Christmas Mickey and Minnie

2020 Holiday Fun At Walt Disney World

If you are looking for some place to get away and spend the holidays this year, look no further than Walt Disney World. Here’s everything you need to know to experience a fun-filled festive time with your friends and family at Walt Disney World this holiday season courtesy of Disney:


Christmas at Magic KingdomA reimagined holiday celebration will begin November 6, 2020, at Walt Disney World Resort, with the four theme parks, Disney Springs and Disney resort hotels decked for the season. Through December 30, guests will discover seasonal food and drinks at The Most Magical Place on Earth, as well as special merchandise and enchanting new entertainment experiences.

When night falls at Magic Kingdom Park, projection effects will transform Cinderella Castle with a kaleidoscope of designs, including a whimsical Christmas sweater and a regal overlay of red, green and gold ornamentation. The iconic castle will provide the perfect colorful background for guests seeking a magical holiday portrait.

Highlights from the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will begin November 27. Holiday kitchens will return around the World Showcase promenade, offering favorite dishes such as Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing at the American Holiday Table.

Other highlights for the upcoming holiday season at Walt Disney World include:

  • Christmas GoofyAt Magic Kingdom, characters synonymous with the season – including gingerbread men and elves – will join Disney characters in cavalcades through the park. On Main Street, U.S.A., toy soldiers will march with the Main Street Philharmonic as they bring musical cheer for all to hear.
  • Favorite Disney characters dressed in their holiday finest will appear in festive flotillas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, holiday promenades at EPCOT and merry motorcades at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
  • At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Minnie Mouse will host a yuletide dining experience at Hollywood & Vine, inviting some of her best pals – including Santa Goofy – to join the fun.
  • Inside World ShowPlace at EPCOT, JOYFUL! will take guests on a musical journey of holiday music, while Voices of Liberty will use their eight-part harmonies to share songs of the season at the America Gardens Theatre.
  • Elaborately decorated Christmas trees will spring up throughout Disney Springs, and a magical snowfall will occur within Town Center, West Side and The Landing. In addition, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar will transform into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar with delightful décor and a limited-time menu of festive favorites.
  • Disney resort hotels will deck their halls for the holidays, including iconic Christmas trees in lobbies and other festive flourishes.
  • Santa Claus will wave to guests as he makes pop-up appearances at each park, as well as Disney Springs. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, for example, he will sail down Discovery River on a special flotilla.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World this holiday season?

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 this holiday season?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Downtown Disney Officially Becomes Disney Springs

Disney Springs

Well, it’s finally official. Last week we said good-bye to Downtown Disney and hello to the new Disney Springs. Here are all of the latest details courtesy of Disney:


Disney SpringsWalt Disney World Resort officially changed the name of Downtown Disney to Disney Springs, an important milestone in the ongoing transformation of the shopping, dining and entertainment district at the world’s No. 1 family vacation destination.

Drawing inspiration from Florida’s waterfront towns and natural beauty, Disney Springs treats guests to a one-of-a-kind Disney experience amid beautiful open-air promenades, flowing springs and waterfront charm.

Disney Springs will include four interconnected neighborhoods: The Landing, Marketplace, West Side and Town Center. When Disney Springs is fully completed in 2016, the number of shopping, dining and entertainment venues will increase from the current 75 to more than 150.

With more exciting venues to come, new dining and shopping open now at Disney Springs includes:

