Tag Archives: Magic Kingdom

Feb 17 2015

Disney World Reality Versus Rumor – February 2015 Edition

Welcome to the February 2015 edition of Disney World Reality vs. Rumor where we’ll take a look at the stories that are currently circulating to see which ones are confirmed and which ones are purely speculation.

Disney World Reality

  • It has been confirmed that Disney World ticket prices will be increasing this month. Sources say a single day Magic Kingdom ticket will exceed $100.
  • It has been confirmed that the Creature Comforts location in Animal Kingdom will reopen this summer as a Starbucks.
  • It has been confirmed that Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom will start accepting advance dining reservations for lunch beginning February 25.
  • It has been confirmed that the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishment has been moved to April.
  • It has been confirmed that the Richard Petty Driving Experience and Exotic Driving Experience will be closing this summer as well as the entire race track will be demolished to make way for future transportation improvements near Magic Kingdom.
  • It has been confirmed that the Tomorrowland Arcade in Magic Kingdom has closed due to changes in Florida law. All prize counters and claw-like games have also been removed from the arcades throughout Disney World.
  • Disney World confirmed that it has pulled the Epcot coffee mug, part of Starbucks’ “You Are Here” collection, because it included a purple-colored monorail train. Disney retired Monorail Purple after its involvement in a deadly crash in 2009.
  • It was confirmed that Disney filed paperwork to build a new “Frozen” meet and greet that will take up the space between the Mexico and Norway pavilions.
  • It has been confirmed that the Great Movie Ride in Hollywood Studios will soon see a much need update thanks to a new deal with Turner Classic Movies.
  • It has been confirmed by Disney Parks CEO Bob Iger during an interview with Bloomberg Television that there will be a lot more Star Wars in Disney Parks in the near future.
  • It has been announced by Disney that the following shops will be coming to Disney Springs: APEX, Art of Shaving, Chapel Hats, Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC, Havaianas, Sanuk, and Sound Lion.

Disney World Rumor

  • It is rumored that Disney is currently testing LCD displays at select resort bus stops that will display the estimated wait time until a particular bus should arrive.
  • There are many rumors that the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in Magic Kingdom will undergo a lengthy refurbishment later this year to deal with the last row in the new boats taking on water, safety concerns after a guest seated in the back row lost a finger, and general maintenance.
  • Permits were recently filed spurring speculation that a new restaurant will be built in Adventureland in Magic Kingdom. Rumors are that its theme will tie into the Jungle Cruise.
  • It is being speculated that a third theatre is being added to Soarin’ to help accommodate the crowds.
  • There are also rumors that a new Soarin’ movie is being filmed that will replace the current film and will highlight well-known landmarks from around the world.
  • It is being speculated that a new country pavilion may be added to World Showcase. The most popular country being talked about is Brazil.
  • There are rumors that Echo Lake, Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner, and Gertie the Dinosaur will be removed this spring to make way for a Star Wars themed land in Hollywood Studios.
  • It is rumored that a third track is being added to Toy Story Mania to help accommodate the crowds.
  • There are rumors that a Pixar Place/Toy Story Land may be built in Hollywood Studios using part of the space made available with the closing of the Backlot Tour.

Look for another edition of Disney World Reality vs. Rumor in April 2015!

Are you excited about any of these changes – real or rumored? Please leave a comment!

Feb 10 2015

Starbucks In Disney World

Coffee

For all of you Starbucks fans out there who just can’t start your day without your favorite beverage, you are in luck. Now there are several Starbucks locations throughout the resort. As with all change, the addition of Starbucks to Disney World angered many people. It seems that the dust has finally settled on this battle and guests are now growing accustomed to having this famous chain mixed in with the Disney magic. So the next time you’re in Disney World and are in need of a cup of your favorite brew, you’ll be able to get your fix. Keep in mind that each Starbucks varies in theme, menu offerings, and hours. Here’s a little bit more information about each location:

Downtown Disney Marketplace

Starbucks Marketplace

In the Marketplace section of Downtown Disney, Starbucks is served at a walk up window directly in front of the World of Disney store. This location is generally open from 8am to midnight. For the complete menu, click here.

Downtown Disney West Side

In the West Side section of Downtown Disney, Starbucks has a large restaurant. This location is generally open from 9am to midnight. For the complete menu, click here.

Magic Kingdom

In Magic Kingdom, Starbucks is served at the Main Street Bakery located on Main Street, U.S.A. This location is open during park hours. For the complete menu, click here.

Epcot

In Epcot, Starbucks is served at Fountain View located by the World Fellowship Fountain (aka Fountain of Nations). This location is open during park hours. For the complete menu, click here.

Hollywood Studios

In Hollywood Studios, Starbucks is served at The Trolley Car Café located on Hollywood Boulevard. This location is open during park hours. The Trolley Car Café just opened last week, so be sure to check back soon for the complete menu.

Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom Starbucks

Coming this summer to Animal Kingdom, another Starbucks location will be opening in the place of the Creature Comforts shop. Look for this spot to open mid-June 2015.

Need help planning your Disney World vacation?

