Tag Archives: Events

Apr 4 2016

Epcot 2016 Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Bands Announced

Sounds Like Summer 2

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Returns To Epcot!

If you plan to visit Disney World this summer, here is some exciting news! Disney has just released the information about which bands will be appearing in the Epcot Sounds Like Summer Concert Series that runs from June 5 – July 23, 2016. Three new acts will make their Sounds Like Summer concert series debut this summer. Bands paying tribute to the music of Fleetwood Mac, Tina Turner and Bruce Springsteen are part of the seven-week event in World Showcase for the first time. Here’s the current lineup (subject to change without notice):

  • June 5 – 11: Don’t Look Back – A Tribute to Boston
  • June 12 – 18: Hotel California – A Salute to the Eagles
  • June 19 – 24: New! Rumours – A Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band
  • June 25 – July 1: New! Simply Tina – A Tribute to Tina Turner
  • July 2 – 9: Stayin’ Alive – A Tribute to the Bee Gees
  • July 10 – 16: New! Bruce in the USA – A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen
  • July 17 – 23: DSB – A Tribute to Journey

Performances will be at the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase at 5:30pm, 6:45pm and 8:00pm daily and are included with Epcot admission.

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 a Sounds Like Summer Concert? Are you going this year?
Who are you most excited to see? Please leave a comment!

Cinderella Castle
Mar 31 2016

Helpful Information For Your August 2016 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in August 2016?
August is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World!

Mickey on the BeachWeather

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 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 6
Average Crowd Level 8.0 out of 10
August 7 – August 13
Average Crowd Level 8.3 out of 10
August 14 – August 20
Average Crowd Level 7.9 out of 10
August 21 – August 27
Average Crowd Level 5.6 out of 10
August 28 – August 31
Average Crowd Level 3.8 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 – 8:30pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 5pm (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

There are currently no special events scheduled for August in Disney World. Check back often as I will update this post if anything new is announced.

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):

Magic Kingdom
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: August 8 – November 19, 2016
“it’s a small world”: August 22 – September 15, 2016
Liberty Square Riverboat: August 15 – August 21, 2016
Swiss Family Treehouse: July 7 – September 24, 2016

Epcot
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Space MountainHollywood Studios
Pizza Planet: January 11 – November 2016
Star Wars Land: Opening in 2018
Toy Story Land: Opening in 2018

Animal Kingdom
Pandora – The World of AVATAR: Opening in 2017

Water Parks
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Disney Springs
Fulton’s Crab House: May 1 – December 31, 2016

Resort Hotels
Boardwalk Inn: Flying Fish Café February 1, 2016 – September 30, 2016
Walt Disney World Dolphin: Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2017
Wilderness Lodge: Hidden Springs Quiet Pool, Resort Beach, Playground and Fire Pit To Be Completed In 2017

Planning Tips

If you are traveling to Disney World in August 2016, 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 (midnight 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 August 2016 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!

Mar 28 2016

2016 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates Announced

Christmas

Recently Disney announced the dates for one of my all-time favorite Disney World events…Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

The dates this year are:

November 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, and 29

December 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, and 22

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

ChristmasTicket prices have not been released and are not available for purchase yet. Check back often as I will update this post as soon as the information is officially released.

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! My family and I had such a wonderful time when we attended the party and it definitely put us in the holiday spirit! You’ll want to purchase your tickets as soon as they become available if you plan to attend, because they do sell out.

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!

Mar 24 2016

2016 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Dates Announced

MNSSHP 1

Recently Disney announced the dates for one of my all-time favorite Disney World events…Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!

The dates this year are:

September 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, and 30
October 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, and 31

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

Ticket prices have not been released and are not available for purchase yet. Check back often as I will update this post as soon as the information is officially released.

Halloween PartyI have been to this party several times and I would highly recommend it. Mickey’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 they become available if you plan to attend, because they do sell out.

This year Disney has revised its costume policy (from the official website):

While we encourage creativity, we also value safety and good judgement. Please take a moment to read over our latest rules and regulations:

General:

  • Halloween Party 1Disney 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:

  • Halloween Party 2Layered 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.
  • May not wear masks of any kind.

 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!

