Countdown To Midnight New Year’s Eve Party

Disney New Year

Ring in 2016 in Style

Walt Disney World is a perfect place to ring in the New Year. There are many magical ways to celebrate including the huge Countdown To Midnight bash at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort!

Countdown To Midnight

New Years 3This 3 in 1 progressive party will be held on December 31, 2015 at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Check in for the event will begin at 7:30pm and the party will start at 8:00pm. Admission is $300 per person and includes tax and gratuity.

Guests can enjoy the interactive comedy reunion at the Adventurer’s Club, rock out with the 9-piece band at Club Live, and dance the night away at Club Vinyl. Throughout the evening while club-hopping, party-goers can dine on tasty food and delicious desserts from buffet stations and sip beer, wine, and cocktails from the open bar. At midnight, everyone will put on their New Year’s Eve hats and tiaras and grab their keepsake champagne glasses for a toast during the balloon drop and confetti finale!

Important Info

Disney World New YearsHere are some important things to know about Countdown To Midnight:

  • Guests must have a Disney resort hotel reservation for December 31, 2015 in order to purchase tickets and attend the party.
  • In order to consume alcohol at the event, guests must be 21 years of age or older, and present a valid government issued photo id.
  • There will be no onsite parking available at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort during the party. Guests are encouraged to use complimentary Disney transportation.
  • There is limited banquet-style seating available, and guests may be seated with other parties.
  • Wheelchairs and ECVs can be accommodated.

If you are thinking of attending Countdown To Midnight, please remember tickets are limited and will sell quickly. To purchase tickets, call 407-939-3463.

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 Countdown To Midnight? Please leave a comment!

Tasty Treats From Epcot’s Holidays Around The World 2015

Holidays Around The World

Every year at Epcot, the holiday season is celebrated with a special event called Holidays Around The World. This year, the festive extravaganza will be held from November 27 through December 30. It is filled with yummy food, joyful music, and wonderful traditions from countries around the globe. Here’s the scoop on some of the tasty treats that you can enjoy this year, courtesy of Disney:


Clockwise around World Showcase:

  • Mexico – Sweet tamales.
  • Norway – Frozen Peppermint Trifle; Traditional Rice Cream.
  • China – Kaikouxiao (Happy Face Fried Cake).
  • Holidays Around The WorldGermany – Stollen, the classic holiday fruit bread; Glühwein, a hot spiced wine; Werther’s Original specialty drinks and treats, and a German artisanal cheese plate.
  • Italy – Prosecco sparkling wine and Panettone (Italian Christmas bread).
  • American Adventure – Start with a peek at the edible United States Capitol Building and Washington Monument (starting December 1) made out of 50 pounds of gingerbread.
  • On the promenade at American Adventure, The Sugar and Spice shop (open November 27) is the place for treats for the Candlelight Processional. You’ll find peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies, chocolate chunk cookies, holiday tree sugar cookies, hot chocolate, eggnog, hot chocolate with peppermint Schnapps, and eggnog with Buffalo Trace Kentucky Bourbon.
  • Japan – A savory grilled Kurobuto pork sausage with pineapple and onions and Hitachino Ginger Beer.
  • Morocco – honey chocolate baklava.
  • Holidays Around The World Treats 3France – A classic Buche de Noel au Chocolat (chocolate Christmas log) and a special glace à la cannelle et noix de pecan caramélisées (cinnamon ice cream and caramelized pecans).
  • United Kingdom – Hot applejack cider.
  • Canada – Pecan maple bark.
  • Promenade Refreshments – A little savory, a little sweet: a warm turkey sandwich on cranberry bread with mashed potatoes and gravy; peppermint sundae, chocolate grasshopper, hot chocolate, hot chocolate with Godiva Coffee Liqueur and Red Hook Winterhook Ale.
  • Fountainview in Future World — Mickey Santa Hat Cupcake.

Heading to Disney World for the holidays?

501 WaysIf 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:

Happy Holidays!

What I’m Thankful For At Disney World

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Is your turkey in the oven? Are you watching the parade or maybe one of the big games? I hope you have a wonderful day planned with family and friends. There are so many things to be thankful for this year, I thought it would be fun to create a list of what I’m most thankful for at Walt Disney World.

The Memories

I am thankful for all of the memories I’ve enjoyed with my family and friends throughout the years on our Disney World vacations. I’ve been visiting the resort since I was a baby and so have my kids. The special times that I have shared with my loved ones are priceless.