  • Morimoto Asia 3Morimoto Asia Morimoto Asia is a one-of-a-kind dining experience from Chef Masaharu Morimoto. This Japanese master chef’s first pan-Asian restaurant provides flavors from across Asia with unique exhibition kitchens showcasing the continent’s traditions. Included among them are street-food stalls, Peking duck carving and dim sum. Designed by STUDIO V Architecture and located at The Landing, Morimoto Asia’s extraordinary, 36-foot tall, two-story layout includes open terraces, grand halls, private rooms, a cocktail lounge, waterside seating and more.
  • Jock Lindsay's 6Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar – An aviation-themed lounge, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar at The Landing at Disney Springs is tucked between Paradiso 37 and The BOATHOUSE restaurant, this new venue features unique cocktails and small plates. Ardent fans of the “Indiana Jones” films may recognize Jock Lindsey as Indy’s frequent pilot. In the main room, guests will discover an expansive bar, aviation decor filling the room, vintage travel posters covering the walls and correspondence between Jock, Indy and their fellow adventurers on display.
  • BoathouseThe BOATHOUSE An incredible culinary experience is showcased in the expansive restaurant with nautical-themed rooms, two private dining rooms for special events, and three distinctive bars. Guests will enjoy a gourmet menu with steaks, chops, seafood and a raw bar, served until 2 a.m. daily. This upscale, waterfront-dining experience immerses guests both on land and on water. There’s live music, plus guided tours aboard a 40-foot Italian Water Taxi and Amiphicar rides that launch from land, enter the water and take guests on a 20-minute tour of the landmarks of Disney Springs.
  • Paradiso 37Paradiso 37: Paradiso 37 recently expanded its outdoor dining to take advantage of its beautiful waterfront setting. As part of its renovation, the restaurant is doubling its seating, adding more terrace dining and building a new outdoor performance stage.
  • Disney Springs - ApexApex by Sunglass Hut- A first-of-its-kind sunglass store that was built with the athlete in mind. This retail location showcases the industry’s best selection of sport performance and lifestyle eyewear including Oakley, Ray-Ban, and Under Armour. In order for guests to choose a lens to best suit their needs, Apex has developed environmental simulators so guests can test out how a specific lens will perform under a variety of light conditions.
  • Disney Springs - Art of ShavingThe Art of Shaving– A boutique retail offering that sells high-end shaving supplies and related grooming products for the modern man. Founded by a husband and wife in a Manhattan apartment, The Art of Shaving has grown to a worldwide organization that is still nurtured by the founders’ talents and passion. Guests can receive expert shaving advice on products and techniques, or make an appointment for a luxurious grooming experience at the Barber Spa.
  • Disney Springs - Chapel HatsChapel Hats – A fashion forward shop that specializes in an assortment of hats for guests of all ages.  The location carries stylish hats including fedoras, cowboy hats, floppy hats, outdoors hats, kid’s hats and more. Every Chapel Hats location is themed to a different time period and is built by using old pieces of shops, factories, schools, pubs and churches from a bygone era.
  • Dockside Margaritas 2Dockside Margaritas – Dockside Margaritas treats guests to thirst-quenching margaritas made with fresh, all-natural products. Using authentic Florida ingredients whenever possible, the location (at the Marketplace) features unique theming reminiscent of a 1960s Florida roadside fruit stand. In addition to margaritas, the menu includes select frozen beverages, wine, bottled and draft beer. There is ample seating for guests and a built-in entertainment area.
  • Disney Springs - Eric Mckenna's Bakery NYCErin McKenna Bakery NYC – A unique bakery with savory offerings and an all-vegan and gluten-free menu. Look for a full selection of award-winning donuts, cupcakes, cookies, bagels with vegan butter, and other delicious items daily. Some of their fan-favorite cupcakes from their flagship bakery in New York and sister bakery in Los Angeles include vanilla cupcakes with zesty lemon frosting, red velvet cupcakes with creamy vanilla frosting and brownie cupcakes with rich chocolate frosting.
  • Erwin PearlErwin Pearl – Specializing in fashion jewelry and accessories, Erwin Pearl features hand-painted French enamels, 22k gold plating, sterling silver and freshwater pearls. The New York City-based company manufactures more than 80 percent of their products in U.S. factories, including earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, pins, watches and scarves. Erwin Pearl began his career as a diamond cutter and is recognized as one of the country’s foremost fine jewelry designers.
  • HavaianasHavaianas – A Brazilian-based shoe store that offers fashionable flip flops made with the highest quality rubber — with hundreds of styles to choose from. This store features a large assortment of colorful Havaianas for women, men and children, plus kids’ rain boots. There’s also the “Make Your Own Havaianas” and “Embellish Your Own Havaianas,” option, where guests can customize this casual footwear.
  • Disney Springs - SanukSanuk– Innovative, fun and comfortable footwear with more than 175 designs is available at this 1,000-square-foot venue. Taking its name from the Thai word for “fun,” Sanuk strives to make more innovative products that are as much about funk as they are about function. Favorite styles including Yoga Mat Sandal Collection and its patented “Not-A-Shoe” Sidewalk Surfers will be showcased.
  • Joffrey's TeaTea Traders Café by Joffrey’s — Tea Traders Café by Joffrey’s specializes in premium loose-leaf teas (hot, iced, blended) featuring customs blends, accessories and packaged teas from all over the globe; created to go or for a tea experience in the café.
  • Vivoli il GelatoVivoli Gelateria – A family-run gelato shop, Vivoli Gelateria serves up gelato that is made with fresh, top-quality ingredients using the exact same recipes from the original shop in Italy. (The storefront at Disney Springs is the second for Vivoli, the first outside of Italy.) The artisans use local and seasonal products, with cocoa powder, hazelnut and pistachio imported from Italy. In addition to their signature gelato, Vivioli Gelateria also serves traditional Italian panini, biscotti, espresso and tarts.
  • Sound LionSound Lion – A new retail concept that offers the latest technology in headphones, docking stations, wireless music players and other products. Before purchasing a product, guests can hang out at their Listening Barand find which product works best for them.

