Tag Archives: Disney World

Sep 24 2015

Frightening Facts About The Twilight Zone Tower Of Terror

Tower of Terror 4

Can you believe that Halloween is next month? Disney World is already celebrating the spooky season with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom on select nights through November 1. In honor of creepy things, I thought it would be fun to take a look at some “frightening” facts about one of Disney’s most scariest attractions – The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Read on, if you dare..

  • Walt Disney Imagineers viewed 156 episodes of “The Twilight Zone” for inspiration when creating The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
  • The ride vehicle is an elevator car.
  • The storyline of the attraction sets the date as Halloween night – October 31, 1939.
  • Tower of Terror 3The architecture of the tower was inspired by multiple Southern California landmarks, such as the Biltmore Hotel and the Mission Inn.
  • The building features 27,000 roof tiles.
  • The outdoor queue area features the songs “Inside” by Fats Waller and “Mood Indigo” by Duke Ellington.
  • The grounds of the Hollywood Tower Hotel were inspired by the look of California’s Griffith Park and Elysian Park.
  • The lobby of the Hollywood Tower Hotel was outfitted with antiques and furniture purchased at Los Angeles-area auction houses.
  • Some of the sculptures featured in the lobby are the work of 19th century sculptor Auguste Moreau.
  • Tower of Terror 2A copy of “Four Pages of Hilarious Star Caricatures by Walt Disney” is featured in Photoplay Magazine on the lobby’s concierge desk.
  • The Library room features a hidden nod to Mickey Mouse in the sheet music, which is for the song “What! No Mickey Mouse?”
  • The clip of film in which Rod Serling introduces the attraction was taken from a “Twilight Zone” episode called “It’s a Good Life.”
  • While actor Rod Serling appears in the film in the Library room, the voice you hear is actually voice actor Mark Silverman.
  • The young girl who disappears in the elevator carries a Mickey Mouse doll.
  • Tower of Terror 1The attraction’s “Fifth Dimension” scene was inspired in part by the “Little Girl Lost” episode of “The Twilight Zone.”
  • The attraction offers a 13-story drop.
  • The drop sequence for each elevator car is selected at random by the attraction’s computer system.
  • Measuring 199 feet tall, Tower of Terror is one of the tallest attractions at Walt Disney World Resort.
  • There is a Disney ghost story that has been passed around for years that the Tower of Terror is haunted by a former “Bell Hop” (cast member) that died during his shift on one of the loading platforms. The story goes that this “Bell Hop” ghost is known to appear on Platform D, flicker lights and freeze the attraction when cast members are trying to do their final ride through at the end of the day. True or not, it sure is spooky!

Heading to Disney World soon?

Ultimate Walt Disney World Hacks for Families with Kids
If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out my new books to help you save time and money!

Check out Ultimate Walt Disney World Hacks for Families with Kids and Ultimate Walt Disney World Hacks for Solo Travelers and Couples for secret insider tips and tricks that you won’t find anywhere else!

Ultimate Walt Disney World Hacks for Solo Travelers and CouplesDiscover how to:

  • save hundreds of dollars on your trip
  • pack including essentials to make your trip more enjoyable
  • score difficult-to-get dining reservations
  • master the complex Genie+ system to beat the lines

With practical advice and secret hacks on saving money, packing, dining, transportation, accommodations, and more, these books are must-haves for anyone planning a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth!

Do you love The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror?
Are you a fan of the show? Please leave a comment!

Sep 23 2015

Narcoossee’s Waterfront Brunch Coming Soon

Narcoossee Brunch 4

Another breakfast option is being added to the Disney World line-up. Beginning on November 22, 2015, brunch will be served at Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa each Sunday. This restaurant features sophisticated dining and gorgeous views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom.

Narcoossee Brunch 3Brunch will begin with your choice of Champagne, Mimosa or a Bloody Mary for adults and a smoothie for children. There will be a Pastry Basket for the table to share that includes chocolate and butter croissants, muffins, Danish, pecan sticky buns, and a seasonal jam. Each guest will select an appetizer from Onion Soup Gratinee, Seafood Charcuterie, Romaine Salad, Shrimp and Grits, and Artisanal Cheeses. Next up, several delicious entrees are available including Brioche French Toast, Croque Madam, Lobster-Egg Benedict, Chicken and Waffles, Three Egg Omelette, Pan-Roasted Loch Duart Salmon, and Steak and Eggs. And if you weren’t already stuffed, each guest wraps up their meal with a trio of desserts.

The cost is $69 for adults and $41 for children (ages 3 – 9). Reservations are available now by clicking here or by calling 407-WDW-DINE. Bon appetit!

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:

Do you have a favorite breakfast spot in Disney World?
Will you be trying brunch at Narcoossee? Please leave a comment!

Sep 22 2015

Celebrate The Osborne Family Spectacle Of Dancing Lights With A Merry & Bright Party

Osborne 2

Saying good-bye to a holiday tradition!