IMG_8789The Cast Members

It is the cast members that are really what makes Disney World unique. Without their smiling faces, hard work, and exceptional hospitality, Disney World would just be like any other theme park.

Magic Kingdom Holiday FireworksOther Guests

Sure, you might come across a few guests that drive you nuts, but for the most part, I find most of the people at Disney World to be friendly and just enjoying the magic. My family and I have had lots of fun talking with other visitors in line and while waiting for shows. Part of what makes Disney so magical is the shared experience. Imagine watching Wishes all by yourself with no other guests in the park…it wouldn’t feel the same, would it?

Pirates 1The Attractions

The Disney Imagineers have poured their hearts and souls into these attractions and it shows. Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain, Tower of Terror, Everest…the list goes on and on. These are not just “rides”.

The Treats

I am thankful for all of the Disney treats. I could spend my entire vacation eating nothing but desserts!

Epcot's World Fellowship FountainWhat It Represents

Lastly, I am also thankful for what Walt Disney World represents. To me, this resort is more than just attractions, food, and fun, at its heart Disney World embodies all that is good in the world. It is a symbol of family, fun, friendship, goodwill, charity, hospitality, love, peace, education, acceptance, hard work, determination, imagination, and dreams. During the holiday season and throughout the year, Disney World and Walt’s legacy demonstrate a “world” that we should strive to become.

What about Disney World are you most thankful for?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Holiday Season At Disney Springs

Disney Springs Christmas 4

It’s that time of year again when Walt Disney World goes all out for the holidays! Here’s a peek at some of the festive happenings being offered during the Holidays at Disney Springs courtesy of Disney:


Disney Springs receives a sprinkle of holiday magic as the shopping and entertainment location is transformed into a festive wonderland for the holiday season. With familiar favorites, new seasonal offerings and sparkling décor reflective of the unique Disney Springs neighborhoods, Holidays at Disney Springs will dazzle guests as they complete their seasonal shopping and enjoy the dining and entertainment offerings available during this cheerful time of year.

Holiday Décor

Disney Springs Christmas 6Each neighborhood has been transformed into a unique holiday wonderland for the season’s greetings, each reflecting the neighborhood’s role in the Disney Springs waterfront town.

The Marketplace décor will make guests feel right at home with wreaths and trees with a handmade touch. This colorful, authentic atmosphere is the ideal inspiration while shopping for loved ones.

The Landing is decked out in a bit more illustrious style, with silver and gold décor amidst the glittering holiday lights. With a slight modern flare, the metallic decorations fit the theme of this industrial neighborhood.

Guests will be transported to a magical winter wonderland as they visit the West Side neighborhood at Disney Springs. The vibrant blue ornaments, beautiful white holiday lights, and contemporary Christmas trees will bring holiday cheer to shoppers of all ages.

Holiday Entertainment

In addition to the yuletide décor, Disney Springs treats guests to special entertainment offerings throughout the neighborhoods.

The Marketplace is filled with the sights and sounds of the season as Holiday Carolers perform favorite Christmas tunes from 6 – 10pm. each evening from November  13 – December 30. The Marketplace holiday celebration continues with a special Kwanzaa musical group appearing at the Waterside Stage December 26 – 27.

Christmas GoofyAlso at the Marketplace, guests can visit Santa Claus to share their Christmas wish. The Chalet is in a new location this year by the Waterside Stage, where guests can meet Santa November 13 – December 24 from 12-10:30 p.m. For the second year, guests will be given a pager for a virtual queue so that they can continue their holiday shopping and be paged once it’s their turn to meet St. Nick. From December 25 – 29, Santa Goofy will greet guests during the same hours in the Chalet location.

Waterview Park at The Landing gives guests the chance to learn about and experience the story of Hanukkah through music. Showtimes are scheduled throughout the evenings of December 6 – 13.

In addition to the jolly musical offerings, guests will be astounded by the Holiday Stilt Walkers appearing throughout Disney Springs from 6 – 10pm. each evening from November 13 – December 30.

Shopping

The World of Disney store at the Marketplace is the world’s largest shopping destination for all-things Disney. The recently-expanded location offers a vast assortment of Disney merchandise including plush toys, clothing, Mickey Mouse hats and trading pins. The new Disney Parks Castle Play Set also is available at World of Disney and is the perfect surprise for little princesses.

