Tag Archives: Magic Kingdom

Oct 7 2015

Celebrating New Year’s In Disney World

New Years 3

Where has 2015 gone? If you’ll be visiting Disney World for the ringing in of 2016 there are plenty of fun-filled options available to celebrate the holiday. Here’s a look at some of the choices courtesy of Disney:

Walt Disney World Resort is the perfect place to ring in the New Year. With spectacular fireworks shows, world-class entertainment, and endless dining options, guests can celebrate New Year’s Eve with a touch of Disney magic.

Here’s a look at some of Disney’s entertainment and dining celebrations planned for New Year’s Eve 2015 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Entertainment

Disney New YearEpcot – Guests can celebrate all night long at Epcot. DJs and live music around World Showcase bring guests to their feet with beats from around the globe. Two showings of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” fireworks spectacular at 6pm and 11:40pm, followed by a countdown and pyrotechnic salute to the New Year will top off the celebration.

Magic Kingdom – Guests can get a head start on welcoming 2016 at Magic Kingdom as New Year’s Eve fireworks light up the sky on two nights instead of one. Magic Kingdom will present a jaw-dropping presentation of “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks on both Wednesday, December 30, and Thursday, December 31 at 11:50pm.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Rock ’n’ roll into the New Year with a brilliant fireworks spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The show will be presented on December 31 near the Hyperion Theater at midnight.

Dining

Disney New YearMagic Kingdom – For guests with a sweet tooth, Tomorrowland Terrace will feature a New Year’s Eve fireworks dessert party twice nightly during the “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks spectacular December 30-31. Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Epcot – Epcot World Showcase offers a variety of New Year’s Eve lunch and dinner options. (Admission to Epcot is required and not included in dining prices.)

  • Enjoy live music, premium tequilas, festive décor, and incredible views of the IllumiNations fireworks spectacular at La Hacienda de San Angel at the Mexico pavilion. This colorful celebration begins with seating at 9:30pm, and includes a five-course feast featuring a special Surf and Turf entrée. This event is $280.13 for adults and $73.46 for children ages 3-9 (includes tax and gratuity).
  • Delight in the culture, flavors and elegance of France courtesy of the revered French chef Paul Bocuse at Monsieur Paul at the France pavilion. This restaurant will offer lunch and dinner seatings featuring a three-course meal for $85 per person (plus tax and gratuity), as well as a four-course premiere dining event from 8:45-9:50 p.m. for $235 per person, or $295 with wine (plus tax and gratuity).
  • The Canadian-inspired eatery Le Cellier Steakhouse will offer a decadent, multi-course menu for guests to enjoy while exploring World Showcase. Reservations are available at 4:30, 6:45 and 9 pm, with prices varying per seating.
  • Listen to classic Disney tunes and enjoy a never-ending custom New Year’s Eve dinner buffet at the Epcot World ShowPlace This holiday dining location offers a family-friendly atmosphere with delicious menu items for guests of all ages. The experience also features photo opportunities with unique vignettes of classic Disney characters. Dinner is served from 4:30-10:30pm. Tickets cost $71.84 for adults and $44.37 for children ages 3-9 (plus tax).

Disney World New YearsResorts – Guests can treat themselves to delectable dining on New Year’s Eve at several Walt Disney World Resort hotel restaurants.

  • With an elegant feast and delightful entertainment, guests can celebrate with class at California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. An exquisite gala includes appearances by favorite Disney characters, complimentary alcoholic beverages, and a magnificent view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. This dine-around style event features elaborate food stations for guests to enjoy throughout the restaurant. Dinner seating is at 8 p.m. and cost is $625 per person (includes tax and gratuity).
  • New Year’s Eve dinner at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is an extravagant affair complete with ten courses and elite wine pairings throughout the evening. This once-in-a-lifetime experience features a harpist, lavish décor, a personalized menu, and a long-stem rose for ladies.
  • Narcoosee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa provides guests with a global dining experience with tantalizing seafood selections from around the world. With two dinner seatings, this evening is a delicious and memorable way to begin 2016. Prices vary per seating.
  • To begin the New Year with style, guests ages 21 and over can dance their way into 2016 at the Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk. This special-ticket event includes a live band, champagne toast at midnight, and plenty of dance space on the main floor for an evening of swinging fun. Tickets can be purchased for $37 per person. For an extra VIP New Year’s Eve experience, guests can purchase tickets for private access to the second floor balcony and a dessert party to the backdrop of Epcot’s fireworks spectacular. This special celebration is $80 for each adult.
  • For a celebratory New Year’s Day feast, guests can book brunch at Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Price is $44.72 for adults and $26.62 for children ages 3-9.
  • Walt Disney World Swan Hotel offers limited-time New Year’s Eve menus in two tasty locations. For a scrumptious buffet accompanied by Disney Character greetings, guests can visit the enchanting Garden Grove Price is $48.98 for adults and $21.29 for children ages 3-9 (includes tax but not gratuity). To ring in the New Year with Italian fare, guests can enjoy a festive feast at Il Mulino, with reservations available from 7:15-11pm. This authentic Italian meal experience costs $105 for adults and $39 for children ages 3-9 (plus tax and gratuity).

Please remember that holiday seating is limited and will book up quickly. For information and reservations,  please click here or call 407-WDW-DINE.