The holiday season is right around the corner and Disney World is already getting in the spirit. Disney recently gave us a sneak peek at some of the exciting things we can look forward to later this year, but along with the good news, there has also been some sad news announced. It is hard to believe, but after 20 years, we will have to say good-bye to The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. I know some people will say that they are just Christmas lights and Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land will be even better, but I’m very sad to see them go. It has been years since I’ve been down to Disney World for the holidays, and I wish I would be able to see those 5 million sparkling lights just one more time. I’m definitely keeping my fingers crossed that Disney will bring them back one day, maybe in Disney Springs, along the Boardwalk, or a different park.

If you are going to be lucky enough to enjoy The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights during its 20th and final year, Disney is offering two Merry & Bright Party options to make the experience even more special.

Merry & Bright Dessert Party

Osborne 3This party will be held November 6 to December 24, 2015, from 7:00pm to 8:30pm (excluding November 17, December 9 and December 18) and December 25 to December 30, 2015, from 8:30pm to 10:00pm. Tickets are $69 for guests 10 and older and $39 for children ages 3 to 9 years old. Gratuity is included in the price and separate admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also required.

Guests will enjoy holiday-themed desserts, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, reserved viewing for The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, and a custom roll-up stadium blanket keepsake. The party location is outdoors at the end of the Streets of America (weather permitting) with open seating. Wheelchairs and ECVs can be accommodated. Tickets are limited and will sell quickly; reservations can be made by clicking here!

Merry & Bright Dinner Reception

Osborne 1This party will be held January 1, 2016, from 8:30pm to 10:00pm and January 2 and 3, 2016, from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. Tickets are $99 for guests 10 and older and $54 for children ages 3 to 9 years old. Gratuity and tax are included in the price and separate admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also required.

Guests will enjoy holiday-themed cuisine, including shrimp, beef and turkey served with wine, beer and other specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, reserved viewing for the lights, and a custom Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights shadow box keepsake. The reception location is outdoors at the end of the Streets of America (weather permitting) with open seating. Wheelchairs and ECVs can be accommodated. Tickets are limited and will sell quickly; reservations can be made by clicking here!

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 seen The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights?
Will you be celebrating with a Merry & Bright Party? Please leave a comment!

Sep 21 2015

Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side

Star Wars Marathon 2

Feel the Dark Side of The Force in Disney World!

After you a Star Wars fan, runner, or both? If so, you’ll be happy to hear that runDisney is adding another thrilling event to the schedule: Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side. After the exciting kick off Star Wars Half Marathon in Disneyland this year, Disney World is now getting in on the action. These races will be held April 14 – 17, 2016 and registration begins promptly at noon Eastern on Tuesday, September 22. Here’s everything you need to know about the Star Wars Half Marathon courtesy of runDisney:

It is a weekend of galactic fun and fantastic runs during the Inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side – at the Walt Disney World Resort. You’ll be running on Darth Vader’s turf with the Emperor’s white uniformed storm troopers cheering you on your way. Darth Vader, the Galactic Empire Sith Lord, has a weekend of powerful surprises in store including spectacular runs, special events, entertainment, and much, much more!

Feel the power of the force with runs for Star Wars fans of every age including the Star Wars Half Marathon, Star Wars 10K, Star Wars 5K, and the runDisney Kids Races. Challenge yourself to the ultimate test with the Star Wars Dark Side Challenge combining the Star Wars 10K and Half Marathon. It’s all part of the first-ever Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side, April 14 – 17, 2016.

Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side

Sunday, April 17, 2016 5:00am
Start: Epcot
Finish: ESPN Wide World of Sports
Fee: $199

The Power of Darth Vader Meets the Magic of Disney!

Star Wars’ most legendary villain, Darth Vader, the Galactic Empire’s Sith Lord, reigns over the first-ever Star Wars Half Marathon – Dark Side at the Walt Disney World Resort. Feel the force on this 13.1 mile thrilling adventure.

Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side – Highlights

  • Timed Half Marathon race
  • 13.1-mile course through the Walt Disney WorldResort
  • Entertainment on-course
  • Family Reunion Area with live entertainment
  • Event Weekend Transportation from the Event Host Resorts

Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side – Race Participants Receive

  • Champion Short-Sleeved Tech Shirt in Women’s or Men’s Cut
  • Half Marathon Finisher Medal
  • Official Digital Event Guide
  • iGiftBag
  • Personalized bib
  • On-course and post-race refreshments
  • ChronoTrack B-tag timed race with live runner tracking signup for friends and family
  • Personalized results website

Star Wars Marathon 4Star Wars Dark Side Challenge

Saturday, April 16 and Sunday, April 17, 2016 5:30am
Start/Finish: Walt Disney World Resort
Fee: $330

The Ultimate Darth Vader Challenge!

Darth Vader throws down a challenge of galactic proportions in the Star Wars Dark Side Challenge. Put the force to work for you in this ultimate test of your strength and endurance that combines the Star Wars 10K on Saturday with the Star Wars Half Marathon on Sunday. Choose your alliance – run for the light or run for the dark – then get set for an amazing 2-day, 19.3 mile-run. Runners who finish both races are awarded the Star Wars Dark Side Challenge Finisher Medal in addition to the Half Marathon and 10K Finisher Medals.