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 visited the new Disney Springs? Please leave a comment!

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Now Open

Jock Lindsay's 6

Great news, everyone! The new aviation-themed lounge, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, has opened at Downtown Disney. Here are all of the exciting details just released courtesy of Disney:


Jock Lindsay's 7With an imaginative, playful design that tells the story of a man who loved the adventure of flight, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is open along the waterfront at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort.

The cozy lounge with spacious outdoor seating features light bites and drinks inspired by Jock’s globe-trotting, including a stint as the pilot for Indiana Jones in “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”

“Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar fits into the storytelling of Disney Springs – a town that grew up over time,” says Theron Skees of Walt Disney Imagineering.

Jock Lindsay's 9The space is layered with all of the adventures that Jock went on his career, says Skees. “It’s all about Jock’s love of flying and his collection over the years.”

The inspired atmosphere is in the details, from spare airplane parts to nostalgic postcards and antique maps tacked to the walls.

Walt Disney Imagineers weave a tale of Jock’s high-flying life, with the pilot making his home at Disney Springs in the 1940s after discovering the charming little town while flying over the Sunshine State in 1938 search of the elusive Fountain of Youth.

One of the architectural focal points of the lounge is the lamella ceiling, a specific type of timber construction that was popular in airplane hangars in the 1940s. The open framework creates a lightness in the cozy room. Fanciful details include an antique dive bell, from Jock’s adventures at sea, now with a curved bench for private seating.

Jock Lindsay's 10And the expansive waterfront bar is a nod to his travels around the world, with photos of Jock and his pals tasting exotic fare. But the real architectural showstopper is Reggie, Jock’s canvas-covered steamboat, named for his pet snake. Now in dry dock, it stretches out into the water, a spectacular spot for light bites and sunset-watching

Though Jock may be gone, his tales live on at this exotic watering hole.  And that’s what gives the place its charm – and a creative menu of adventurous tastes.

Jock Lindsay's 1Each of the small plates on the opening menu has a delicious twist. Dr. Elsa’s She-Deviled Eggs are brined in beet juice with lump crab filling. “Good” Dates features goat cheese-stuffed dates with Marcona almonds and pickled veggies. Snack of Ra gives a taste of Africa with salads and dips served with injera (bread) and naan crisps. Tanis Tacos are filled with falafel, shredded lettuce and cucumber-tomato salad. The pretzels come with house-made mustard and beer-cheese fondue.