Christmas StitchDisney Springs offers unique gift ideas that are exclusive to this premier shopping location. Ladies with a passion for fashion will appreciate a one-of-a-kind, personalized pair of flip-flops from havaianas, a hand-painted pair of TOMS shoes from Curl, or a stylish hat from Chapel Hats. A custom-designed phone case from D-Tech on Demand is the perfect stocking-stuffer. As for gifts for gentlemen, visit the new Twenty Eight & Main location at the Marketplace for exclusive Disney Parks gentleman’s apparel, accessories, and more.

For presents that sparkle and shine, consider the popular Pandora, Alex & Ani or Crislu jewelry. Dooney & Bourke and Vera Bradley bags add a touch of Disney design. The new Disney Boutique collection, which offers beautiful women’s apparel and accessories for dedicated Disney fans, can be found at TrenD in the Disney Springs Marketplace.

Sweet treats make for delicious holiday surprises. Opening in mid-December, The Ganachery offers rich, hand-crafted chocolate ganache with beautiful custom packaging. Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop also offers tasty chocolate treats and hot chocolates to sweeten this special time of year.

Disney Gift Cards give the gift of Disney magic to everyone this holiday season. Disney Gift Cards are accepted at many Disney Springs shopping locations and all Disney Springs restaurants, including the recently opened Morimoto Asia, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar and The BOATHOUSE.

Dining

In addition to a sleigh full of holiday shopping and entertainment, Disney Springs also offers special Christmas Day meals.

  • Fulton’s Crab House will feature a special surf- and turf menu, which includes braised short ribs and Alaska King crab with loaded mashed potatoes, crispy Brussels sprouts, lardons, and cabernet demi ($45 per person).
  • Portobello Country Italian Trattoria will offer a delectable three-course meal, including a filet with roasted garlic whipped potatoes and sweet cannoli for dessert ($50 per person).
  • For families looking for a classic feast in honor of the festive celebration, Planet Hollywood and Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant will offer a delicious turkey dinner with all the fixings to make guests feel right at home.
  • Wolfgang Puck Express will feature a tender oven-roasted pork chop with mashed potatoes and broccolini finished with a special holiday dessert ($15 per person).
  • The beautiful upstairs dining room at Wolfgang Puck Grand Café hosts an elaborate holiday feast, with a three-course meal complete with a wine selection. Guests will enjoy a savory watercress salad, followed by Colorado rack of lamb and concluded with a bittersweet chocolate ganache ($75 per person).

For dining reservations, please click here or call 407-WDW-DINE.

To view a full list of the Holidays at Disney Springs festivities and to learn more about the exciting shopping and dining experiences at Disney Springs, please click here. 


501 WaysHeading to Disney World for the holidays?

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 Disney Springs this holiday season?
What are you most excited about? Please leave a comment!

Adorable Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Souvenirs

Christmas

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

The beautiful decorations are up, tasty treats are for sale, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is now being celebrated on select nights at Magic Kingdom. With all of the fun holiday festivities underway, you know what that means; Christmas themed merchandise is now available! Check out some of the adorable Disney World Christmas souvenirs that you can purchase during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Most of the items are limited edition and are only available while supplies last. There are t-shirts for children and adults, a special MagicBand, a holiday ornament, several pins, and a customizable case for select mobile phones.

The best places to find these items during the party are:

  • Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A. (shirts, MagicBand, ornament)
  • Frontier Trading Post in Frontierland (pins)
  • Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square (shirts)
  • Mickey’s Star Traders in Tomorrowland (shirts)
  • Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. in Tomorrowland (mobile phone case)

More About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Each party begins with “A Frozen Holiday Wish” featuring Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf in which Elsa transforms Cinderella Castle into a sparkling palace of icicles. During the evening guests can enjoy meeting Santa in Town Square, holiday concerts at the Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland, Club Tinsel with Phineas and Ferb, complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, holiday character greetings, Mickey’s “Once Upon A Christmastime Parade”, and the incredibly magical snow on Main Street, U.S.A. And to wrap up your perfect evening, be sure to see “Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season” light up the sky above Cinderella Castle with spectacular fireworks and cherished music.

Dates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party include:

  • November 19; December 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15 – Advance: $74 (plus tax) for adults; $69 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9); Day of the Event: $79 (plus tax) for adults; $74 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)
  • November 20, 29; December 4, 11, 17 – $79 (plus tax) for adults; $74 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)
  • December 18 – $82 (plus tax) for adults; $77 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)

The party is held select nights at Magic Kingdom from 7pm to 12am. 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 for the holidays?

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 attending the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Which souvenir are you most excited about? Please leave a comment!