Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up July 3, 2016

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for July 3, 2016!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Electrical Light ParadeTip Of The Week

When there are two performances of the evening parade scheduled at Magic Kingdom, the second show will always be less crowded as so many exhausted guests have already left the park for the day making securing the ideal viewing spot even easier.

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Wishes 1Disney Did You Know

Every night during Wishes at Magic Kingdom 655 individual pyrotechnics are launched from 11 different locations to create the magical nighttime spectacular.

Walt DisneyWalt’s Words

“Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever.”

Creative Countdown 2Disney World Enthusiast Giveaway

From now through Friday, July 15, 2016 at midnight, please enter daily to win a Countdown To Disney. 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, Jerry, and I discuss Disney news, rumors, and so much more.

  • Monday ~ Mouse Whispers No More Rockin?
  • Tuesday ~ WDW Safety Changes
  • Wednesday ~ Behind The Further Adventure’s Of Walt’s Frozen Head
  • Thursday ~ Behind Big Thunder Mountain
  • Friday ~ Behind Alice Through The Looking Glass

For more details about our podcast and 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 dining and planning information plus all of the latest Disney World news!

Have a wonderful week!

Behind The Magic Podcast Recap June 27 – July 3, 2016

Welcome to Season 6 of Behind The Magic Podcast!

This “snack credit” of podcasts is a unique 15-minute Disney podcast hosted by Zeek, Rachel, Jerry 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 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 ~ Feature Film Fridays with fun information, facts, and reviews of Disney films!

This Week’s Episodes

This week’s episodes include:

  • Monday ~ Mouse Whispers No More Rockin?
  • Tuesday ~ WDW Safety Changes
  • Wednesday ~ Behind The Further Adventure’s Of Walt’s Frozen Head
  • Thursday ~ Behind Big Thunder Mountain
  • Friday ~ Behind Alice Through The Looking Glass

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

We hope you enjoy our show!

Creative Countdown’s Countdown To Disney Giveaway

Savor the Suspense!

Recently I had the pleasure of reviewing Creative Countdown’s Countdown To Disney. If you aren’t familiar with this product, this fabulous countdown allows you to “Savor the Suspense” as you tear off a page each day getting just a little bit closer to that wonderful Disney magic!

Review

Creative CountdownCreative Countdown is the incredible company launched in 2012 by two entrepreneurial moms – Amy Gamber and Joanie Hickey. Their company gives people a fun and unique way to countdown to some of the most memorable moments of their lives such as a graduation, a wedding, the birth of a child, or a magical Walt Disney World vacation.

Through their website, Creative Countdown allows customers the ability to customize one of their many countdown designs with daily personalized messages. For my review, I was able to go on to the Creative Countdown site and customize one of the countdowns for my Summer 2016 Walt Disney World Family Vacation. I added messages to remind my family to book advanced dining reservations, to create our touring plans, to book Fastpass+ reservations, to customize our MagicBands, to check in online, and more. For a planner like myself, Creative Countdown is a dream come true!

When my personalized Countdown To Disney arrived, it was even better that I had hoped. The quality in both the printing and the binding is outstanding. My family and I will love having this daily reminder of how close we are getting to our magical Walt Disney World vacation!

Here’s all of the important information that you’ll need to get yourself a Creative Countdown:

  • Creative Countdowns are available for purchase on CreativeCountdown.com.
  • They offer a variety of styles of countdowns including standard tear-off, personalized tear off, personalized flip stand, and personalized email.
  • The standard tear-off 60 day Countdown To Disney is $9.95.
  • The personalized tear-off countdown starts at $19.95 for 30 pages and additional pages can be added for $0.25 each.
  • The personalized tear-off countdowns can hold up to 400 pages.
  • There are 31 different designs available including options for holidays, weddings, births, graduations, vacations, and more.
  • If you need help personalizing your countdown, they have hundreds of quick-fill entries available that you can use and edit.
  • Creative Countdowns are a wonderful gift idea for friends and family!

The Giveaway

Interested in getting a Creative Countdown of your own? Well, you’re in luck! From now through Friday, July 15, 2016 at midnight, please enter daily to win a Countdown To Disney. Just click the image below 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!

Click image to enter!

Can’t wait and need a Creative Countdown right away?
Please click this link to purchase one today!

Disney World Thanksgiving

Helpful Information For Your November 2016 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in November 2016?
November is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World!

Weather

The weather in Disney World during November is mild and mostly dry. The average high is about 78 degrees, the average low is about 58 degrees and the average rainfall is about 2.14 inches. The evenings can get a little chilly, so be sure to pack a few clothes for cooler weather, too.

Crowds

The crowds in November are fairly moderate with the exception of Thanksgiving week.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowNovember 1 – November 5
Average Crowd Level 5.2 out of 10
November 6 – November 12
Average Crowd Level 6.3 out of 10
November 13 – November 19
Average Crowd Level 4.1 out of 10
November 20 – November 26
Average Crowd Level 8.3 out of 10
November 27 – November 30
Average Crowd Level 3.8 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 November, please click this link. Remember that park hours are subject to change and are often adjusted two weeks prior.