Feb 23 2016

Full Menus For The 2016 Epcot Flower And Garden Festival Outdoor Kitchens

Epcot International Flower And Garden Festival

This year the 2016 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will be held for 90 days from March 2 through May 30. The theme is “Fresh Epcot” and once again this springtime event will feature beautiful blooms, exciting entertainment, and loads of delicious drinks and dishes. A few of the highlights are:

  • Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalDisney themed topiaries
  • Magical gardens and exhibits
  • Garden Rocks Concert Series
  • Fun festival themed merchandise
  • Entertainment for the kids
  • Festival Event Center offering hands-on demonstrations
  • Outdoor Kitchens with delicious drinks and dishes

Outdoor Kitchens

The Flower & Garden Festival will feature thirteen outdoor kitchens very much like what you see at the Food & Wine Festival in the fall. This year’s kitchens include Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market, Cider House, Fleur de Lys, Florida Fresh, Hanami, La Isla Fresca, Jardin de Fiestas, Lotus House, Pineapple Promenade, Primavera Kitchen, Taste of Marrakesh, THE SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecue and Brews, and Urban Farm Eats. Be sure to pick up a Garden Passport and get stamped at your stops along the way. Passports will be available at the Festival Event Center, all Outdoor Kitchens, plus select merchandise locations. With just a few days until the kick off of the festival, Disney has released the full menus. Better grab a snack, you’re about to get very hungry!

Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market near Germany Pavilion

  • Chicken Fricassee with Green Asparagus and Peas served with Uncle Ben’s® Rice Pilaf
  • Roasted Bratwurst with Curry Ketchup and Paprika-spiced Chips
  • “Armer Ritter” Egg Battered Toast with Cherry Compote and Powdered Sugar
  • Hugo-Charles de Fere “Organic” Brut with Elderflower and Mint
  • Paulaner Original Munich Lager
  • Schöfferhofer Hefeweizen
  • Warsteiner Dunkel
  • Köstritzer Schwarzbier Black Lager

Cider House near United Kingdom Pavilion

  • Land-harvested Field Greens with Apples, Dried Blueberries, Stilton Cheese and Apple Cider Vinaigrette
  • Pear Cider-brined Shredded Corned Beef with Braised Cabbage and Pears and Branston Dressing
  • House-made Potato and Cheddar Cheese Biscuit with Smoked Salmon Tartare
  • Freshly Baked Lemon Scone with Crème Fraîche and Mixed Berries
  • Sonoma “The Pitchfork” Organic Pear Hard Cider, Healdsburg, CA
  • McKenzie’s Black Cherry Hard Cider, West Seneca, NY
  • Keel & Curley Mad Man Blueberry Hard Cider, Plant City, FL
  • Cigar City Brewing Tampa-style Lager, Tampa, FL
  • Snakebite – Cigar City Tampa-style Lager mixed with McKenzie’s Black Cherry Hard Cider
  • Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider, California (non-alcoholic)

Fleur de Lys near France Pavilion

  • Tarte à l’Onion Alsacienne – Alsatian Onion Tart with Sautéed Onions, Fresh Thyme and Rosemary on a Flaky Puff Pastry Crust
  • Cassoulet au Confit de Canard – Pulled Duck Confit with Braised Flageolet Beans
  • Macaron Chocolat Framboise – Large Raspberry Macaron with Chocolate Fudge and Raspberry Jam
  • Ice Pop Grand Marnier Peach Cocktail – Grand Marnier Peach Raspberry, Vodka, Iced Tea
  • La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush – Grey Goose Vodka Orange, St. Germain Liquor, White and Red Cranberry Juice
  • Merlot Bordeaux, Château La Gravière, 2013
  • Kir Imperial – Sparkling Wine with Chambord Black Raspberry Liquor
  • Kronenbourg Blanc 1664 – Fruity White Beer with Citrus Notes

Florida Fresh between Morocco and France Pavilions

  • Kale Salad with Dried Cherries, Almonds, Goat Cheese and White Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • Shrimp and Stone-ground Grits with Andouille Sausage, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes and Cilantro
  • Florida Larder Board – Orlando-made Ricotta Cheese, Cahaba Farms Micro Onions, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic, Country Pâté and House-made Pickles
  • Key Lime Sparkling Wine, Florida Orange Groves Winery, St. Petersburg, FL
  • Sea Dog Acai Berry Hefeweizen, Clearwater, FL
  • Feast of Flowers Farmhouse Ale, Florida Beer Company, Cape Canaveral, FL
  • Watermelon Cucumber Slush with Hendrick’s Gin
  • Watermelon Cucumber Slush (non-alcoholic)
  • Fresh-squeezed Watermelon Juice (non-alcoholic)

Hanami near Japan Pavilion

  • Frushi – Fresh Pineapple, Strawberry and Melon Rolled with Raspberry Coconut Rice, sprinkled with Toasted Coconut and Whipped Cream on the side
  • Chicken Edamame Bun – Steamed Bun filled with Chicken and Edamame and topped with Curry Sauce
  • Beef Teriyaki Udon – Thin-sliced Beef, Onions and Noodles tossed on the grill with Soy and Ginger
  • Sapporo Draft Beer
  • Yuzu Plum Wine Slushy – Sweet refreshing taste infused with the tangy flavor of Citrus
  • Suigei Sake – Bold flavor with a crisp, clean finish

