Tag Archives: Disney World

Feb 22 2019

Disney H2O Glow Nights At Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon In 2019

Great news for fans of water parks and beach parties…returning to Typhoon Lagoon for summer 2019 are Disney H2O Glow Nights! Here’s everything you need to know about this ultimate summer celebration, courtesy of Disney:

Experience the ultimate glow party at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park. Join Rex “The Dinosaur of Ceremonies” and his Toy Story pals when special lighting and entertainment turns this watery world into an electrifying nighttime celebration.

Event Highlights

  • DJ Dance Party: Groove to tunes on the sandy beaches by the Surf Pool.
  • Toy Story Pals: Look out for Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and Jessie.
  • Glowing Backdrops: Delight in the lit-up scenery that surrounds you.
  • Unique Food and Souvenirs: Treat yourself to a tempting array of limited-time specialty-themed bites, drinks, and souvenirs available for purchase.
  • Adults Only Area: Special area just for adult party-goers dubbed The Wharf – featuring entertainment and a bar with refreshing libations available for purchase (ages 21 and older).
  • Attraction Access: Enjoy access to all of Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park attractions with shorter wait times.
  • Special Glow: Upon arrival, receive a unique Glow wristband especially themed for the event.

Dates

Every Thursday and Saturday from May 30 through August 24, 2019 – except for June 20.

  • May 30, 2019 
  • June 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 22, 27 and 29, 2019 
  • July 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25 and 27, 2019 
  • August 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22 and 24, 2019

Times

8:00pm to 11:00pm (Guests with event tickets may arrive early, beginning at 6:00pm)

Tickets

Tickets are on sale now by calling 407-939-1872, or by ordering online. Buy your tickets early and save, as advance tickets are $59 for adults (plus tax) and $54 for children ages 3-9 (plus tax). On event days, tickets are $69 for adults (plus tax) and $64 for children (plus tax).

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 attending Disney H2O Glow Nights this summer?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Feb 20 2019

Ron Jon Surf Shop Coming To Disney Springs In 2019

If you have ventured outside the Disney bubble on one of your Walt Disney World vacations, you may have checked out one of my all-time favorite destinations…Cocoa Beach. And one of the landmarks of this surfers’ paradise is, of course, the massive Ron Jon Surf Shop on North Atlantic Avenue. If you love this shop and all of its fantastic merchandise as much as I do, you will be excited hear that later this year you won’t need to make the long drive to the coast. A brand new 10,000 square-foot Ron Jon is coming to Disney Springs! Here’s what we know so far, courtesy of Disney:

Ron Jon Surf Shop is proud to announce plans for a new store that will open late 2019 at Disney Springs. The 10,000-square-foot Ron Jon location will be situated in Town Center at Disney Springs, the shopping, dining and entertainment district at Walt Disney World Resort.

Ron Jon Surf Shop currently operates stores throughout Florida and in other locations along the eastern seaboard including Ocean City, Maryland, Orange Beach, Alabama, two locations in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and its original location in Ship Bottom, New .Jersey. Ron Jon Surf Shop carries all of the beach essentials needed to have fun in the sun and features a wide assortment of surfwear, swimwear, sunglasses, hats, footwear and many other items perfectly suited for the casual beach lifestyle.

According to Debbie Harvey, president and COO of Ron Jon Surf Shop, the company selected Disney Springs as a location for its new store because of the shopping destination’s immense popularity with visitors as well as locals in the Orlando market, many of whom are familiar with the Ron Jon brand.

“We are thrilled to be planning a new Ron Jon store located at Disney Springs,” Harvey said.  “This is an extremely popular shopping destination for local residents and the millions of visitors coming to the Orlando area, and we feel it’s the perfect location for a new Ron Jon Surf Shop.”

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 checking out the Ron Jon Surf Shop?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Independence Day
Feb 18 2019

Helpful Information For Your July 2019 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in July 2018?
July is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World!

Weather

The weather in Disney World during July is hot and rainy. The average high is about 92 degrees, the average low is about 73 degrees, and the average rainfall is about 7.05 inches. You can expect some rain most afternoons or evenings, so be sure to bring your poncho!

