Tag Archives: Disney World

Independence Day
May 21 2018

Helpful Information For Your July 2018 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 to high throughout the month as families enjoy vacationing during summer break. Be sure to watch out for massive crowds on July 4 especially at Epcot and Magic Kingdom as people flock to the Parks to celebrate Independence Day. Also anticipate increased crowd levels throughout the summer in Hollywood Studios as guests check out the long-awaited Toy Story Land.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowJuly 1 – July 7
Average Crowd Level 7.0 out of 10
July 8 – July 14
Average Crowd Level 6.6 out of 10
July 15 – July 21
Average Crowd Level 7.6 out of 10
July 22 – July 28
Average Crowd Level 7.9 out of 10
July 29 – July 31
Average Crowd Level 6.7 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 8am – 10:30pm (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. Please click here for the current line-up!

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.

This summer, head over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to check out the highly anticipated Toy Story Land. For more information about this new area of the park, 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
Liberty Square Riverboat: January 8, 2018 – July 19, 2018
Tron Themed Attraction: Opening in 2021

Epcot
Guardians of the Galaxy Themed Attraction: Opening in 2021
Kringla Bakeri og Kafe: February 4, 2018 – Summer 2018
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 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 2018, 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 book UPDATED FOR 2018 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 2018 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!

May 20 2018

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up May 20, 2018

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for May 20, 2018!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Star ToursTip Of The Week

If you want a better chance of being the rebel spy in the Star Tours attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, don’t put on your 3D glasses until right when the ride begins, sit toward the middle, and face the front as much as possible before the ride starts.

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Photo Pass LogoDisney Did You Know

With millions of visitors annually, it’s no wonder the Disney parks are among the most photographed places in the United States.  On any given day, Disney’s PhotoPass photographers take between 100,000 and 200,000 photos of guests at Walt Disney World Resort. The PhotoPass service allows guests to view, share and order their Disney photos online and create Disney products such as PhotoBooks and mugs.

Walt DisneyWalt’s Words

“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”

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 FOR 2018! 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!

May 18 2018

Get Married Like A Royal In Walt Disney World

If you’ve ever dreamed of getting married like a Royal, why not consider a romantic Disney Fairy Tale Wedding? With a little Disney magic and a beautiful storybook location, couples can make their very own “happily ever after.” According to Disney:

From castles to beaches, and everything in between, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons offers enchanting backdrops for romantic milestone moments.

Whether couples are looking for an iconic spot to propose, a memorable wedding destination, or an extraordinary honeymoon getaway, Disney Parks & Resorts is the ultimate place to celebrate.  Brides and grooms can choose to celebrate their love story at Disney destinations around the globe including Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, or aboard the Disney Cruise Line.

The Disney Weddings team of dedicated experts can turn fairy tales into reality with amazing venues, world-class entertainment, award-winning chefs, and stunning décor elements — creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Traditionally recognized as a top-ranked wedding and honeymoon destination, Walt Disney World Resort is now a wedding destination with approximately 1,200 couples tying the knot each year. Limitless venues serve as magical backdrops – from outdoor garden settings, gazebos and courtyards, to stunning indoor resort locations.

Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings crown jewel venue is steps away from flagship Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Built on an exclusive island surrounded by Seven Seas Lagoon, the elegant pavilion offers the quintessential fairy tale setting for the perfect union.  Swaying palm trees and lush landscapes envelop the solarium, which offers a picturesque backdrop of Cinderella Castle.

Located south of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the 300-seat, non-denominational wedding pavilion can accommodate an intimate gathering of two to the grandest ball.

A variety of fantasy receptions can be planned at one of Disney’s luxurious resorts — Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s BoardWalk and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. The sky is the limit with themes that include the ultimate Cinderella ball where the bride arrives in Cinderella’s glass carriage drawn by six white Dapper Dan ponies.

Fun-filled memories await couples and their guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  In the evening, couples can choose from exciting dinner shows and romantic candlelit dinners or a night of fun at Disney Springs.  Family members also can enjoy the excitement of staying at a Walt Disney World hotel with specially priced accommodations.

If you are looking to add a Royal touch to your wedding, here are a few of your options…

  • Couples can choose from an expansive collection of fairy tale transportation options to arrive to the ceremony including Cinderella’s Coach, a horse-drawn carriage, or vintage automobile.
  • The tallest cake ever created for a Disney’s Fairy Tale Wedding towered at 10 feet tall.
  • Couples can even say “I do” in front of Cinderella Castle. Imagine beginning your happily ever after inside the Magic Kingdom for an exclusive ceremony surrounded by magic and wonder of the iconic park.

As you can imagine, a Disney Fairy Tale Wedding doesn’t come cheap. Couples are able to select from three unique Collections at Walt Disney World Resort to tie the knot – Memories Collection, Escape Collection and the Wishes Collection.

