Tag Archives: Disney World

Aug 16 2017

Three Ways To Celebrate New Year’s 2018 In Walt Disney World

Ring in 2018 in Style

Walt Disney World is a perfect place to ring in the New Year. There are many magical ways to celebrate including three fantastic bashes at Disney’s Contemporary Resort!

Disney Countdown To Midnight

This festive party will be held on December 31, 2017 at the Convention Center at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The party will begin at 8:00pm and continue until 12:15am. Admission is $250 per guest and includes tax and gratuity. Guests must be at least 18 years of age to attend this event, must be at least 21 years of age to consume alcohol with a valid form of identification, and must adhere to the dress code.

According to Disney…The fun begins as you head to the heart of the party in the Fantasia Ballroom, where you can indulge in an assortment of libations—including adult beverages for Guests 21 years of age and older—before moving and grooving to dance tunes from our interactive DJ, featuring music spanning from the ‘60s to today. Then, after a delightful culinary experience boasting “best-of-the-best” bites and wine pairings from such restaurants as California Grill, Flying Fish Cafe, Cítricos and Narcoossee’s, you’re invited to soak up the sounds of toe-tapping music from Epic Live. At midnight, sip champagne as the New Year’s Eve “Fantasy in the Sky” Fireworks Spectacular lights up the night from Magic Kingdom park! Throughout the evening, you can capture memories with a variety of themed photo ops and backdrops. And be on the lookout for Mickey and Minnie Mouse, who may stop by to celebrate!

Please remember tickets are limited and will sell out quickly. For more information or to purchase tickets, please click here.

Pixar Party: A New Year’s Eve Celebration

This family friendly party will be held on December 31, 2017 in the Ballroom of the Americas at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The party will begin at 8:00pm and continue until 12:15am. Admission is $175 per guest and includes tax and gratuity. Guests of any age may attend this event and must adhere to the dress code.

According to Disney…The evening starts as you’re welcomed by Sarge to Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Once inside, you’ll quickly find a magical room filled with vignettes from beloved Disney·Pixar films—including “Andy’s Room” from the Toy Story series, an adventure in Metro City with The Incredibles, and a fantastic journey inspired by Up. As theatrical backdrops, dramatic set pieces and special props immerse you in each fantastic world, you’ll also have the chance to meet and interact with popular Disney·Pixar Characters. All the while, little ones can also enjoy fun activities like Boot Camp with Sarge, face painting and even a larger-than-life balloon artist creating favorite Disney·Pixar friends. Then, while you and yours enjoy a delicious buffet-style dinner, an interactive DJ will spin Radio Disney hits from his Cars-inspired DJ Rig—all gussied up with tires and road signs, and looking as though he just drove out of Radiator Springs. But don’t dance the night away just yet! Before the clock strikes midnight, you’re invited to head to the Porte Cochére just as world-famous Magic Kingdom fireworks welcome 2018 in a way that you and your family are sure to remember for a lifetime!

Please remember tickets are limited and will sell out quickly. For more information or to purchase tickets, please click here.

Down in New Orleans: A Disney New Year’s Eve Dining Experience

This exclusive party will be held on December 31, 2017 in the Grand Republic Ballroom at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The party will begin at 7:00pm and continue until 12:15am. Admission is $450 per guest and includes tax and gratuity. Guests must be at least 21 years of age to attend this event and must adhere to the dress code.

According to Disney…During Down In New Orleans: A Disney New Year’s Eve Dining Experience, you’re sure to discover the kind of affair that’s purely… unforgettable. It all begins as you saunter in amid the French Quarter Courtyard décor—where street signs and wrought-iron gates transport you right into the heart of the Big Easy. Soon enough, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a bevy of action stations, each one sure to simmer your senses in unique and extraordinary flavors—from smoked salmon mousse cones and Kobe beef tartar to sheep’s milk ricotta gnocchi and oyster beignets fried on stage, right before your eyes! Then, when dinner time finally arrives, you’ll be guided to a premiere dining destination. Art-adorned walls with visions of New Orleans grace the space, while tables covered in French-Quarter-inspired linens and centerpieces welcome you to take a seat. As a classic jazz band infuses the atmosphere with the authentic sounds of N’awlins, rich scents invite you to savor every vibrant flavor: herb-crusted Louisiana redfish, crayfish étouffée, Black Angus beef cooked two ways, braised short ribs and roast filet of beef with truffled celery root silk. Toward the evening’s end, a spirited vocalist will join the band and bring the classic sounds of legendary composer Randy Newman to life—all before you’re ushered into a private viewing area near the Porte Cochére for champagne and the unforgettable sights of world-famous Magic Kingdom fireworks.