Jock Lindsay's 4A little more substantial are the Rolling Boulder Sliders with three spice meatballs on mini-buns with yogurt sauce.  Or Brody Brats, grilled bratwurst with mustard and pickled cabbage. The Hangar’s take on chicken wings features spicy Asian wings (called “Lao Che’s Revenge”). And “Squid! Why’d It Have to Be Squid” is fried calamari flatbread with spicy harissa.

Along with beer and wine, mixologists are having fun with cocktails, such as the Cool-Headed Monkey, The Scottish Professor, Reggie’s Revenge and Anything Goes, all crafted with spirits from around the globe.

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is open from 11:30 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday (no reservations).

Located between Paradiso 37 and The BOATHOUSE restaurant at Downtown Disney, the new lounge is part of the largest expansion in Downtown Disney history, which will transform the area into Disney Springs, a lively shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Guests at Disney Springs will have a unique Disney experience amid beautiful open-air promenades, flowing springs and waterfront charm.


501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

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Are you excited to try Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar? Please leave a comment!

Fall In Disney World Is Filled With Festive Fun

Hallowishes 2

Fall is my favorite season of the year – especially at Disney World! With so many fun-filled events and activities, you just can’t beat an autumn visit to the parks. Here’s what you can expect if you’ll be visiting soon courtesy of Disney:


A Spooktacular Celebration at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

This fall, the Magic Kingdom will be transformed into a home for happy haunts at “Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.” This special ticket event returns this year for 25 nights of boo-tiful festivities at Magic Kingdom park. Guests are invited to dress up in favorite Halloween costumes for this “not-so-scary” occasion, where there is an assortment of trick-or-treat sweets waiting to be found.

HalloweenEntertainment features the twice-nightly “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade,” a bone-rattling spectacle featuring Disney characters donning Halloween costumes. Also, for the first time ever, the mischievous Sanderson Sisters from Disney’s Hocus Pocus will throw an evil Halloween party for the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular.” This new show is a not-to-be-missed Halloween production and features appearances by Dr. Facilier, Oogie Boogie, Maleficent and other great Disney villains, along with dancers, projections and special effects. For the fiendish finale, “Happy HalloWishes,” a green and orange fireworks display complete with Disney villains, will creep across the sky.

In addition to trick-or-treating, meet and greets with Disney characters in their festive Halloween costumes and Halloween treats and eats unique to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are available throughout the evening. For guests’ ghostly pleasure, a barbershop quartet of dead cowboys also will be serenading Frontierland with their chilling musical arrangements. Listen if you dare!

Party dates are September: 15, 18, 20, 22, 25 and 27; October: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31; November: 1. For more information, please click here.

Savor the flavors at the 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Disney guests can sip and savor fresh flavors from around the world during the 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, presented by Chase September 25 – November 16, 2015 at Walt Disney World Resort. This year’s festival will include more than 30 global marketplaces, with four new food and beverage locations stretching into Future World. This will be first time the festival has expanded beyond the World Showcase.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ©DisneyAlong the walkway toward Future World West, the new Artistry of Wine & Cheese festival area will feature the Cheese Studio (offering a cheese sampler served on an artist’s palette to pair with wines) and the Wine Studio with premium wines on tap.

Near the Epcot Character Spot, the new Next Eats area will debut with Sustainable Chew and Chew Lab marketplaces inspired by ABC’s Emmy-Award winning lifestyle series “The Chew,” starring co-hosts Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Carla Hall, Clinton Kelly and Daphne Oz. Sustainable Chew will feature three dishes, and Chew Lab will show off hot culinary tech trends like a Liquid Nitro Chocolate Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey Caramel.

For more information, please click here.

