Oct 12 2018

Celebrate The Holidays Throughout Walt Disney World In 2018

Even with snow predicted here in Colorado for next week, it’s hard to believe that the holidays are right around the corner. As usual there are tons of things planned throughout Walt Disney World Resort to celebrate the season. Here’s everything you need to know courtesy of Disney…

From captivating décor and unique character experiences to delicious treats and magical moments, there is something for everyone during the holiday season at Walt Disney World Resort, starting November 8. Here is a preview of the festivities that await guests.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Guests will experience a Flurry of Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, November 8 through January 6, with festive entertainment and exciting holiday touches around the park.

The new Toy Story Land will feature special seasonal fun, such as holiday songs on Alien Swirling Saucers.
Sunset Seasons Greetings returns this year with impressive new laser effects and “snow.” Guests will witness spectacular projections of beloved Disney Characters – Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Olaf and others – sharing their favorite seasonal stories as holiday magic transforms the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel into scenes of the season.
The nighttime spectacular Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! will combine state-of-the-art projections, fireworks, special effects and music to create a one-of-a-kind holiday experience.
Guests will meet Santa at the Once Upon a Time shop November 10 through December 24, and Santa Goofy after he steps in December 25.

Magic Kingdom Park

Charming decorations, holiday treats, a sparkling icy castle and more will await guests at Magic Kingdom Park, transforming it into an enchanting holiday wonderland.

The holiday festivities at the park will also include Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a specially ticketed, limited-attendance celebration that will take place on select nights starting November 8. Each night of the event will feature an exclusive showing of Holiday Wishes fireworks and performances of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas and Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration stage show. Guests will also experience the beauty of a scintillating Cinderella Castle, meet characters in their festive finery and even enjoy complimentary cookies and cocoa.

For more information about this specially ticketed party, please click here.

Epcot

Guests will discover joyous holiday traditions from 11 World Showcase nations during Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. Beginning November 18, this year’s festival will deliver a yuletide extravaganza.

Seasonal tastes from around the globe are served at special Holiday Kitchens.
World Showcase pavilions come alive with the sights and sounds of special entertainment celebrating each country’s holiday heritage.
Chip and Dale will be collecting ornaments for their Christmas tree. In Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree scavenger hunt, guests will purchase a map and stickers from select merchandise locations and travel around World Showcase looking for the famous chipmunks with their ornaments. Guests will then return their completed maps for a festive surprise, courtesy of Chip and Dale. Maps are available for $6.99 (plus tax).
The nightly fireworks display, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, will feature an additional holiday finale.
One of the most popular Epcot traditions, the Candlelight Processional, returns. This retelling of the Christmas story will feature a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a choir. Performances will run three times each night from November 22 through Dec 30.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

New this year, the magic of nature will receive a holiday touch with the inclusion of Diwali, the holiday Festival of Lights in India, as part of the new live show UP! A Great Bird Adventure. Starting November 8, guests will join fun-loving pals Russell and Dug from Disney•Pixar’s “Up” in discovering some of the world’s most exotic birds.

Disney Springs

Disney Springs will be the perfect destination for holiday shopping, dining and entertainment, with the chance to experience holiday magic along the way. Festivities run November 8 through January 5:

Guests will stroll through the Christmas Tree Trail and view custom-decorated holiday trees, each dedicated to a popular Disney theme featuring characters like Mary Poppins, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, among others.
At Santa’s Chalet, Santa Claus will accept Christmas wish lists and welcome guests. From December 25 through December 31, Santa Goofy will take over after Old Saint Nick heads back to the North Pole.
Guests will take part in Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt and discover where the mischievous Experiment 626 is hiding.

Holiday Fun at Resort Hotels

Resorts across Walt Disney World will be decked out for the holidays. Special offerings include:

Life-size edible creations will take shape at select resorts. A holiday gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be home to The Bake Shop, where guests will pick up holiday treats, including the namesake gingerbread. A life-size, edible spinning carousel is a holiday tradition at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, while a holiday village with a miniature train takes center stage at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.
In the lobbies of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, guests will take in the grandeur of massive Christmas trees.
No holiday is complete without a special dining experience. Holiday menus that celebrate the season will be found at restaurants throughout Walt Disney World. For holiday dining information and reservations, guests can call (407) WDW-DINE.