Be sure to check out these resources to make the most of your time in Disney World:

Heading 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 money:

Do you like Starbucks? How do you feel about it being in Disney World?
Please leave a comment!

Feb 4 2015

Be Our Guest Restaurant Will Soon Accept Lunch Reservations

Beginning February 25, 2015, lunch reservations will be available for the Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom. A reservation can be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE or by visiting MyDisneyExperience.com. Guests will have the option to pre-order meals through My Disney Experience (between 30 days in advance up to five minutes before the reservation time) or menu selections can be made at the kiosks inside the restaurant upon arrival. For guests wishing to dine at Be Our Guest in the evening, a table service dinner will still be available and will continue to require an advanced dining reservation. Look for a breakfast option to be added in the near future.

Need more help planning your day at Magic Kingdom?

Be sure to check out these posts to make the most of your time at Magic Kingdom:

Heading 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 money:

Will you be trying lunch at Be Our Guest?
Please leave a comment!

Jan 26 2015

Helpful Information For Your May 2015 Disney World Vacation

Epcot International Flower And Garden Festival

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in May 2015? May is a wonderful time of year to visit Walt Disney World. The temperatures are warm, the flowers are blooming and the crowds are light.

Weather

The weather in Disney World during May is beautiful. The average high is about 89 degrees, the average low is about 65 degrees and the average rainfall is only about 3.1 inches. By traveling in May, you are getting your vacation in just before the rainy season begins. But don’t forget to pack your poncho just in case!

Crowds

The crowds throughout the month of May are nice and moderate. You can anticipate crowds to begin to pick up Memorial Day weekend and beyond.

May 1 – May 2 – Average Crowd Level 5.5 out of 10
May 3 – May 9 – Average Crowd Level 4.9 out of 10
May 10 – May 16 – Average Crowd Level 4.6 out of 10
May 17 – May 23 – Average Crowd Level 5.0 out of 10
May 24 – May 31 – Average Crowd Level 6.0 out of 10

Park Hours

Magic Kingdom ClockWith bigger crowds comes longer hours at the Parks. As the month goes on and the crowds increase, all of the Parks will close later.

  • Magic Kingdom: Open most days from 9am – 11pm or 12am (plus Extra Magic Hours)
  • Epcot: Open from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
  • Hollywood Studios: Open most days from 9am – 8:30pm or 10:00pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
  • Animal Kingdom: Open most days from 9am – 6pm or 7pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

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

Events

Expedition EverestOn May 1 and 2, Disney World is hosting the runDisney event – Expedition Everest Challenge for the final time. This 5K race is held at night at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and includes an obstacle course and scavenger hunt. Sorry to say if you haven’t already registered, this race is sold out. However, there are currently tickets still available for the after party – please check this link for the most up-to-date availability. Because this run and after party are held at night (from 10pm – 2:30am), they should not have a big impact on daytime touring.

Epcot International Flower And Garden FestivalA terrific part about visiting Disney World in May is the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. This year the event will run from March 4 – May 17 and features over 100 topiaries, interesting gardening demonstrations, beautiful flowers, weekend music concerts and several outdoor kitchens serving delicious foods and beverages. For more information about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, please check out this article.

Star Wars WeekendsAlso beginning on May 15 and running weekends through June 14 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are Star Wars Weekends. This event is huge with fans of the franchise and includes dining experiences, themed treats, special shows, parades, presentations, autograph sessions, and chances to meet the characters and celebrities. For more information and to watch a hilarious video featuring a Star Wars Darth Vader cupcake destroying a bakery, please check out this article.

Coolest Summer EverMemorial Day weekend is the traditional start of family vacation time, and Walt Disney World Resort will launch into the season full force. The Magic Kingdom will be open 24 hours to guests from 6am to 6am, Friday May 22 to Saturday, May 23. Guests will be invited to come in costume to show their Disney Side while a selection of favorite attractions, entertainment, special event merchandise, plus food and beverage are on tap all night long to celebrate the start of the “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort. The around-the-clock celebration features Disney character greetings, dance parties and surprises into the wee hours of the night.

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom

  • Jungle Cruise: April 13 – May 8, 2015

Epcot

  • Maelstrom and Spirit of Norway Film: Ongoing – Reopening in 2016 Reimagined as a New Frozen Attraction

Hollywood Studios

  • No refurbishments currently scheduled

Animal Kingdom

  • Creature Comforts: Reopening June 2015 as the New Starbucks Location
  • Flame Tree BBQ: January 5 – June 3, 2015
  • TriceraTop Spin: May 11 – May 23, 2015

Water Parks

  • No refurbishments currently scheduled

Downtown Disney

  • Downtown Disney is undergoing a major transformation to become the reimagined Disney Springs. Construction will be finished in phases with the final completion date set for Fall 2016.

