling springs, this vibrant destination features four distinct outdoor neighborhoods:  The Landing, Town Center, Marketplace, and West Side.

Among the many new offerings that are open at Disney SpringsTM are such outstanding retail tenants as kate spade new york, Vera Bradley, Tommy Bahama, PANDORA Jewelry, Under Armour Brand House, ALEX AND ANI, Sephora, UGG, and TROPHY ROOM.

In addition, Disney SpringsTM features such new specialty dining locations as Celebrity Chef Rick Bayless’ Frontera Cocina, renowned Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming, Amorette’s Patisserie, STK Orlando, B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co., D-Luxe Burger, Morimoto Asia Street Food, Sprinkles (cupcake bakery), The Daily Poutine, and YeSake.

Ganachery 9Among the other appealing offerings which opened during the past year are the Indiana Jones-themed Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, The Ganachery chocolate shop, Vivoli Il Gelato (serving Italian gelato like its sister shop in Florence, Italy), Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC (which specializes in gluten-free and vegan baked goods), and Exposition Park (the home to Disney-owned food trucks, with delicious offerings from each of the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks).

Plus, there are two new parking garages with a total of 6,000 spaces, and the new Village Causeway, which provides guests another path of travel through the area. In addition, a pedestrian bridge from the Disney SpringsTM Resort Area Hotels to the Disney SpringsTM area is now available, making it even easier for guests.

Among the many other offerings open at Disney SpringsTM are:  World of Disney store, AMC Movies at Disney Springs 24, The Art of Disney, The LEGO® Store, Build-A-Dino® by Build-A-Bear Workshop®, Disney Design-A-Tee, Disney’s Candy Cauldron, Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories, Once Upon a Toy, Orlando Harley-Davidson (apparel and accessories), Pearl Factory, Starbucks® at Disney SpringsTM Marketplace, and Shop for Ireland.

Disney SpringsTM Resort Area Hotels is a consortium of seven Official Walt Disney World® Hotels that includes:

  • B Resort & Spa the stylish resort opened in June 2014 with 394 newly renovated guest rooms, the full-service B Indulged® AVEDA Spa, and features American Kitchen Bar & Grill
  • Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel – the 18-story, 325-room resort overlooks scenic Lake Buena Vista and the Walt Disney World® Resort, and offers two restaurants, a lounge, and wireless internet
  • DoubleTree Suites by Hilton – Orlando Lake Buena Vista the luxurious and recently renovated resort hotel features 229 spacious suites, and is the only all-suite resort hotel in the Disney SpringsTM Resort Area
  • Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace (formerly known as the Buena Vista Palace) situated on 27 lush acres just steps from the Disney SpringsTM Area, the 27-story hotel is nearing completion of an extensive multi-million-dollar renovation, and features a Character Breakfast every Sunday
  • Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista the closest hotel to Disney SpringsTM, the resort offers two pools, a Disney Character Breakfast each Sunday, seven restaurants and lounges (including Benihana® Steakhouse), and 24-hour fitness center
  • Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney SpringsTM Area — offers the ideal setting to stay, meet and play, featuring modern Florida décor and complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney SpringsTM Resort Area featuring Disney Character Breakfast 3 days a week, 394 guest rooms, six dining options, and the Oasis Aquatic Pool Playground with interactive water features.

With nearly 30 food and beverage outlets and restaurants, over 3,700 rooms and an array of amenities, the Disney SpringsTM Resort Area Hotels offer a rate, space and menu to please every guest. Located in the heart of the Disney SpringsTM area, these properties are within walking distance of exceptional shopping, dining and entertainment venues.


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:

Considering a winter getaway?
Which Disney Springs hotel do you like best? Please leave a comment!