Tag Archives: Hollywood Studios

Disney World Valentine's Day
Sep 30 2015

Helpful Information For Your February 2016 Disney World Vacation

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

Mickey Mouse Dressed For WinterWeather

The weather in Disney World during February can get chilly. The average high is about 73 degrees, the average low is about 50 degrees, and the average rainfall is about 2.71 inches. This is one the coldest months of the year, and it can sometimes drop into the 40’s. Be sure to pack accordingly!

Crowds

The crowds in February vary from low to high. President’s Day Weekend the crowds are high and during the rest of the month the crowds are low to moderate.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowFebruary 1 – February 6
Average Crowd Level 4.2 out of 10
February 7 – February 13
Average Crowd Level 6.1 out of 10
February 14 – February 20
Average Crowd Level 8.7 out of 10
February 21 – February 27
Average Crowd Level 4.9 out of 10
February 28 – February 29
Average Crowd Level 6.5 out of 10

Magic Kingdom ClockPark 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 – 7pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 5pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

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

Events

Valentines DayIf you will be celebrating Valentine’s Day in Disney World, there are so many wonderful ways to enjoy the holiday. Try a couples treatment at one of the spas, a romantic fireworks cruise or dessert party, a delicious meal at one of the many signature restaurants, a cozy horse-drawn carriage ride at Fort Wilderness or Port Orleans, an exciting married proposal on the beach at the Polynesian Village Resort during Wishes, and then top your evening off with a thoughtful gift from Disney Floral delivered to right to your room like this adorable “Minnie’s Garden”. For more Valentine’s Day gift ideas from Disney Floral, please click here.

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: January 18 – February 11, 2016
Mad Tea Party: February 22 – February 26, 2016
Magic Carpets of Aladdin: January 25 – February 3, 2016

Valentines Day 2Epcot
Frozen Ever After: October 5 – May 1, 2016
Soarin’: January 4 – June 1, 2016
The Circle of Life: February 7 – April 2, 2016

Hollywood Studios
Pizza Planet: January 11 – TBD
Star Wars Land: Opening TBD
Toy Story Land: Opening TBD

Animal Kingdom
Boneyard: February 22 – March 17, 2016
Flights of Wonder: January 25 – March 17, 2016
Kali River Rapids: January 4 – February 11, 2016
Pandora – The World of AVATAR: Opening TBD
Rivers of Light: Opening in 2016

Water Parks
Typhoon Lagoon: Park Closed January 4 – March 12, 2016

Disney Springs
Planet Hollywood: January 1 – June 1, 2016

Resort Hotels
All Star Movies: Duck Pond Pool February 22 – 24, 2016
Animal Kingdom Lodge: Kilimanjaro Lounge January 11 – February 5, 2016
Art of Animation: Schoolyard Sprayground January 1 – March 11, 2016
Bay Lake Tower: Bay Cove Pool February 1 – March 18, 2016
Boardwalk Inn: Flying Fish Café February 1, 2016 – September 30, 2016, Luna Park Pool January 11 – February 2, 2016
Caribbean Beach Resort: Barbados Quiet Pool February 17 – 19, 2016, Aruba Pool February 22 – April 15, 2016
Contemporary Resort: Bay Cove Pool February 1 – March 18, 2016
Polynesian Village Resort: Polynesian East Pool To Be Completed In 2016
Pop Century: Bowling Pin Pool February 16 – March 1, 2016
Port Orleans Riverside: Ol’ Man Island Pool January 11 – February 29, 2016, Alligator Bayou Pool B February 10 – 11, 2016, Alligator Bayou Pool C February 15 – 16, 2016
Walt Disney World Dolphin: Guest Room Refurbishments 2016 – 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 February 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 February 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!

Sep 24 2015

Frightening Facts About The Twilight Zone Tower Of Terror

Tower of Terror 4

Can you believe that Halloween is next month? Disney World is already celebrating the spooky season with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom on select nights through November 1. In honor of creepy things, I thought it would be fun to take a look at some “frightening” facts about one of Disney’s most scariest attractions – The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Read on, if you dare..

