Tag Archives: Disney World

Nov 8 2017

Celebrate The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year With Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Christmas

Even as the snow is falling outside my window here in Colorado, it’s hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner. One of my favorite things about the holiday season is getting into the spirit at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This festive event is held every year on select nights in November and December at Magic Kingdom. I’m counting the days until I’ll be attending later this month, and if you plan on joining in the fun or if you just wish you were, here’s everything you need to know courtesy of Disney!

It’s a Christmas party like no other, with joyful music, a shimmering Cinderella Castle, characters in their festive finery and Magic Kingdom Park decked out and even more magical for merry-making guests of all ages.

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with Mickey, Santa and plenty of Disney friends at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The special holiday festivities feature live entertainment, dazzling fireworks, a cheery parade and more. The party becomes even merrier with complimentary treats and hot cocoa, plus a magical snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party features enchanting entertainment, including:

  • Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration: Mickey and his pals invite some of their friends over for an unforgettable Christmas party filled with music, dancing, color and fun on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage! The celebration features medleys of delightful holiday songs both classic and contemporary, along with special effects, magical projections and beloved Disney characters including Woody and Jessie from “Toy Story,” Fantasyland friends such as Peter Pan and Snow White.
  • A Frozen Holiday Wish: Arendelle royalty and their lovable snowman visit Magic Kingdom Park to help everyone feel the wintry chill in the air and love in their hearts. “A Frozen Holiday Wish,” presented on the Castle Forecourt Stage, features Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff. As a gift to the kingdom, Elsa lets it go and uses her icy powers to transform Cinderella Castle into a sparkling palace of ice. This glowing spectacle will be broadcast live on November 9 on the Disney Parks Blog, for all those who wish to be among the first to see Queen Elsa’s magic kicking off the holiday season at Magic Kingdom park.
  • Holiday Wishes Fireworks– Celebrate the Spirit of the Season: This holiday nighttime spectacular lights up the skies above Cinderella Castle with breathtaking fireworks and beloved music.
  • ChristmasMickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade: It’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride down Main Street, U.S.A. in “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.” Santa Claus, gingerbread men, elves, reindeer and other friends from the North Pole join Mickey and his pals for the happiest holiday parade.
  • Club Tinsel, located inside Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café in Tomorrowland, becomes the coolest place to get down with a DJ and some North Pole pals in the cheeriest dance party this side of Santa’s Workshop!
  • “A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas” – Buzz Lightyear, Mike Wazowski and Stitch join host Haley Comet for an intergalactic musical revue on the Rockettower Plaza Stage. The show is full of modern twists on classic holiday songs and the coolest dance numbers in town!
  • Santa Claus is coming to town! – When he’s not appearing in “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade,” Santa drops in on the Town Square Courtyard near City Hall over on Main Street, U.S.A, where Guests can whisper their fondest wishes to him.

The special party – complete with cookies, cocoa and snow flurries – begins at 7pm, after regular park hours.

Dates for this year:
November 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 26 and 28
December 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21 and 22

For more information and to purchase tickets for this after-hours spectacular, 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 been to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Nov 6 2017

Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels Offering Special Holiday Rates Through January 15, 2018

If you’re looking for a festive way to enjoy a holiday getaway this year, check out the amazing deal being offered by the Disney Springs Resort Area hotels now through January 15, 2018!

ChristmasThere is still time to make plans to experience the special events being conducted in the Walt Disney World® Resort in Central Florida in November and December, such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom® Park, Epcot® International Festival of the Holidays, Candlelight Processional at Epcot®, and Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. It is also a terrific time to see the impressive all-new Pandora – The World of Avatar®, which opened in May at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, and to experience the significantly expanded and beautifully transformed Disney Springs®. Inspired by Florida’s charming towns and natural beauty, the vibrant waterfront Disney Springs® offers a high-quality diverse mix of shops, an impressive variety of upscale and casual dining options, and exceptional live entertainment options, with 130 establishments across its four distinct outdoor neighborhoods.