Ring in the New Year at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel

To celebrate the New Year, guests will be able to choose between two New Year’s Eve celebrations at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Pixar Party: A New Year’s Eve Celebration and Disney Countdown to Midnight, including an option to purchase VIP access to the Ink and Paint Club. Both celebrations will feature entertainment, music, food and refreshments, plus a viewing of the Magic Kingdom New Year’s Eve fireworks to cap off the night.

Heading 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:

Check out my book 501 Ways to Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Vacation for secret insider tips and tricks that you won’t find anywhere else!
View the latest Disney World discounts currently available!
Guarantee the best vacation price by clicking here for more information!

Have you been to Walt Disney World during the holidays?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Oct 10 2018

Epcot’s 2018 Candlelight Processional Dining Packages Now On Sale

The Candlelight Processional is one of the most beloved holiday traditions at Walt Disney World, with the joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and glorious mass choir. Candlelight performances take place at 5:00pm, 6:45pm and 8:15pm at the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot from November 22 through December 30, 2018.

Narrators

November 22 – 23: Chita Rivera
November 24 – 25: Helen Hunt
November 26 – 27: Alfonso Ribeiro
November 28 – December 2: TBD
December 3 – 6: Neil Patrick Harris
December 7 – 9: Whoopi Goldberg
December 10 – 12: Bart Millard
December 13 – 14: Blair Underwood
December 15 – 17: Gary Sinise
December 18 – 20: Pat Sajak
December 21 – 23: Auli’i Cravalho
December 24 – 25: Edward James Olmos
December 26 – 27: Jodi Benson
December 28 – 30: Cal Ripken Jr.

Please note that narrators are subject to change without notice.

Candlelight Dining Packages

Guests may purchase Candlelight Dining Packages to reserve a seat at the Candlelight Processional. These packages include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. There are breakfast, lunch, and dinner packages available. Breakfast starts at $38 for adults and $22 for children, lunch and dinner starts at $50 for adults and $15.50 for children. Each meal includes an appetizer, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage (or buffet depending on the location selected). Prices do not include tax, gratuity, or the required park admission. Participating restaurants include Akershus Royal Banquet, Ale & Compass, Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room, Coral Reef Restaurant, Biergarten Restaurant, The Garden Grill Restaurant , Nine Dragons Restaurant, Restaurant Marrakesh, Spice Road Table, San Angel Inn Restaurante, Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, Les Chefs de France, Tokyo Dining, Teppan Edo, Tutto Italia Ristorante, Trattoria al Forno, and La Hacienda de San Angel. Guests may call 407-WDW-DINE for reservations or book online by clicking here. Hurry – Availability is limited!

Heading to Disney World for the holidays?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World during the holiday season, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Check out my book 501 Ways to Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Vacation for secret insider tips and tricks that you won’t find anywhere else!
View the latest Disney World discounts currently available!
Guarantee the best vacation price by clicking here!

Have you attended the Candlelight Processional before? What did you think?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Jun 18 2018

Helpful Information For Your November 2018 Disney World Vacation

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

Weather

The weather in Disney World during November is mild and mostly dry. The average high is about 78 degrees, the average low is about 58 degrees and the average rainfall is about 2.14 inches. The evenings can get a little chilly, so be sure to pack a few clothes for cooler weather, too.

Crowds

The crowds in November are fairly moderate with the exception of Thanksgiving week.

November 1 – November 3
Average Crowd Level 4.7 out of 10
November 4 – November 10
Average Crowd Level 6.4 out of 10
November 11 – November 17
Average Crowd Level 6.0 out of 10
November 18 – November 24
Average Crowd Level 9.7 out of 10
November 25 – November 30
Average Crowd Level 5.2 out of 10

Park Hours

Magic Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Epcot
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Hollywood Studios
Open most days from 9am – 8pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 8pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

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

Events

One of the best things about visiting Disney World in November is the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Last year’s festival featured featured 197 chefs and included more than 35 food and beverage marketplaces scattered around World Showcase, signature dining experiences, food and beverage demonstrations and music concerts. For more information, please click here.