Please remember tickets are limited and will sell out quickly. For more information or to purchase tickets, 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:

Will you be visiting Walt Disney World for New Year’s Eve?
Will you be attending one of these parties? Please leave a comment!

Aug 15 2017

2017 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets Now On Sale

Christmas

2017 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets are now on sale!

Tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party include:

November 9: $94 plus tax (ages 10+), $89 plus tax (ages 3-9)
November 10, 17, 26, 28, December 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14 and 17: $95 plus tax (ages 10+), $90 plus tax (ages 3-9)
December 8 and 15: $99 plus tax (ages 10+), $94 plus tax (ages 3-9)
December 19, 21, and 22: $109 plus tax (ages 10+), $104 plus tax (ages 3-9)

The party is held at Magic Kingdom from 7pm to 12am.

Christmas

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a festive and heart warming experience for the entire family. There is a special holiday parade, entertaining shows, spectacular fireworks, hot chocolate and cookies, character dance parties and even snow on Main Street! You’ll want to purchase your tickets as soon as possible if you plan to attend, because they do sell out. Please click here to purchase now!

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!

Aug 14 2017

2017 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets Now On Sale

MNSSHP 1

2017 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets are now on sale!

Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party include:

August 25 and 29: $74 plus tax (ages 10+), $69 plus tax (ages 3-9)
September 1, 7, 10, 12, 17 and 24: $74 plus tax (ages 10+), $69 plus tax (ages 3-9)
September 19 and 26: $79 plus tax (ages 10+), $74 plus tax (ages 3-9)
September 15, 22 and 29: $88 plus tax (ages 10+), $83 plus tax (ages 3-9)
October 1: $88 plus tax (ages 10+), $83 plus tax (ages 3-9)
October 3, 5, 9, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24 and 26: $94 plus tax (ages 10+), $89 plus tax (ages 3-9)
October 6, 13, 20, 27 and 29: $99 plus tax (ages 10+), $94 plus tax (ages 3-9)
October 31: $115 plus tax (ages 10+), $110 plus tax (ages 3-9)
November 1: $94 plus tax (ages 10+), $89 plus tax (ages 3-9)

The party is held at Magic Kingdom from 7pm to 12am.

Halloween PartyMickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a lively and light-hearted experience and it is truly a family friendly event. There are special parades, exciting dance parties, stunning fireworks, and tons of trick-or-treating stations filled with candy for everyone! Adults and children alike really get into the spirit of the event by dressing in costume, trick-or-treating, and dancing the night away with all of the characters. You’ll want to purchase your tickets as soon as possible if you plan to attend, because they do sell out. Please click here to purchase now!

Please keep in mind Disney’s costume policy (from the official website):

While we encourage creativity, we also value safety and good judgment. If you’re planning to attend these special holiday events, take a moment to read over our latest rules and regulations:

General

  • Disney reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that is considered inappropriate or attire that could detract from the experience of other Guests.
  • All Guests may dress as their favorite character, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests.
  • Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.
  • Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
  • Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.
  • Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into, and/or removed from, unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards.

For Guests ages 13 and under:

  • Costumes and some masks may be worn, as long as the mask does not cover the entire face and eyes are visible. 

For Guests ages 14 and older:

  • Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.
  • Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground. (e.g.,full-length Princess dresses) 
  • Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist. 
  • Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts, and hats are acceptable. 
  • Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords, and tutus. Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face. 
  • Masks of any kind may not be worn. 

 Here’s a little video from the party to get you in the spirit!

Have you been to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party? What did you think?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Aug 13 2017

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up August 13, 2017

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for August 13, 2017!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Tip Of The Week

If you happen to have an important game you would like to watch while you are in Disney World, head over to the Boardwalk Inn and checkout the ESPN Club. This family-friendly restaurant offers over 100 video monitors with global satellite feeds showing every sporting event imaginable, plus a 108 square foot video wall. This place is a sports lover’s dream.

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Liberty Square TreeDisney Did You Know

The “Liberty Oak,” which is the focal point of the Liberty Square area in Magic Kingdom, is the proud parent of more than 500 young trees. They all started out as acorns harvested from the majestic oak.