A great way to experience these events and Disney Springs® is by taking advantage of the special “Holiday Sale Rates” that are being offered by the seven Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels for stays from now through January 15, 2018. Featuring an ideal location in the Walt Disney World® Resort, these seven Official Walt Disney World® Hotels are within an easy walk to the significantly expanded Disney Springs®. In addition to featuring an ideal location at an outstanding value, the seven Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels also provide shuttle transportation every 30 minutes to all four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks, two water parks, and at night to the Disney Springs® area.

The special hotel rates provide the opportunity to take in such exciting new offerings at the Walt Disney World® Resort as Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®; Frozen Ever After at Epcot®; the nighttime spectacular Rivers of Light at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park; and Happily Ever After, the largest projection and fireworks show in Magic Kingdom® Park history.

Plus, as a bonus, guests at these hotels also receive the new “Disney Springs® Passport” booklet that features exclusive discounts and specials from Disney Springs® merchants on entertainment, shopping and dining. Among the coupons featured in the booklet are discounts and special offers at House of Blues® Restaurant & Bar, T-REXTM Café, Paddlefish, Rainforest Café® at Disney Springs Marketplace, The Polite Pig, The Boathouse®, STK Orlando, Wolfgang Puck Express at Disney Springs® Marketplace, Ghirardelli® Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop, Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers, Dino Store at T-REXTM, Rainforest Café® Retail Village, American Threads, Johnny Was, and Sephora.

The Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels’ “Holiday Sale Rates” for stays now through January 15, 2018 are:

  • B Resort & Spa – Disney Springs® Resort Area – rates from $90 per room, per night
  • Best Western Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs® Area – rates from $101 per room, per night
  • DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando – Disney Springs® Area — rates from $134 per suite, per night
  • Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace – Disney Springs® Resort Area – rates from $129 per room, per night
  • Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs® Resort Area – rates from $109 per room, per night
  • Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney Springs® Area – rates from $75 per room, per night
  • Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista — Disney Springs® Resort Area – rates from $77 per room, per night.

For more information on the special hotel rates, or to make a reservation, visit DisneySpringsHotels.com. The special rates are available for stays now through January 15, 2018, based on availability. Some blackout dates may apply, and availability may be limited. The rates do not include the Resort Services Fee or daily parking fee (if applicable), taxes or gratuities. The offer is not valid with any other special offers, promotions, existing reservations, or for groups.

Visiting provides the opportunity to take in such special events as:

  • ChristmasMickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – select nights November 9 – December 22, 2017 at Magic Kingdom® Park
  • Epcot® International Festival of the Holidays – November 19 – December 30, 2017 at Epcot®
  • Candlelight Processional – November 24 – December 30, 2017 at Epcot®
  • Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! – nightly November 9 – December 31, 2017 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®
  • Sunset Seasons Greetings – nightly November 9 – December 31, 2017 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®
  • Holidays at Disney Springs® — November and December 2017 at Disney Springs®.

Note that Theme Park admission is required, and some events require a separately priced ticket.

Visiting also provides the opportunity to experience the immersive, awe-inspiring Pandora – The World of Avatar® at Disney’s Animal Kingdom®, which features truly stunning floating mountains, cascading waterfalls, and a lush rainforest complete with glowing fauna and flora. Impressively, this sprawling new land makes you feel as if you are transferred light-years away to Pandora. Among the offerings are Avatar Flight of Passage, an exhilarating 3D ride that takes you on an expedition on the back of a powerful winged mountain banshee to see the beauty and grandeur of Pandora. Also not to be missed is the family-friendly Na’vi River Journey, a scenic boat ride down a mysterious river, through caves, and lighted by a bioluminescent forest.

Other benefits of staying at one of the seven Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels include:

  • The ability to purchase Disney Theme Park admissions at each hotel
  • Advance tee times and discounts at all Walt Disney World® Resort golf courses
  • Disney Merchandise store located in each hotel
  • The ability to book advance dining and dinner show reservations for all restaurants across the Walt Disney World® Resort.

Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels includes:

  • B Resort & Spa – Disney Springs® Resort Area — the stylish resort opened in June 2014 with 394 newly renovated guest rooms, the full-service B Indulged® AVEDA Spa, and features American Kitchen Bar & Grill
  • Best Western Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs® Area – the 18-story, 325-room resort overlooks scenic Lake Buena Vista and the Walt Disney World® Resort, and offers two restaurants, a lounge, and wireless internet
  • DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando – Disney Springs® Area — the luxurious resort hotel features 229 spacious suites, and is the only all-suite resort hotel in the Disney Springs® Resort Area
  • Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace – Disney Springs® Area – the 27-acre, newly renovated hotel features a beautifully redesigned pool area with four pools, seven restaurants and lounges, spa, and a Character Breakfast every Sunday
  • Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs® Area — the closest hotel to Disney Springs®, the resort offers two pools, a Disney Character Breakfast each Sunday, seven restaurants and lounges (including Benihana® Steakhouse), and 24-hour fitness center
  • Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney Springs® Area — offers the ideal setting to stay and play, featuring modern Florida décor, a beach entry swimming pool, and complimentary Wi-Fi in all guest rooms and public areas.
  • Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista — Disney Springs® Resort Area — featuring a Disney Character Breakfast 3 days a week, 394 guest rooms, six dining options, and the Oasis Aquatic Pool Playground with interactive water features.

With nearly 30 food and beverage outlets and restaurants, over 3,700 rooms and an array of amenities, the Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels offer a rate, space and menu to please every guest. Located in the heart of the Disney Springs® area, these properties are within walking distance of exceptional shopping, dining and entertainment venues. Visit DisneySpringsHotels.com.

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:

Considering a holiday getaway?
Which Disney Springs hotel do you like best? Please leave a comment!

Nov 5 2017

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up November 5, 2017

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for November 5, 2017!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Tip Of The Week

If you need extra living space while in Disney World, but the family suites and multiple bedroom villas are too pricey, check into the cost of reserving two adjoining hotel rooms instead. Often you will be able to book two standard hotel rooms at a value resort for a fraction of the cost of one of the larger family suites or villas.

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Candlelight ProcessionalDisney Did You Know

There are more than 800 performers appearing each night during the Candlelight Processional at Epcot.

Walt DisneyWalt’s Words

“Of all of our inventions for mass communication, pictures still speak the most universally understood language.”

Christmas Magic YOUR BandFeatured 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

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 holiday and planning information plus all of the latest Disney World news!

Have a wonderful week!

Oct 27 2017

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up October 27, 2017

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for October 27, 2017!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Tip Of The Week

If you are traveling with young children not used to drinking out of regular cups yet, it is a great idea to pack some straws. Some places in Disney World only sell bottled beverages which can be difficult for little ones, and a straw can make all of the difference. I also cut a few down to a smaller size and use them in the drinks provided on the airplane.

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Disney Turkey LegDisney Did You Know

Despite the persistent rumors that Disney World’s turkey legs are emu legs, the drumsticks do in fact come from male turkeys that generally weigh 50 pounds or more. Each drumstick itself weighs about 1.5 pounds.

 

Walt DisneyWalt’s Words 

“She believed in dreams, all right, but she also believed in doing something about them. When Prince Charming didn’t come along, she went over to the palace and got him.” 

Christmas Magic YOUR BandFeatured 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

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 holiday and planning information plus all of the latest Disney World news!

Have a wonderful week!

Oct 26 2017

TouringPlans – The Best Of Walt Disney World For Families

Welcome back to the final installment Part 7 of my blog series on TouringPlans – The Best of Walt Disney World!  I hope you’ve enjoyed the last several weeks as I’ve shared with you the top picks in attractions for various groups of travelers visiting the Walt Disney World theme parks. We’ve discussed favorites for babies, preschoolers, grade school kids, teens, adults and seniors. Today we’re going to wrap things up with families. When checking out the list, keep in mind each attraction that made the cut scored a minimum of four stars by at least half of the age groups surveyed and has no height restrictions so that everyone from baby to great grandparents can enjoy it together as a family. Please click here to read my latest TouringPlans article for a full list of The Best of Walt Disney World for families!

Have you traveled to Walt Disney World as a multi-generational family?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!