New Downtown Disney Dining Locations and Roadway Ramps Opening Soon

Downtown Disney gives guests an assortment of options to “eat in style.” World-renowned chef Masaharu Morimoto and the Patina Restaurant Group will open Morimoto Asia, Morimoto’s first Pan-Asian restaurant, at Disney Springs in fall 2015. Morimoto Asia’s culinary elements will provide flavors from across Asia, while exhibition kitchens will showcase the continent’s traditions. Included among them are street-food stalls, Peking duck carving, and dim sum.

Hangar BarGuests with a flair for adventure (even those afraid of snakes) can visit Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar in fall 2015. With a storyline centered on the pilot from the “Indiana Jones” films, this aviation- themed lounge will feature unique drinks and small plates. Themed décor like propeller-based ceiling fans, vintage travel posters and correspondence between Jock and Indy will immerse guests in a world of adventure. With a prime location along Lake Buena Vista and seating for 150, the venue is perfect for a sky-high good time.

A new way to get around also will be introduced to Downtown Disney this fall, improving access to the Orange garage. The flyover ramp on Buena Vista Drive will likely open first, with the I-4 slip ramp (with direct access from I-4, connecting near Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park) slated to open in time for the holiday shopping season.

The largest expansion in Downtown Disney history, Disney Springs will provide even more opportunities for guests to relax and enjoy themselves. When completed in 2016, Disney Springs will double the shopping, dining and entertainment experiences, with an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands.


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 Disney World this fall? What are you most excited about?
Please leave a comment!

More Details About Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Coming To Downtown Disney

Hangar Bar

The new aviation-themed lounge, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, is scheduled to open this fall in Downtown Disney. A few more exciting details were just released courtesy of Disney:


With an aviation theme (Jock was Indy’s frequent pilot in the “Indiana Jones” films) and a primo waterfront location, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar will feature food and drinks inspired by Jock’s globe-trotting to all continents – everything from a Hovito Mojito to Dr. Elsa’s She-Deviled Eggs.

Guests will get a kick out of the salvaged equipment, spare airplane parts and mementos from Jock’s travels that decorate the 150-seat lounge located between Paradiso 37 and The BOATHOUSE restaurant. Outdoors, his old steamboat (now in dry dock) is a fun place for watching the sunset.

Hangar BarAt the core of Walt Disney Imagineering is great storytelling: as the tale goes, Jock made a home at this waterfront property in the 1940s after discovering this charming little town while flying Indiana Jones over the Sunshine State in search of the elusive Fountain of Youth in 1938. As a member of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers, Jock often welcomed his globetrotting friends to his hangar for a drink and fun times.

Now Jock and Indy may be gone, but his legendary adventures live on at this exotic watering hole. And that’s what gives the place its charm – and a creative menu of adventurous tastes.

Along with beer and wine, start with clever cocktails such as Reggie’s Revenge and The Fountain of Youth featuring Florida vodkas; Hovito Mojito and The Bitter Barkeep with Peruvian Pisco; Anything Goes with an Asian spirit that packs a little heat; The Aviator’s Flight and The Scottish Professor, and that Cool-headed Monkey with African spirits.

Each of the small plates has a delicious twist, and they’re great for sharing. Dr. Elsa’s She-Deviled Eggs are brined in beet juice with lump crab filling. “Good” Dates feature goat cheese-stuffed dates with Marcona almonds and pickled veggies. Snack of Ra gives a taste of Africa with salads and dips served with injera (bread) and naan crisps. Tanis Tacos are filled with falafel, shredded lettuce and cucumber-tomato salad. The pretzels come with house-made mustard and beer-cheese fondue.

A little more substantial are the Rolling Boulder Sliders with three spice meatballs on mini-buns with yogurt sauce. Or Brody Brats, grilled bratwurst with mustard and pickled cabbage. Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar’s take on chicken wings features spicy Asian wings (called “Lao Che’s Revenge”). And “Squid! Why’d It Have to Be Squid” is fried calamari flatbread with spicy harissa.


Look for Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar to open in Downtown Disney this fall!

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:

Are you excited to try Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar?
Please leave a comment!