Beginning on November 8 and running through December 21, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will be held on select nights at Magic Kingdom. This 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! For more information including dates and pricing, please click here.

For Thanksgiving, several Disney World restaurants serve a traditional holiday feast. If you have your heart set on eating at a particular restaurant for Thanksgiving, be sure to make your dining reservation right away, because holidays do fill up quickly. Disney World dining reservations can be made by clicking here.

Every year at Epcot, the holiday season is celebrated with the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. This year’s event will be held from November 22 through December 30. It is filled with yummy food, joyful music and wonderful traditions from countries around the globe. For more information, please click here!

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom
Tron Themed Attraction: Opening in 2021

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 2019

Animal Kingdom
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Water Parks
Blizzard Beach: October 28, 2018 – January 5, 2019

Disney Springs
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Planning Tips

If you are traveling to Disney World in November 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.
Once your tickets are linked and at exactly 60 days in advance of your check in date (7am 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 November 2018 reservations, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save money:

View the latest Disney World discounts currently available!
Guarantee the best vacation price by clicking here for more information!

Join The Fun

Disney 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!

Jun 14 2018

2018 Epcot International Food And Wine Signature Dining Events Now On Sale

For all of you “foodies” out there, reservations for the Epcot Signature Dining Events offered as a part of this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival are now available. Book now – remember space is limited!

Mexican Tequila Lunch – La Hacienda de San Angel, Mexico Pavilion

Savor south-of-the-border cuisine paired with the fiery taste of tequila!

As you indulge in the authentic aromas and gourmet ingredients of a 4-course Mexican meal, you’re invited to celebrate your senses as you sample from a diverse range of tequila and mezcal selections—each carefully chosen to complement the spices found in these unique, regionally themed dishes. It’s an unforgettable epicurean adventure—one that explains the history of agave spirits and the subtle nuances found this series. Get ready to eat, drink… and merrily sing “Olé!”

Where: La Hacienda de San Angel, Mexico at Epcot®

Dates: August: 30, 31
September: 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28
October: 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 31
November: 1, 2, 7, 8, 9

Time: 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Price: $85.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

Italian Food, Wine Vs. Beer Pairing at Via Napoli – Via Napoli, Italy Pavilion

Discover authentic Italian dishes with an original twist, each expertly prepared and served with regional beverages.

Guests will eat, stay and love an amazing menu filled with robust flavors adored the world over. Sit down to a 5-course gourmet meal paired with the chef’s own impeccable selection of Italian wines and craft beer—all chosen to complement his/her original recipes. One taste is all it takes to see why Italian cuisine warms the heart and satisfies the palate. Mangiare!

Where: Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, Italy at Epcot®

Dates: September: 25, 27
October: 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30
November: 1, 6, 8

Time: 1:30PM – 4:15PM

Price: $88.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

Italian Regional Food & Wine Pairing Luncheon – Tutto Gusto, Italy Pavilion

Gather in a rustic wine cellar as Italy’s finest food and drink are paired in perfect harmony.

Amidst the Tuscan-style stone walls, luncheon Guests are in for the ultimate dining experience. Savor a spectacular 5-course meal of epicurean delights—all served with select wines chosen for their distinct yet complementary flavors. Capturing the true essence of the country’s rich culture, your chef promises to prepare an authentic Italian meal that’s pure perfezione.

Where: Tutto Gusto at Tutto Italia Ristorante, Italyat Epcot®

Dates: September: 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26
October: 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31
November: 5, 7

Time: 12:00PM – 2:30PM

Price: $99.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

Parisian Breakfast – Chefs de France, France Pavilion

Start the day with fabulous fresh-baked goodness, from baguettes and croissants to patisserie-perfect pain au chocolat.

Wake up and smell the petit déjeuner! Guests are invited to sip cappuccino, hot chocolate or amazing French sparkling mimosas all while indulging in an authentic Parisian breakfast buffet that’s deliciously decadent. Be sure to slather a bit of confiture on your baguette for a traditional tartine. With buttery croissants, pastries and more, your first meal of the day will never be the same!