Walt DisneyWalt’s Words

“Children are people, and they should have to reach to learn about things, to understand things, just as adults have to reach if they want to grow in mental stature. Life is composed of lights and shadows, and we would be untruthful, insincere, and saccharine if we tried to pretend there were no shadows. Most things are good, and they are the strongest things; but there are evil things too, and you are not doing a child a favor by trying to shield him from reality. The important thing is to teach a child that good can always triumph over evil.”     

Behind The Magic Podcast

Be sure to catch up on this week’s episodes when Zeek, Rachel and I discuss Disney news, rumors, and so much more.

  • Saying Goodbye
  • 999 Happy Dinner Guests

For more details about our podcast and to listen, please click here!

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 information plus all of the latest Disney World news!

Have a wonderful week!

Aug 12 2017

Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels Offering Special “Fall Into Magic” Rates Through October 9, 2017

If you’re looking for a fantastic way to enjoy a fall getaway this year, check out the amazing deal being offered by the Disney Springs Resort Area hotels now through October 9, 2017!

There is still time to make plans to experience the special events being conducted at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Central Florida this summer and fall, such as the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival at Epcot®, Eat to the Beat Concert Series at Epcot®, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom® Park, and Disney Night of Joy at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. It also is a great time to see the incredible all-new Pandora – The World of Avatar®, which just opened in May at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, and to experience the significantly expanded Disney Springs®.

A great way to experience these events and new offerings is by taking advantage of the special “Fall into the Magic” room rates that are being offered by the seven Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels for stays from now through October 9, 2017. In addition to the outstanding special events, 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 and Soarin’ Around The World at Epcot®; Kilimanjaro Safaris® and the nighttime spectacular Rivers of Light for a full day to night experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park; and also new this summer Happily Ever After, the largest projection and fireworks show in Magic Kingdom® Park history.

The immersive, awe-inspiring Pandora – The World of Avatar® at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® 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.

Plus, you can experience the many unique venues at the dramatically transformed Disney Springs® area, formerly known as the Downtown Disney® Area. Inspired by Florida’s charming towns and natural beauty, and boasting a picturesque waterfront setting, the vibrant Disney Springs® offers a high-quality diverse mix of shops, an impressive variety of new upscale and casual dining options, and outstanding live entertainment options, currently with 130 establishments.

Set amid beautiful open-air promenades and bubbling springs, Disney Springs® features four distinct outdoor neighborhoods:  The Landing, Town Center, Marketplace, and West Side. Among the many new offerings that are open at Disney Springs® are such dining options as Planet Hollywood Observatory, Celebrity Chef Rick Bayless’ Frontera Cocina, Paddlefish (situated on an iconic paddleboat), renowned Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, Morimoto Asia, and STK Orlando. Among the many other offerings open at Disney Springs® are:  World of Disney® store, AMC Movies at Disney Springs 24, The Art of Disney, The LEGO® Store, Build-A-Dino® by Build-A-Bear Workshop®, Disney Design-A-Tee, Disney’s Candy Cauldron, Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories, and Once Upon a Toy.

Featuring an ideal location in the Walt Disney World® Resort, the seven Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels are within an easy walk to Disney Springs® and 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.

Plus, as a bonus, guests at these hotels also receive the “2017 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, Rainforest Café® at Disney Springs® Marketplace, T-REXTM, Ghirardelli® Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop, American Threads, and Sephora.

The Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels’ “Fall into the Magic” room rates for stays now through October 9, 2017 are:

  • B Resort & Spa – Disney Springs® Resort Area – rates from $79 per room, per night
  • Best Western Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs® Area – weekday rates from $65 per room, per night
  • DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando – Disney Springs® Area — rates from $99 per suite, per night
  • Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace – Disney Springs® Resort Area – rates from $99 per room, per night
  • Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs® Resort Area – rates from $79 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 $72 per room, per night.

For additional information, visit DisneySpringsHotels.com. The special rates are available for stays now through October 9, 2017, 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.

Halloween PartyVisiting also provides the opportunity to take in such special events as:

  • Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom® Park, from August 25-November 1, 2017
  • Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival, from August 31-November 13, 2017 at Epcot®
  • Eat to the Beat Concert Series, from August 31-November 13, 2017 at Epcot®
  • Disney Night of Joy, on September 8 and 9, 2017 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Note that some events require a separately priced ticket.

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 and recently renovated 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 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 fall getaway?
Which Disney Springs hotel do you like best? Please leave a comment!