Star Wars Dark Side Challenge Highlights

  • Two courses through the Walt Disney World Resort totaling 19.3 miles
  • Entertainment on-course
  • Family Reunion Area with live entertainment and characters
  • Event Weekend Transportation from the Event Host Resorts

Star Wars Dark Side Challenge Participants Receive

  • Champion Short-Sleeved Tech Shirt in Women’s or Men’s Cut for the Half Marathon, 10K and Star Wars Dark Side Challenge
  • Special Star Wars Dark Side Challenge Finisher Medal, along with Star Wars Half Marathon and Star Wars 10K Finisher Medals for completing the Half Marathon and 10K
  • Official Event Guide
  • iGiftBag
  • Personalized bib
  • On-course and post-race refreshments
  • ChronoTrack B-tag timed races, with live runner tracking signup for friends and family
  • Personalized Half Marathon results website

Star Wars 10K

Saturday, April 16, 2016 5:30am
Start: Epcot
Finish: ESPN Wide World of Sports
Fee: $110

May the Force be With You!

The Star Wars 10K is packed with 6.2 miles of running excitement. The thrills begin at Epcot where you’ll wind your way through Future World and World Showcase, then on to Disney’s Hollywood Studios running passed Star Tours and down Hollywood Blvd and on to the ESPN Wide World of Sports for an exciting Star Wars 10K finisher celebration.

Star Wars 10K Race Highlights

  • Timed 10K race
  • 10K course through the Walt Disney World Resort
  • Entertainment on-course
  • Event Weekend Transportation from the Event Host Resorts

Star Wars 10K Race Participants Receive:

  • Champion Short-Sleeved Tech Shirt in Women’s or Men’s Cut
  • 10K Finisher medal
  • Official Event Guide
  • iGiftBag
  • Personalized bib
  • On-course and post-race refreshments
  • ChronoTrack B-tag timed race with live runner tracking signup for friends and family

Star Wars MarathonStar Wars 5K

Friday, April 15, 2016 6:00am
Start/Finish: Epcot
Fee: $75

Galactic runs and family fun!

Now the entire family can thrill to the excitement of a Star Wars 5K run under the watchful eyes of Darth Vader and his storm troopers! Star War fans (age 5 or older) are invited to take part in all the racing fun on a thrilling course winding through World Showcase and then Future World and on to the finish.

Star Wars 5K Highlights

  • 5K course through Epcot
  • Entertainment on-course
  • Event Weekend Transportation from the Event Host Resorts

Star Wars 5K Participants Receive

  • 5K Unisex T-shirt
  • 5K Finisher medallion
  • Official Event Guide
  • iGiftBag
  • Personalized bib
  • On-course and post-race refreshments

runDisney Kids Races

Saturday, April 16, 2016
Start/Finish: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Fees: $15 dashes, $30 one mile run

A galaxy of fun for the youngest runners!

There’s fun for runners of every age during the Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side. Children 13 and under are invited to participate in the runDisney Kids Races taking place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Track & Field Complex on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Encourage your youngsters to join the fun and sign up for any of the Kids’ Dashes or the One Mile Run. There’s even a Diaper Dash for crawlers! Every child who participates goes home with their own Finisher Medal. Parents are welcome to run with their child; parents participating with their child must sign a separate event waiver. Space is limited.

runDisney Kids Races Age Groups

  • 12 months and under – Diaper Dash for crawlers
  • 1-3 years old – 100m dash
  • 4-6 years old – 200m dash
  • 7-8 years old – 400m dash

runDisney Kids Races Participants Receive

  • runDisney Kids Races T-shirt
  • Kids Race Finisher medallion
  • Personalized race bib
  • Post-race refreshments

Registration is available now for Disney World and Disneyland Annual Passholders as well as DVC members. Registration opens to the general public at noon Eastern on Tuesday, September 22. Remember the runDisney events generally sell out within hours sometimes minutes of opening. Be sure to sign up as soon as the window opens if you are interested. Please click here to register or for more information; may the force be with 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:

Have you done a runDisney race before?
Will you joining the Dark Side? Please leave a comment!

Sep 20 2015

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up September 20, 2015

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for September 20, 2015!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

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!

Free WaterTip Of The Week

Instead of paying the high prices for bottled water or soda while touring the Disney parks, ask for a free cup of ice water at any counter service restaurant instead.

Halloween Party 7Disney Did You Know

More than 245 tons of candy will be handed out to party guests during the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties.

Walt DisneyWalt’s Words

“Happiness is a state of mind. It’s just according to the way you look at things.”  

Red Polka Dot MagicBand SkinsDisney World Enthusiast Giveaway

From now through Friday, October 2, 2015 at midnight, please enter daily to win a set of four Red Polka Dot 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.

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 runDisney, dining, and holiday information plus all of the latest Disney World news!

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