Christmas

2018 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets Now On Sale

2018 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets are now on sale!

Tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party include:

November 8, 9, 16, 25, 27, 29, December 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13 and 16: $99 plus tax (ages 10+), $94 plus tax (ages 3-9)
November 12, 13 and 15: $95 plus tax (ages 10+), $90 plus tax (ages 3-9)
November 30, December 7 and 14: $109 plus tax (ages 10+), $104 plus tax (ages 3-9)
December 18 and 20: $115 plus tax (ages 10+), $110 plus tax (ages 3-9)
December 21: $125 plus tax (ages 10+), $120 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!

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

Spaceship Earth

Helpful Information For Your September 2018 Disney World Vacation

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

Weather

The weather in Disney World during September is warm and mildly rainy. The average high is about 90 degrees, the average low is about 72 degrees and the average rainfall is about 5.09 inches. You can expect a little rain during your vacation, so be sure to bring your poncho!

Crowds

The crowds in September drop dramatically as kids head back to school. This month has the lowest crowd levels of the year.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowSeptember 1
Average Crowd Level 6.0 out of 10
September 2 – September 8
Average Crowd Level 3.6 out of 10
September 9 – September 15
Average Crowd Level 2.7 out of 10
September 16 – September 22
Average Crowd Level 3.9 out of 10
September 23 – September 29
Average Crowd Level 4.4 out of 10
September 30
Average Crowd Level 3.0 out of 10

Magic Kingdom ClockPark Hours

Magic Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 8pm (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 September, please click this link. Remember that park hours are subject to change and are often adjusted two weeks prior.

Events

MNSSHP 1On select nights during September, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is held at Magic Kingdom. This party is a lively, light-hearted, 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. For more information, please click here.

Epcot International Food & Wine FestivalOne of the best things about visiting Disney World in September is the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Last year’s festival 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.

Refurbishments

Periodically throughout the year, Disney closes attractions for refurbishments and enhancements. Here are the currently scheduled closures during September (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 Late Fall 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 September 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 (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 September 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!

Helpful Information For Your August 2018 Disney World Vacation

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

Weather

The weather in Disney World during August is hot and rainy. The average high is about 92 degrees, the average low is about 73 degrees and the average rainfall is about 7.71 inches. You can expect some rain most afternoons or evenings, so be sure to bring your poncho!

Crowds

The crowds in August are moderate to high at the beginning of the month as families enjoy vacationing during the last few weeks of summer break. By the end of the month, the crowds drop off dramatically as kids head back to school.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowAugust 1 – August 4
Average Crowd Level 6.5 out of 10
August 5 – August 11
Average Crowd Level 6.6 out of 10
August 12 – August 18
Average Crowd Level 7.1 out of 10
August 19 – August 25
Average Crowd Level 5.6 out of 10
August 26 – August 31
Average Crowd Level 4.0 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 – 10:30pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 8:30pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

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

Events

On select nights beginning in August, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party will be held at Magic Kingdom. This party is a lively, light-hearted, 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. For more information, please click here.

Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival will begin on August 30. Last year’s festival 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.

Refurbishments

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

Epcot Mission SpaceMagic Kingdom
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 Late Fall 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 August 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 (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 August 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!

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

This year Magic Kingdom is celebrating the Halloween season with the annual family friendly Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party on select nights August 17 through October 31.

August 17, 24 and 31: $79 plus tax (ages 10+), $74 plus tax (ages 3-9)
August 28: $75 plus tax (ages 10+), $70 plus tax (ages 3-9)
September 3, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23 and 25: $75 plus tax (ages 10+), $70 plus tax (ages 3-9)
September 7, 14 and 21: $79 plus tax (ages 10+), $74 plus tax (ages 3-9)
September 28 and 30: $89 plus tax (ages 10+), $84 plus tax (ages 3-9)
October 2 and 4: $89 plus tax (ages 10+), $84 plus tax (ages 3-9)
October 5, 12, 19, 26, 28 and 30: $109 plus tax (ages 10+), $104 plus tax (ages 3-9)
October 8, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23 and 25: $99 plus tax (ages 10+), $94 plus tax (ages 3-9)
October 31: $125 plus tax (ages 10+), $120 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 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?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!