Eat to the Beat

Epcot 2018 Eat To The Beat Concert Series Bands Announced

If you plan to visit Walt Disney World this fall for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, here is some exciting news! Disney has recently released the information about which bands will be appearing in the Epcot Eat To The Beat Concert Series that runs from August 30 – November 12, 2018. Here are all of the details courtesy of Disney:


Spice up your day of delicious dining with live music excitement from top-name acts. Each night during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, the America Gardens Theatre serves up performances from major recording artists. This year, our musical menu features 32 irresistible acts—our biggest and best lineup ever.

Concerts take place nightly August 20 – November 12, 2018 at 5:30, 6:45, and 8:00pm. The current lineup (subject to change and included in Epcot admission):

  • August 30 – 31: Blue October
  • September 1 – 3: Tiffany
  • September 4 – 5: NEW! MercyMe
  • September 6 – 7: NEW! Glass Tiger
  • September 8 – 9: NEW! Tauren Wells
  • September 10 – 11: Postmodern Jukebox
  • September 12 – 13: TBA
  • September 14 – 16: Baha Men
  • September 17 – 19: TBA
  • September 20 – 21: Living Colour
  • September 22 – 23: NEW! Sheila E
  • September 24 – 26: Sugar Ray
  • September 27 – 28: David Cook
  • September 29 – 30: Jeffrey Osborne
  • October 1 – 2: NEW! Jim Belushi & The Sacred Hearts
  • October 3 – 4: Everclear
  • October 5 – 7: Mark Wills
  • October 8 – 10: Air Supply
  • October 11 – 12: TBA
  • October 13 – 14: TBA
  • October 15 – 16: NEW! 98 Degrees
  • October 17 – 18: 38 Special
  • October 19 – 21: The Devon Allman Project
  • October 22 – 23: TBA
  • October 24 – 25: Billy Ocean
  • October 26 – 28: Starship featuring Mickey Thomas
  • October 29 – 31: Hanson
  • November 1 – 2: TBA
  • November 3 – 4: Taylor Dayne
  • November 5 – 7: Boyz II Men
  • November 8 – 9: The Hooters
  • November 10 – 12: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

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 attended an Eat To The Beat Concert? Are you going this year?
Who are you most excited to see? Please leave a comment!

2018 Epcot International Food And Wine Festival Dates Announced

Did you hear the exciting news? Disney has announced the dates for this year’s Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. This delicious event will run from August 30 through November 12 – that is 75 days of fun!

No other details have been released yet, but last year’s festival featured 197 chefs and included 35 food and beverage marketplaces scattered around World Showcase, signature dining experiences, chef demonstrations, and music concerts. The 2017 marketplaces included old favorites plus a few new marketplaces such as Active Eats, Coastal Eats, Flavors from Fire and Light Lab, and The Almond Orchard. No word yet on what Disney has in store for us this year, but remember to check back often as I will share more details as soon as they are announced!

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 during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Independence Day

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!

Celebrating Fourth Of July 2018 In Walt Disney World

Will you be visiting Walt Disney World for the Fourth of July this year? If so, you are in luck! As usual, there are lots of exciting and entertaining options available to make your holiday a magical one. Here’s the current lineup:

Magic Kingdom

Park Hours: 8:00am to 12:00am
(no Extra Magic Hours)

Be sure to see Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky at 9:15pm in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom. Before the fireworks, head on over to Liberty Square for some more patriotic fun at Hall of Presidents or watch The Muppets Present…Great Moments in American History throughout the day.

American AdventureEpcot

Park Hours: 9:00am to 9:00pm
(no Extra Magic Hours)

Check out IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at 9:00pm around World Showcase Lagoon in Epcot. This regular nighttime spectacular adds a patriotic twist to the show, with a special laser light finale celebrating America. All afternoon and evening, guests can also enjoy the Voices of Liberty a cappella group performing traditional Americana tunes as well as take a journey through history during The American Adventure both offered at The American Adventure Pavilion in World Showcase.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Park Hours: 8:00am to 10:30pm
(7:00am to 8:00am Extra Magic Hours)

If it’s fireworks you need for your holiday, make your way to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at 10:00pm to catch the one-of-a-kind Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Park Hours: 9:00am to 10:30pm
(8:00am to 9:00am Extra Magic Hours)

If you’re looking for a more calm and serene way to wrap up the Fourth of July, Rivers of Light, showing at 9:15pm and 10:15pm at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, celebrates a connection with nature through light, water and fire.

Independence DayThroughout Walt Disney World

At each resort hotel across Walt Disney World look for BBQ cookouts, movies under the stars, campfires with s’mores, and more to commemorate the holiday. Be sure to check in with Guest Services at your hotel upon arrival for details on how your location will be celebrating!

And of course, it wouldn’t be Walt Disney World without tasty treats, right? Look for some delicious baked goods and confections decorated for the Fourth of July in all the parks.

There’s no better place to celebrate the red, white and blue this Fourth of July than Walt Disney World Resort!


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 celebrated 4th of July in Walt Disney World?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Why not celebrate the holiday in style? Check out these cute shirts; I love mine!
Please CLICK HERE to purchase now!

Spaceship Earth at Night

Helpful Information For Your June 2018 Disney World Vacation

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

Weather

The weather in Disney World during June is hot and rainy. The average high is about 91 degrees, the average low is about 71 degrees, and the average rainfall is about 8.32 inches. You can expect some rain every afternoon or evening, so be sure to bring your poncho!

Crowds

You can anticipate the crowd levels throughout the month of June to be moderate to high as many families enjoy a summer vacation to the most magical place on earth. Unlike Spring Break or Christmas, summer travelers are spread out over a three month time frame making this a much more manageable time of year to visit.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowJune 1 – June 2
Average Crowd Level 8.0 out of 10
June 3June 9
Average Crowd Level 8.0 out of 10
June 10June 16
Average Crowd Level 6.4 out of 10
June 17 – June 23
Average Crowd Level 6.0 out of 10
June 24 – June 30
Average Crowd Level 6.1 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 – 9:30pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

For specific hours on each day during June, please click this link. Remember that park hours are subject to change and are often adjusted two weeks prior.

Events

On Thursday and Saturday evenings beginning June 21, Disney will be throwing a glowing pool party at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. For more information or to purchase tickets, please click here.

On June 30, get ready for the long awaited opening of Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 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 June (subject to change without notice):

Magic Kingdom
Liberty Square Riverboat: January 8, 2018 – July 19, 2018
Tron Themed Attraction: Opening in 2021

Cinderella CastleEpcot
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
Alien Swirling Saucers: Opening June 30, 2018
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway: Opening in 2019
Slinky Dog Dash: Opening June 30, 2018
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Opening in 2019
Toy Story Mania: June 11, 2018 – June 18, 2018

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 June 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 new 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 June 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 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!