La Isla Fresca near World Showcase Promenade

  • Jerk-spice Grouper or Chicken with Mango Salsa, Chayote and Green Papaya Slaw with Lime-Cilantro Vinaigrette
  • Jamaican-braised Beef with Pigeon Pea Rice and Micro Cilantro
  • Tres Leches with Guava Purée
  • Red Stripe Jamaican Style Lager
  • Frozen Simply Tropical™ Juice Drink with Cruzan Mango Rum
  • Frozen Simply Tropical™ Juice Drink (non-alcoholic)

Jardin de Fiestas near Mexico Pavilion

  • Tacos de Camarón – Tempura Shrimp served with Hibiscus Flower, Caramelized Onions and Habanero Sauce
  • Corn Tortilla Quesadilla served with Roasted Mushrooms and Zucchini Blossom topped with Green Tomatillo Sauce
  • Flan de Rosas served with Hibiscus Reduction
  • Tecate Light Beer
  • Rose Margarita
  • Elderflower Watermelon Sangria

Lotus House near China Pavilion

  • Gaoli Beef Bun
  • Beijing-style Candied Strawberries
  • Vegetable Spring Roll with Orange Sauce
  • Oolong Peach Bubble Tea
  • Kung Fu Punch – Vodka, Triple Sec, Mango and Orange Juice
  • Plum Wine
  • Honey Mango Wine Cooler
  • Dragon Pearl – Beer, Honey, Cream and Tapioca Pearls
  • Tsingtao Beer

Pineapple Promenade near World Showcase Promenade

  • Spicy Hot Dog with Pineapple Chutney and Taro Chips
  • Pineapple Soft-serve
  • Sparkling Pineapple Wine, Florida Orange Groves Winery St. Petersburg, FL
  • Ocean Tropical Pineapple Hard Cider, Florida Beer Company Cape Canaveral, FL
  • Pineapple Soft-serve with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum
  • Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (non-alcoholic)

Primavera Kitchen near Italy Pavilion

  • Pollo alla Parmigiana – Breaded Breast of Chicken, Tomato, Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
  • Mezze Lune Primavera – Egg Pasta stuffed with Ricotta and Spinach in a Creamy Sauce with Spring Vegetables and Pecorino Cheese
  • Cremoso al Pistacchio – Pistacchio Cream, Strawberries and Mascarpone Cream
  • Pinot Grigio
  • Chianti
  • Prosecco
  • Corbinello
  • Moscato
  • Bellini – Sparkling wine and Peach purée
  • Rossini – Sparkling wine and marinated Strawberries
  • Frozen Italian Primavera – Assorted fruit slushy, Limoncello and Vodka
  • Moretti Lager
  • Moretti La Rossa
  • Italian Seasonal Selection

Taste of Marrakesh near Morocco Pavilion

  • Harissa Chicken Kebab with Sweet Couscous Salad
  • Falafel Pocket with Cucumber-Tomato Salad and Tahini Sauce
  • Baklava
  • Desert Rose – Sparkling Wine topped with Pomegranate Liqueur
  • White Sangria
  • Guerrouane Red Wine
  • Casa Beer

THE SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecue and Brews near The American Adventure Pavilion

  • Pulled Pig Slider with Crispy Onions and Coleslaw
  • Smoked Pork Ribs with Roasted Corn Salad
  • Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash with White Cheddar Fondue and Pickled Jalapeños
  • Warm Chocolate Cake with Bourbon-Salted Caramel Sauce and Spiced Pecans
  • The Great American Wine Company Red Blend, Sonoma, CA
  • Funky Buddha Floridian Hefeweizen, Oakland Park, FL
  • Orlando Brewing Company Uncle Matt’s Organic Grapefruit Pale Ale, Orlando, FL
  • 3 Daughters Rod Bender Red Ale, St. Petersburg, FL
  • Shipyard Maple Bacon Stout, Clearwater, FL
  • Frozen Lemonade with Firefly Blackberry Moonshine
  • Frozen Lemonade (non-alcoholic)
  • Sweet Tea (non-alcoholic)

Urban Farm Eats near Pineapple Promenade

  • Watermelon Salad with Pickled Onions, B&W Gourmet Farms Baby Arugula, Feta and Balsamic Reduction
  • Vegetable and White Bean “Naanwich” with Arugula Pesto and Oven-dried Tomatoes featuring Seeds of Change® Quinoa, Brown & Red Rice
  • Seared Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Ragoût, Spring Vegetables and Marble Potatoes
  • Avivé Natural Peach Sparkling Wine, France
  • King Estate Acrobat Pinot Noir, Oregon
  • Sierra Nevada Otra Vez, Chico, CA
  • Urban Mary

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:

Which Outdoor Kitchen are you most excited to try?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!