Tag Archives: Disney World

Jan 5 2016

New Details About Disney’s Animal Kingdom Rivers Of Light

Rivers of Light 2

Last fall Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek announced the plans Disney has to transform Disney’s Animal Kingdom after dark with new nighttime entertainment and experiences offering guests longer days than ever before at this one-of-a-kind theme park.

New details were recently unveiled, telling guests more about the show that will take place on Discovery River at the park, between Discovery Island and Expedition Everest. Opening this spring, “Rivers of Light” will be an innovative experience unlike anything ever seen in a Disney park, combining live performers, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery. “Rivers of Light” will magically come to life on the natural stage of Discovery River, delighting guests and truly capping off a full day of adventures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Rivers of LightAccording to Disney Parks Blog: In “Rivers of Light,” a pair of mystical hosts come to the river bearing gifts of light. During the show, the hosts set out from the shore on elaborate lantern vessels for a dramatic dance of water and light to summon animal spirits. With the storytellers as your guides, the wonders of “Rivers of Light” builds to a stunning crescendo.

“This is going to be a ceremonial event that will happen on our lake,” said Imagineer Joe Rohde. “It takes the idea of the special nature of the animals that are in this park and turns it into a celebration of the beauty of these animals. It starts simply and humbly, continues to unfold and grow as bigger and more elaborate lanterns appear, and then huge curtains of water and light emerge from the water with animals within them. And ultimately it takes off into the sky.”

In order to create this masterpiece, Imagineers and Creative Entertainment partnered with some of the best including the filmmakers at Disneynature, master puppet designer Michael Curry, and composer Mark Mancina.

Check out this sneak peek into the show with Imagineer Joe Rohde!

I am thrilled to see Animal Kingdom getting extended hours and evening entertainment. Often this park gets a bad rap for its few attractions, but what it is lacking in rides, it more than makes up for with a beautifully cohesive theme. I love this park and I’m looking forward to being able to enjoy it at night, what about you?

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:

Are you looking forward to Rivers of Light and visiting the park at night?
Please leave a comment!

Jan 4 2016

Minnie’s Silver Screen Dine At Hollywood & Vine

Hollywood & Vine

Hooray for Hollywood!

Are you a fan of the Academy Awards? For the last few years, several of my friends and I have made a point to watch all of the films nominated for Best Picture, have lengthy discussions and debates about what we liked and what we didn’t, and of course, make our predictions of which one will win the coveted title. It’s our version of a Book Club except it is for movie lovers that don’t have time for reading much anymore. My Best Picture prediction has been spot on the last two years, and I’m hoping for the trifecta in 2016. Keeping my fingers crossed anyway!

If you happen to be visiting Disney World this Academy Award season like myself, not only can you catch one of the nominated films at the AMC theatre in Disney Springs, but Disney is offering a fun-for-the-whole-family character dining experience to help you enjoy the glamour of Hollywood – Minnie’s Silver Screen Dine at Hollywood & Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Here’s everything you need to know courtesy of Disney:

Minnie Mouse and her friends celebrate the magic of the movies and glamour of Hollywood with an epic feast at the new Minnie’s Silver Screen Dine at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The all new character dining experience is hosted by Minnie and her pals and begins just in time for Academy Awards season.

Minnie's Holiday Dine 2Dinner guests will walk the red carpet and get ready for their close-up with some of the biggest stars of the silver screen. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Goofy will all be there and dressed in their designer best. Mickey will greet guests and pose with them for photographs in the midst of the glitz and glamour before escorting them into the dinner party, where guests get the chance to meet Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Goofy as they enjoy classic cuisine, themed to old Hollywood. This new party at Walt Disney World Resort is filled with dazzling décor, a sweeping musical score, award-winning food, activities and more.

Minnie’s Silver Screen Dine runs from January 4 through March 20, 2016. The cost is $46.99 per adult and $27.99 per child (ages 3 – 9), or one dining table service credit on the Disney Dining Plan. There is also a Fantasmic! Dining Package available that includes the character meal plus special VIP seating for Fantasmic! Prices for this package are $53.99 for adults and $42.99 for children. All prices exclude tax and gratuity. Reservations are available by clicking here or by calling 407-WDW-DINE. Make reservations now, remember seating is limited!

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 dining with Minnie & friends? Please leave a comment!

Jan 3 2016

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up January 3, 2016

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

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Fastpass Plus LogoTip Of The Week

Not sure how far ahead of time to book your Disney World vacation? A good rule of thumb is to make your reservation more than six months in advance. By securing an onsite reservation this early, you will be able to make your dining reservations six months ahead of check in for your entire trip and your Fastpass+ reservations 60 days in advance.

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Disney Hollywood Studios CokeDisney Did You Know

More than 75 millions Cokes are consumed each year at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Walt Disney 5Walt’s Words

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

2016 Tale CoverDisney World Enthusiast Giveaway

Look for a new “A Tale of Two Resorts 2016” giveaway beginning Friday, January 8, 2016! Good luck, everyone!

Behind The Magic Podcast

Be sure to catch up on this week’s episodes when Zeek, Rachel, Tim, Richard, Sarah, Jerry 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 2 2016

Behind The Magic Podcast Recap December 28 – January 1, 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, Tim, Sarah, Richard, Jerry and myself. Every day Monday through Friday you can join us for entertaining Disney information, discussions, guests, games, and more. Zeek and Rachel will be surprising you each and every day with all of their fabulous humor and Disney insider knowledge. And of course, we’ll also keep you up-to-date on Disney news with our daily “Mouse News Minute” segment plus I’ll be sharing all of the latest Disney gossip with my weekly “Mouse Whispers” segment.

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

  • Magical Mondays with fun and games!
  • Topical Tuesdays with exciting Disney discussions!
  • With Us Wednesdays with celebrity guests from around the Disney Universe!
  • Theme Park Thursdays with fun information, facts, and stories about the parks!
  • Field Trip Fridays with information helpful to your park visit!

This Week’s Episodes

This week’s episodes include:

  • Monday ~ Magical Mythical New Years
  • Tuesday ~ Behind AI Monorails
  • Wednesday ~ Behind He Said She Said Podcast
  • Friday ~ Behind Our Disney Resolutions

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

We hope you enjoy our show!

Jan 2 2016

Wishes: A Magical Gathering Of Disney Dreams Soundtrack CD Giveaway Winner

A little bit of magic to enjoy at home!

The Winner

Congratulations to Jill who won a Wishes: A Magical Gathering Of Disney Dreams soundtrack CD. Thanks to everyone who took the time to enter and be sure to follow me on Twitter and Facebook to hear about more free giveaways throughout 2016!

Thanks for entering!