  • Walt Disney Imagineers viewed 156 episodes of “The Twilight Zone” for inspiration when creating The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
  • The ride vehicle is an elevator car.
  • The storyline of the attraction sets the date as Halloween night – October 31, 1939.
  • Tower of Terror 3The architecture of the tower was inspired by multiple Southern California landmarks, such as the Biltmore Hotel and the Mission Inn.
  • The building features 27,000 roof tiles.
  • The outdoor queue area features the songs “Inside” by Fats Waller and “Mood Indigo” by Duke Ellington.
  • The grounds of the Hollywood Tower Hotel were inspired by the look of California’s Griffith Park and Elysian Park.
  • The lobby of the Hollywood Tower Hotel was outfitted with antiques and furniture purchased at Los Angeles-area auction houses.
  • Some of the sculptures featured in the lobby are the work of 19th century sculptor Auguste Moreau.
  • Tower of Terror 2A copy of “Four Pages of Hilarious Star Caricatures by Walt Disney” is featured in Photoplay Magazine on the lobby’s concierge desk.
  • The Library room features a hidden nod to Mickey Mouse in the sheet music, which is for the song “What! No Mickey Mouse?”
  • The clip of film in which Rod Serling introduces the attraction was taken from a “Twilight Zone” episode called “It’s a Good Life.”
  • While actor Rod Serling appears in the film in the Library room, the voice you hear is actually voice actor Mark Silverman.
  • The young girl who disappears in the elevator carries a Mickey Mouse doll.
  • Tower of Terror 1The attraction’s “Fifth Dimension” scene was inspired in part by the “Little Girl Lost” episode of “The Twilight Zone.”
  • The attraction offers a 13-story drop.
  • The drop sequence for each elevator car is selected at random by the attraction’s computer system.
  • Measuring 199 feet tall, Tower of Terror is one of the tallest attractions at Walt Disney World Resort.
  • There is a Disney ghost story that has been passed around for years that the Tower of Terror is haunted by a former “Bell Hop” (cast member) that died during his shift on one of the loading platforms. The story goes that this “Bell Hop” ghost is known to appear on Platform D, flicker lights and freeze the attraction when cast members are trying to do their final ride through at the end of the day. True or not, it sure is spooky!

Heading to Disney World soon?

Ultimate Walt Disney World Hacks for Families with Kids
If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out my new books to help you save time and money!

Check out Ultimate Walt Disney World Hacks for Families with Kids and Ultimate Walt Disney World Hacks for Solo Travelers and Couples for secret insider tips and tricks that you won’t find anywhere else!

Ultimate Walt Disney World Hacks for Solo Travelers and CouplesDiscover how to:

  • save hundreds of dollars on your trip
  • pack including essentials to make your trip more enjoyable
  • score difficult-to-get dining reservations
  • master the complex Genie+ system to beat the lines

With practical advice and secret hacks on saving money, packing, dining, transportation, accommodations, and more, these books are must-haves for anyone planning a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth!

Do you love The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror?
Are you a fan of the show? Please leave a comment!

Sep 22 2015

Celebrate The Osborne Family Spectacle Of Dancing Lights With A Merry & Bright Party

Osborne 2

Saying good-bye to a holiday tradition!

The holiday season is right around the corner and Disney World is already getting in the spirit. Disney recently gave us a sneak peek at some of the exciting things we can look forward to later this year, but along with the good news, there has also been some sad news announced. It is hard to believe, but after 20 years, we will have to say good-bye to The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. I know some people will say that they are just Christmas lights and Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land will be even better, but I’m very sad to see them go. It has been years since I’ve been down to Disney World for the holidays, and I wish I would be able to see those 5 million sparkling lights just one more time. I’m definitely keeping my fingers crossed that Disney will bring them back one day, maybe in Disney Springs, along the Boardwalk, or a different park.

If you are going to be lucky enough to enjoy The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights during its 20th and final year, Disney is offering two Merry & Bright Party options to make the experience even more special.

Merry & Bright Dessert Party

Osborne 3This party will be held November 6 to December 24, 2015, from 7:00pm to 8:30pm (excluding November 17, December 9 and December 18) and December 25 to December 30, 2015, from 8:30pm to 10:00pm. Tickets are $69 for guests 10 and older and $39 for children ages 3 to 9 years old. Gratuity is included in the price and separate admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also required.

Guests will enjoy holiday-themed desserts, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, reserved viewing for The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, and a custom roll-up stadium blanket keepsake. The party location is outdoors at the end of the Streets of America (weather permitting) with open seating. Wheelchairs and ECVs can be accommodated. Tickets are limited and will sell quickly; reservations can be made by clicking here!

Merry & Bright Dinner Reception

Osborne 1This party will be held January 1, 2016, from 8:30pm to 10:00pm and January 2 and 3, 2016, from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. Tickets are $99 for guests 10 and older and $54 for children ages 3 to 9 years old. Gratuity and tax are included in the price and separate admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also required.

Guests will enjoy holiday-themed cuisine, including shrimp, beef and turkey served with wine, beer and other specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, reserved viewing for the lights, and a custom Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights shadow box keepsake. The reception location is outdoors at the end of the Streets of America (weather permitting) with open seating. Wheelchairs and ECVs can be accommodated. Tickets are limited and will sell quickly; reservations can be made by clicking here!

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 seen The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights?
Will you be celebrating with a Merry & Bright Party? Please leave a comment!