  • Memories Collection Pricing starts at $3,500 and is for up to four guests in addition to the couple. This package includes the basics such as the ceremony, a musician, some floral, and photography.
  • Escape Collection Pricing starts at $7,000 and is for a maximum of 18 guests in addition to the couple. This mid-priced event includes the basics of the Memories Collection with the addition of a cake and champagne celebration as well as a limousine.
  • Wishes Collection Pricing starts at $12,000 and is for a minimum of 18 guests in addition to the couple. With this completely customizable package truly the sky is the limit! Just to give you an idea, a Wishes Collection ceremony and reception for 100 guests with a premiere location such as Magic Kingdom starts around $75,000.

About Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons

Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons has been making dreams come true for couples since 1991. Well over 45,000 couples have exchanged vows in storybook settings at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Aulani and aboard Disney Cruise Line. Whether it’s an intimate gathering for two or a Cinderella-like affair for hundreds, Disney’s Wedding Planners handle all the details from music and entertainment to floral and decor. For more information, please visit DisneyWeddings.com, or call 321-939-4623.

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:

Would you like to get married in the heart of Walt Disney World?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

May 17 2018

Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar In Disney Springs

Looking for a new watering hole to check out during your Walt Disney World vacation? Head on over to Disney Springs to the unique Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar. Here’s everything you need to know courtesy of Disney:

Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar

A speakeasy inspired by Roman aperitivo bars, located in the storied rum-runner tunnels that adjoin Maria & Enzo’s. Inspired by Florida’s true history of rum running, Enzo’s Hideaway pours Prohibition-era cocktails and serves a casual menu of hearty Roman dishes, such as the city’s legendary Bucatini alla Carbonara (hollow spaghetti with creamy egg and pancetta sauce) and Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe (square-cut spaghetti with pecorino and black pepper). In honor of the weekly dinners Enzo hosted for family and friends, the tunnel bar hosts Sunday Supper, a family-style meal each week.

The backstory tells the tale of Enzo and Maria discovering a long-hidden cavern below the terminal that connected to abandoned sections of the next-door power plant (which today is called The Edison). To Enzo’s astonishment, he came across a Prohibition-era hideaway where a team of flying rum-runners once gathered. Evidence of smuggler activity was everywhere, untouched for decades. Bottles and casks of rum were found along with a roster of flying operatives and their code names. It was a fascinating glimpse at an unknown chapter of the town’s past. Enzo shared his discovery with the local historical society and also decided that the space might make an irresistible spot for dining and socializing. Now it is a cozy gem of a hideaway for Enzo to highlight the family recipes he grew up on, featuring specialties from Rome and nearby regions.

For full menus, current hours, and to make reservations, please click 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 tried Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar yet?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

May 16 2018

Star Wars: Galactic Nights Returns To Disney’s Hollywood Studios May 27

If you are a Star Wars fan, you are probably already thrilled by the upcoming addition to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the currently under construction Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, slated to open in 2019. But to get your Star Wars fix in the meantime while you are awaiting opening day, Disney is hosting an out-of-this-world event on May 27, 2018…Star Wars: Galactic Nights. Here’s everything you need to know, courtesy of Disney:

Tickets are now on sale for the May 27 return of Star Wars: Galactic Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The one-night event celebrates the entire Star Wars saga with exclusive, out-of-this-world entertainment, encounters with Star Wars characters, a panel discussion with creators of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – a new land coming to the theme park in 2019, special photo opportunities, event-exclusive merchandise, specialty food & beverage and much more.

“Star Wars: Galactic Nights is an incredibly special event, and this is only the third time it’s been offered,” said Phil Holmes, vice president of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. “Combine all of the one-night-only experiences with the limited number of tickets available, and it’s easy to see why this night is wildly popular with casual Star Wars fans, super fans and Jedi Masters alike.”

Other treats in store for guests at this exclusive after-hours event include:

  • Stunning Projections transform The Hollywood Tower Hotel. Jaw-dropping projection technology will bathe the theme-park icon with stunning images of locations from across the Star Wars Favorite film moments, special effects, lighting and, of course, the stellar Star Warscinematic score support each celestial scene all night long. These projections will be exclusive to Star Wars: Galactic Nights.
  • New enhancements to Star Wars. The popular Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks and the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show will glow with new show elements that debut at the May 27 event.
  • Select theme park attractions will be open for event guests to enjoy including Star Tours – The Adventure Continues, Star Wars Launch Bay, Star Wars: Path of the Jedi, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Toy Story Mania!, Muppet*Vision 3D, and Walt Disney Presents. There may even be a special Star Wars surprise on an attraction or two.

Park access and activities will be exclusive to Star Wars: Galactic Nights ticket holders. Event hours on May 27 will be 7pm to midnight.

Tickets are available at all Walt Disney World ticket locations and are priced at $129 for adults and $124 for children ages 3-9 (discounts available for annual passholders and DVC members). Call 407-WDISNEY (407-934-7639) for event details and to make reservations. Tickets can also be purchased online 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:

Are you a Star Wars fan? Will you be attending
Star Wars: Galactic Nights? Please leave a comment!