Where: Chefs de France

Dates: September: 22, 29
October: 6, 13, 20, 27
November: 3, 10

Time: 9:15AM – 10:30AM

Price: $40.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

French Family Meal Traditions – Monsieur Paul, France Pavilion

From hors d’oeuvres to entrées, experience authentic French fare just like Maman used to make.

There’s no place like home—whether it’s Avignon, Lyon or Vendôme! As the chefs at Monsieur Paul share their treasured family recipes, Guests will experience a culinary adventure that’s deliciously nostalgic. Each dish is created with traditional Le Creuset cast iron pots for a rustic, family-style meal. Masterfully paired with the perfect wines, these magnifique meals promise to take you on a tasty trip through some of the country’s most famous places.

Where: Monsieur Paul

Dates: October: 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28
November: 2, 4, 9, 11

Time: 12:00PM – 3:30PM

Price: $95.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

The Parisian Afternoon, Sandwiches, Macarons and Bubbles! – Monsieur Paul, France Pavilion

C’est merveilleux… indulge in heavenly morsels from Monsieur Paul, the culinary jewel of the France pavilion.

Love is in the fare! From finger sandwiches and savory mignardises to melt-in-your-mouth macarons and an assortment of delicate petit fours, both foodies and Francophiles alike will feel as if they’ve been whisked away to a dreamy bistro along la Rive Gauche. Take a respite from your Epcot adventures to relax, sip unlimited mimosas and nibble our magnifique medley of treats—it’s a Parisian-style afternoon that’s ooo-la-la-luscious!

Where: Monsieur Paul

Dates: September: 29
October: 6, 13, 20, 27
November: 3, 10

Time: 1:30PM – 3:30PM

Price: $55.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

The “Hibachi” Experience: Iron Chef – Teppan Edo, Japan Pavilion

Eat, drink and be amazed while these culinary masters show off some seriously delicious skills.

Watch the spirit of Japanese cuisine come to life! Guests are in for an unforgettable dining experience as the restaurant’s “performing” chefs add a modern twist to traditional cooking techniques. This amazing 5-course culinary adventure features Wagyu beef, seafood and poultry. Prepared communal-style at your table, each dish is served with sake that complement the meal’s exotic flavors. Surrounded by authentic Japanese décor, you’ll feel as if you’re in the Land of the Rising Sun—tanoshimimasu!

Where: Teppan Edo, Nihonbashi Dining Room, at the Japan Pavilion

Dates: October: 1, 15, 29
November: 5

Time: 4:00PM – 6:00PM

Price: $180.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

Tokyo Pairing – Tokyo Dining, Japan Pavilion

Sample exquisitely prepared meals that showcase the Land of the Rising Sun’s creative presentation.

Itadakimasu! Amidst a modern setting, Guests will dine on 3 traditional courses perfectly paired with sake and other thirst-quenching libations. The authentic menu exemplifies a seamless fusion of harmony, culture and culinary art—including Wagyu beef, lobster tail, and Blue Fin sushi. From the first bite to the last sip, don’t miss this amazing medley of flavors—each delicious dish is sure to please the most sophisticated palate!

Where: Tokyo Dining, Japan at Epcot®

Dates: October: 4, 11, 18, 25
November: 1, 8

Time: 4:00PM – 6:00PM

Price: $160.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

Mediterranean Food & Wine Pairing – Spice Road Table, Morocco Pavilion

Discover the magic of Mediterranean dining as our gourmet chefs bring an array of zesty recipes to life.

Guests are treated to expertly prepared gourmet cuisine that showcases the unique flavors of Morocco, the Mediterranean and beyond. Paired with the perfect wine, each delicious meat and seafood dish embodies the cultural diversity and spirit of this region—you’ll feel like you’ve been swept away to the shores of an amazing epicurean adventure! This experience will also include a sparkling wine reception prior to the event. This is a four tasting size course.

Where: Spice Road Table, Morocco at Epcot®

Dates: September: 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26
October: 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31
November: 5, 7, 12

Time: 1:00PM – 3:00PM

Price: $65.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

For more information or to make reservations, please click here or call 407-939-3378.