Sep 8 2015

Breakfast Being Added To Hollywood Studio’s Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre

Sci-Fi Dine In 1

A new breakfast option will soon be on the horizon for guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Beginning November 1 through January 23, 2016, visitors can enjoy a delicious morning meal at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre. What’s on the menu, you ask?

Appetizer choices include fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait. Entrée options vary from the gourmet to the simple including puffed pastry filled with scrambled eggs and crab, grilled beef tenderloin with baby spinach, pan-seared shrimp with grits, egg white omelet with shiitake mushrooms, macadamia-crusted brioche French toast with berries, or a traditional breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage and potatoes.

Children’s options include French toast, mini Mickey waffle, or scrambled eggs with sausage, bacon and potatoes.

Breakfast will be served daily from 8:00am -10:15am and includes breakfast pastries and choice of appetizer, entrée and non-alcoholic beverage for $23.99, $12.99 ages 3 to 9. Reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE or online by clicking here.

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 giving the Sci-Fi Dine-In Breakfast a try?
Please leave a comment!

Disney New Year
Aug 21 2015

Helpful Information For Your January 2016 Disney World Vacation

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

Mickey Mouse Dressed For WinterWeather

The weather in Disney World during January can get chilly. The average high is about 71 degrees, the average low is about 47 degrees, and the average rainfall is about 2.91 inches. This is the coldest month of the year by far, and it can sometimes drop to freezing or just below. Be sure to pack accordingly!

Crowds

The crowds in January vary from moderate to extreme. New Year’s Day is extreme, Martin Luther King, Jr.  Weekend and Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend the crowds are high, and during the rest of the month the crowds are fairly moderate.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowJanuary 1 – January 2
Average Crowd Level 10 out of 10
January 3 – January 9
Average Crowd Level 6.6 out of 10
January 10 – January 16
Average Crowd Level 4.3 out of 10
January 17 – January 23
Average Crowd Level 5.3 out of 10
January 24 – January 31
Average Crowd Level 5.0 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 – 7pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 5pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

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

Events

New Years 3If you’ll be visiting Disney World for the ringing in of 2016 there are plenty of fun-filled options available to celebrate the holiday including special entertainment and dining. For more information about celebrating New Year’s in Walt Disney World, please click here.

WDW MarathonFrom January 6 – 10, 2016, the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend will be held. This fantastic annual event includes kids races, a 5K, a 10K, a pasta party, a special breakfast, a half marathon, a health and fitness expo, and a cool down party, in addition to the full marathon through all four theme parks. For more information about Marathon Weekend, please visit runDisney by clicking here.

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: January 18 – February 11, 2016
Liberty Square Riverboat: January 18 – 22, 2016
Magic Carpets of Aladdin: January 25 – February 3, 2016
Space Mountain: January 11 – January 15, 2016
Splash Mountain: January 10 – January 14, 2016

Disney World New YearsEpcot
Frozen Ever After: October 5 – May 1, 2016
Soarin’: January 4 – June 1, 2016

Hollywood Studios
Pizza Planet: January 11 – TBD
Star Wars Land: Opening TBD
Toy Story Land: Opening TBD

Animal Kingdom
Flights of Wonder: January 25 – March 17, 2016
Kali River Rapids: January 4 – February 11, 2016
Maharaja Jungle Trek: January 4 – January 21, 2016
Pandora – The World of AVATAR: Opening TBD
Rivers of Light: Opening in 2016

Water Parks
Blizzard Beach: Park Closed October 4 – January 3, 2016
Typhoon Lagoon: Park Closed January 4 – March 12, 2016

Disney Springs
Fulton’s Crab House: January 1 – April 1, 2016
Planet Hollywood: January 1 – June 1, 2016

Resort Hotels
All Star Sports: Surfboard Bay Pool January 25 – 28, 2016
Animal Kingdom Lodge: Kilimanjaro Lounge January 11 – February 5, 2016
Art of Animation: Schoolyard Sprayground January 1 – March 11, 2016
Boardwalk Inn: Luna Park Pool January 11 – February 2, 2016
Caribbean Beach Resort: Jamaica Pool January 6 – 8, 2016, Martinique Quiet Pool January 11 – 13, 2016, Fuentes del Morro Pool January 13 – 16, 2016, Trinidad North Quiet Pool January 27 – 29, 2016
Grand Floridian Resort: Courtyard Pool January 16 – 19, 2016
Old Key West: Sandcastle Pool January 4 – 6, 2016
Polynesian Village Resort: Polynesian East Pool To Be Completed In 2016
Port Orleans Riverside: Ol’ Man Island Pool January 11 – February 29, 2016
Saratoga Springs Resort: Grandstand Pool January 20 – 22, 2016
Walt Disney World Dolphin: Guest Room Refurbishments 2016 – 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 January 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 January 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!