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 celebrating New Year’s in Disney World? Please leave a comment!

Oct 6 2015

Where To Find The Best Waffles In Disney World

Waffles 3

Who doesn’t love a good waffle? Disney makes a fabulous waffle and we’re not just talking your basic breakfast variety either. There are many delicious takes on this breakfast classic throughout the resort. So the next time you find yourself in Disney World with a waffle craving, make your way to one of these spots!

Waffles 2Sleepy Hollow in Magic Kingdom

This location serves a wide range of waffle sandwiches and waffle desserts. The portions are large and with so many choices, you might want to purchase a couple of varieties to share.

  • Ham and Cheese Omelet Waffle Sandwich $7.49 (breakfast only)
  • Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich $7.49 (lunch only)
  • Ham, Prosciutto, and Swiss Waffle Sandwich $7.49 (lunch only)
  • Nutella and Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich $6.69
  • Waffle with Cinnamon $5.39
  • Waffle with Powdered Sugar $5.39
  • Waffle with Strawberries and Whipped Cream $6.79

Waffles 1Trilo-Bites in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

A couple of great snacking options while touring the jungles of Animal Kingdom!

  • Buffalo Chicken Waffle Slider $5.49
  • Waffle Sundae $5.59

Waffles 4Fantasy Fare Food Truck in Disney Springs

Need a quick bite and only a waffle will do? Head to the Fantasy Fare Food Truck to get your fix!

  • Buffalo Chicken and Waffles $10.25
  • Chicken and Waffles $10.25

Waffles 7Belgium Marketplace during Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival

Only available during Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival, these scrumptious waffles will hit the spot!

  • Belgium Waffle with Warm Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Cream $3.75
  • Belgium Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream $3.75

Waffles 9Throughout Disney World

The classic Mickey Waffle; these beauties are served up throughout the Disney World Resort. You will find these adorable and tasty Mickey Waffles at breakfast buffets, food courts, and table service locations in the parks and at select Disney Resort Hotels. Prices vary.

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:

What is your favorite Disney World waffle? Please leave a comment!

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 17 2015

Adorable Disney World Halloween Souvenirs Now Available

It’s officially Halloween time in Walt Disney World! The holiday decorations are up, tasty treats are for sale, and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is now being celebrated on select nights at Magic Kingdom. With all of the fun fall festivities underway, you know what that means; Halloween themed merchandise is now available! Check out some of the adorable Disney World Halloween souvenirs that you can purchase.

I still love stuffed animals and this year they have this cute Figaro plush in a Mickey Mouse Jack O’Lantern.Halloween Merchandise 1

Another easy-to-get-home souvenir is an antenna topper. Check out Minnie Mouse dressed as a witch.Halloween Merchandise 10

Perfect for cold fall nights in my home state of Colorado; I love this festive loungewear!Halloween Merchandise 9

Want to dress up for Halloween when you take the kids treat-or-treating, but don’t want to go to the trouble of a costume? How about a cute Disney Halloween shirt?Halloween Merchandise 3

I love this light-up pumpkin necklace, another super easy way to add a little Halloween spirit to your outfit on the big night!Halloween Merchandise 2

Halloween is all about the candy, right? Check out these cute mini-Halloween candy bags filled with candy corn, candy pumpkins, or chocolate. Yum!Halloween Merchandise 4

I love decorating for Halloween, and I would love to add one of these fun Halloween lanterns to my collection!Halloween Merchandise 5

Pins are another super easy and fun souvenir to collect. How cute are these?Halloween Merchandise 8

Just what I need…more mouse ears!Halloween Merchandise 6

Perfect for that mug collector in your life – Mickey Mouse and Friends Halloween Mug!Halloween Merchandise 7

This Poison Apple Stein comes filled with a beverage and is available at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.Halloween Merchandise 11

This cute mug will also be available throughout the parks.Halloween Merchandise 13

One of my all-time favorite Disney World snacks? Popcorn in a souvenir bucket, and it looks like I’ll have a couple to choose from this Halloween season!

I can’t wait to do some souvenir shopping on my upcoming trip!

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 during the Halloween season?
Which souvenir are you most excited about? Please leave a comment!

Sep 15 2015

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Treats

Every year Magic Kingdom celebrates the Halloween season with the family friendly Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on select nights September through November 1.  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. Of course, it wouldn’t be a party without some delicious Disney desserts. Here’s a peek at some of the festive treats being served up exclusively at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year courtesy of Disney:

Halloween Party Treat 1Monster Cupcake, Main Street Bakery

Halloween Party Treat 2Spider Cupcake, Main Street Bakery

Halloween Party Treat 3Halloween Cookie, Main Street Bakery

Halloween Party Treat 4Halloween Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich, Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

Halloween Party Treat 5Candy Corn Soft Serve Ice Cream, Storybook Treats

Halloween Party Treat 6Ghost Cupcake, Gaston’s Tavern

Halloween Party Treat 7Candy Corn Cotton Candy, outdoor vending throughout the park

Still need tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party? Here’s all of the info:

  • September 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27; October 1 – Advance: $68 (plus tax) for adults; $63 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9); Day of the Event: $74 (plus tax) for adults; $69 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)
  • October 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, November 1 – 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)
  • Halloween – $87 (plus tax) for adults; $82 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)

The party is held 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 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 going to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party?
What treat are you most excited about? Please leave a comment!