Crowds

The crowds in July are moderate throughout most of the month as traveling families enjoy vacationing during summer break while local families stay home avoiding the heat. Be sure to watch out for more visitors on July 4 especially at Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios as people flock to the Parks to celebrate Independence Day.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowJuly 1 – July 6
Average Crowd Level 6.0 out of 10
July 7 – July 13
Average Crowd Level 4.3 out of 10
July 14 – July 20
Average Crowd Level 5.1 out of 10
July 21 – July 27
Average Crowd Level 5.3 out of 10
July 28 – July 31
Average Crowd Level 5.3 out of 10

Magic Kingdom ClockPark Hours

Magic Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 10pm (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 July, please click this link. Remember that park hours are subject to change and are often adjusted two weeks prior.

Events

If you are visiting for the 4th of July, Disney always has additional offerings to celebrate the holiday. You can count on themed merchandise and foods, extended park hours, and enhanced fireworks displays at Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios to celebrate the occasion.

On Thursday and Saturday evenings during the summer, Disney will be throwing a glowing pool party at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. For more information or to purchase tickets, please click here.

 

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom
Tron Themed Attraction: Opening in 2021
Walt Disney World Railroad: December 2018 – Summer 2019

Epcot
Guardians of the Galaxy Themed Attraction: Opening in 2021
Ratatouille Attraction: Opening in 2021
Space Themed Table Service Restaurant: TBD

Hollywood Studios
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway: Opening in 2019
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Opening in Fall 2019

Animal Kingdom
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Water Parks
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Disney Springs
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Planning Tips

If you are traveling to Disney World in July 2019, 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 (7:00am 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 UPDATED 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 July 2019 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!

Feb 17 2019

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up February 17, 2019

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for February 17, 2019!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Tip Of The Week

When visiting Magic Kingdom and it’s time for a meal, hop on the resort monorail to The Contemporary, Polynesian Village, or Grand Floridian to enjoy a quiet, leisurely lunch or dinner. Not only will this help recharge you for more touring, it also offers a nice break from the crowds and heat of the parks.

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Epcot World Showcase Japan Pavilion PagodaDisney Did You Know

Each story of the pagoda in the Japan Pavilion in World Showcase at Epcot represents one of the five elements in the Buddhist Universe. In order from the bottom to top they are earth, water, fire, wind, and heaven.

Walt DisneyWalt’s Words

“The flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all.”

Featured 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

UPDATED! 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 information plus all of the latest Disney World news!

Have a wonderful week!

Feb 15 2019

First Look At Pepe By José Andrés Coming To Disney Springs In 2019

If you love a delicious sandwich and you’re heading to Walt Disney World this year, you have plenty to be excited about. With several new restaurants already open at Disney Springs, get ready to get your fix of savory Spanish-style sandwiches, sangria and more coming in 2019 at Pepe by José Andrés. Here’s a first look:

José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup recently announced the upcoming opening of the first-ever brick-and-mortar location of its beloved Spanish food truck, Pepe by José Andrés, opening in 2019 at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

Attached to the upcoming, lively new Jaleo location at Disney Springs, Pepe will feature an extensive menu of hot and cold Spanish-style sandwiches including bocatas and bikinis, showcasing the best of José’s native Spain. Additionally, salads, soups and sides along with Spanish sangria will be served, rounding out the menu. Highlights include favorites such as:

  • Pollo Frito, made with breaded chicken breast, alioli, bravas sauce, piparrapeppers, gem lettuce, and sherry dressing
  • Serrano y Manchego, served on crispy Pan de Cristal with tomatofresco
  • Bocatade Vegetales, made with roasted peppers, onion, green asparagus, spinach, and manchego cheese on Pan de Cristal.

“A bocata is a true taste of Spain, believe me. One bite and you are transported by the perfectly crunchy bread with all the flavors coming together in perfect harmony,” said Chef José Andrés. “Pepe has my favorite bocatas from all across Spain and I look forward to sharing them with guests at Disney Springs.”

Pepe Food Truck by Jose Andres

The walls of Pepe are decorated with an elaborate mural by Marc Jesús, a famous Menorcan painter, featuring his ever-happy, blue-skinned female characters. The space, along with the adjoining Jaleo, was designed by celebrated Spanish designer Juli Capella and features a breathtaking exterior and vibrant, theatrical interior décor representing the colorful and dynamic culture of Spain.

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 Pepe by José Andrés be on your list of restaurants to try?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!