Events

Epcot International Food & Wine FestivalOne of the best things about visiting Disney World in November is the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. This fabulous celebration runs through November 14 and features more than 25 food and beverage marketplaces scattered around World Showcase, signature dining experiences, food and beverage demonstrations, and music concerts. The first details for the 2016 event have been released; please click here for more information.

Very Merry Christmas Party Gingerbread MenBeginning on November 7 and running through December 22, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will be held on select nights at Magic Kingdom. This party is a festive and heart warming experience for the entire family. There is a special holiday parade, entertaining shows, spectacular fireworks, hot chocolate and cookies, character dance parties, and even snow on Main Street! For more information including dates and pricing, please click here.

Turkey LegFor Thanksgiving, several Disney World restaurants serve a traditional holiday feast. If you have your heart set on eating at a particular restaurant for Thanksgiving, be sure to make your dining reservation right away, because holidays do fill up quickly. Disney World dining reservations can be made by clicking here. If all else fails, you can always grab one of those famous Disney turkey legs. Don’t know what I’m talking about? Check out this article!

Holidays Around the World — Mexico PavilionEvery year at Epcot, the holiday season is celebrated with a special event called Holidays Around The World. This year the festive happening will be held from November 25 through December 30. It is filled with yummy food, joyful music and wonderful traditions from countries around the globe. For more information, please click here! 

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: August 8 – November 18, 2016

Epcot
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Hollywood Studios
Pizza Planet: January 11 – Late 2016
Star Wars Land: Opening in 2018
Toy Story Land: Opening in 2018

Animal Kingdom
Pandora – The World of AVATAR: Opening in 2017

Water Parks
Blizzard Beach: October 23 – December 24, 2016

Disney Springs
Fulton’s Crab House: May 1 – December 31, 2016

Resort Hotels
Walt Disney World Dolphin: Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 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 November 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 November 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!

Celebrating The 4th Of July In Walt Disney World

4th of July Castle Fireworks

Are you one of lucky ones who will be visiting Walt Disney World for the 4th of July? If so, you are in luck! As usual, there are lots of exciting and entertaining options available to make your holiday a magical one. Here’s a sneak peek courtesy of Disney:


Guests can celebrate America’s birthday with a red, white and blue extravaganza at Walt Disney World Resort. There will be no shortage of nighttime fun, as fireworks will dance across the skies above the Florida vacation kingdom. Here’s a look at what’s in store:

Magic Kingdom

Disney World Fireworks

The celebration begins with “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky,” July 3 and 4 at Magic Kingdom. The 14-minute fireworks spectacular rockets into the sky above Cinderella Castle at 9 p.m. both nights.

The fireworks are set to an exciting musical score produced in a concert band style. This score was specifically created to stir a sense of pride in being American, show producers say, while at the same time, inviting guests from around the world to feel part of the celebration.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Symphony In The Stars 1Guests can enjoy the all-new “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” fireworks nightly, with the show beginning at a special time of 9:30 p.m. for the holiday weekend, July 3 and 4. The next generation of Star Wars-themed fireworks shows, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” dazzles with new themed fireworks, lasers, special effects and video projections of iconic characters and scenes from the complete saga, all set to the unforgettable score of the film series.

Epcot

American AdventureGuests visiting Epcot on July 4 will have the opportunity to meet some of their favorite Disney characters dressed in patriotic attire throughout the afternoon at the American Adventure Pavilion. Voices of Liberty, the eight-part a capella group, will have special performances at American Gardens Theatre at 12:30, 1:45 and 3pm. They also will perform inside the American Adventure Rotunda at 4:15 and 5pm that day. Guests also will have the opportunity to catch the Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps outside at 1, 2:15, 3:30, 4 and 4:45pm.

That evening, the spectacular fireworks and laser show “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” lights the night at 10 p.m. with a heart-pounding grand finale in a salute to America.

Additional Patriotic Entertainment

Liberty Square TreeOther patriotic offerings that guests can enjoy year-round in the parks include indoor attractions that offer shows about the history of America, dining options and entertainment.

Guests at Epcot’s American Adventure Pavilion will find various ways to explore America’s past and present with “We, The People,” a journey through pivotal moments in America’s history narrated by Audio-Animatronic figures of Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain, and “The Kinsey Collection,” an exhibit that showcases 400 years of African-American achievement through rare art, documents, books and artifacts.

At Magic Kingdom, The Hall of Presidents: A Celebration of Liberty’s Leaders gives guests an entertaining lesson in American history. Guests also can get a taste of traditional New England-inspired foods at Liberty Tree Tavern, a restaurant situated in a colonial-style inn that serves lunch and dinner daily. After nightfall, dancing patriots, a stately bald eagle, glittering lights and the patriotic music of the Main Street Electrical Parade all honor America as the parade’s stunning final float lights Main Street, U.S.A. nightly.


501 WaysHeading to Disney World?

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 celebrated 4th of July in Walt Disney World?
Are you going this year? Please leave a comment!