Resort Hotels

  • Art of Animation: Finding Nemo Schoolyard Wet Play Area May 26 – June 29, 2015
  • Beach Club Resort: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2015
  • Polynesian Resort: Ongoing Polynesian East Pool Refurbishment To Be Completed In 2016
  • Walt Disney World Swan: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2016

Planning Tips

Disney's Animal Kingdom Tree of LifeIf you are traveling to Disney World in May 2015, 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 onsite, be sure to customize your Magicband on your My Disney Experience account by picking the color and adding your name.
  • 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. Need help with your research? Check out my book “A Tale of Two Resorts” which includes descriptions and tips for every attraction and helpful dining information for every restaurant from snack stand to table service including specifics about atmosphere, cuisine type, dress code and even menu selections including the kid’s meals that are offered. Click here for more information including an excerpt.
  • Whether you are staying onsite or off-property, now is the time 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 out (midnight EST time) if you are staying onsite or 30 days out for all other guests, login to your My Disney Experience account and book your Fastpass+ reservations.
  • If you are staying onsite, 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 now by clicking here.
  • Now is also a great time 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, ask a question in the comments section, or take a look at the Planning section here.

Special Offers

If you haven’t already made your May 2015 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 your counting the days until your next Disney vacation, we would love to have you join in the fun! Please click here to be a part of our group!

Have a magical vacation!

Jan 15 2015

Helpful Information For Your April 2015 Disney World Vacation

Disney World Easter

Planning Your April 2015 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in April 2015? April is a perfect time of year to visit the “happiest place on earth”. The temperatures are getting warmer, the flowers are in full bloom and the crowds start to dwindle once the Easter holiday passes.

Weather

Mickey Mouse and Friends Zip Hoodie for Women - Walt Disney World 2015The weather in Disney World during April is the best of the year. The average high is about 83 degrees, the average low is about 59 degrees and the average rainfall is only about 2.28 inches. April is the second driest month of the year behind November. Don’t forget that even though it reaches the 80’s by afternoon, the early mornings, late evenings and heavily air-conditioned attractions are still chilly. When traveling in April, I always pack a couple of Disney hoodies to keep me warm.

Crowds

With Easter occurring on April 5 this year, the crowd levels at the beginning of April are expected to be very high. By the second week of April, they are anticipated to begin a steady decline for the rest of the month.

April 1 – April 4 – Average Crowd Level 8.0 out of 10
April 5 – April 11 – Average Crowd Level 6.7 out of 10
April 12 – April 18 – Average Crowd Level 5.6 out of 10
April 19 – April 25 – Average Crowd Level 4.9 out of 10
April 26 – April 30 – Average Crowd Level 4.0 out of 10

Park Hours

Magic Kingdom ClockWith bigger crowds comes longer hours at the Parks. As the month goes on and the crowds decrease, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom will close earlier.

  • Magic Kingdom: Open most days from 9am – 11pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
  • Epcot: Open from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
  • Hollywood Studios: Open most days from 9am – 9:30pm during the beginning of the month and then from 9am – 8pm during the last half of April (plus Extra Magic Hours)
  • Animal Kingdom: Open most days from 9am – 7pm during the beginning of the month and then closing as early as 5pm by the end of April (plus Extra Magic Hours)

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

Events

Disney Easter Egg HuntIf you are visiting around Easter, Disney always has additional offerings to celebrate the holiday. There is usually an Easter parade in the Magic Kingdom, meet and greets with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny, and returning this year is Epcot’s Egg-stravaganza. Click here to read all about this fun egg hunt! And remember Disney Floral can help you decorate your resort room and provide gifts for the occasion, just click here for more information.

Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalAnother terrific part about visiting Disney World in April is the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. This year the event will run from March 4 – May 17 and features over 100 topiaries, interesting gardening demonstrations, beautiful flowers, weekend music concerts and several outdoor kitchens serving delicious foods and beverages. For more information about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, please check out this article.

And of course, every year on Earth Day (April 22), Animal Kingdom hosts the Party for the Planet which usually includes interesting animal and conservation presentations, crafts and games for the kids, and specialty merchandise and snacks. For more information, please check out this article.

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom

  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: April 27 – April 30, 2015
  • It’s a Small World: April 14 – April 17, 2015
  • Jungle Cruise: April 13 – May 8, 2015
  • Space Mountain: April 20 – April 23, 2015

Epcot

  • Maelstrom and Spirit of Norway Film: Ongoing – Reopening in 2016 Reimagined as a New Frozen Attraction

Hollywood Studios

  • Lights, Motors, Action: April 20 – April 24, 2015

Animal Kingdom

  • Creature Comforts: Reopening June 2015 as the New Starbucks Location
  • Flame Tree BBQ: January 5 – May 22, 2015

Water Parks

  • No refurbishments currently scheduled

Downtown Disney

  • Downtown Disney is undergoing a major transformation to become the reimagined Disney Springs. Construction will be finished in phases with the final completion date set for Fall 2016.

Resort Hotels

  • Beach Club Resort: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In August 2015
  • Grand Floridian Resort: Beach Water Activity Pool March 6 – April 9, 2015
  • Polynesian Resort: Ongoing Nanea Volcano Pool Refurbishment To Be Completed In Mid-April 2015; Polynesian East Pool Mid-April 2015 – 2016
  • Walt Disney World Swan: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2016

Planning Tips

Disney's Animal Kingdom Tree of LifeIf you are traveling to Disney World in April 2015, 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 onsite, be sure to customize your Magicband on your My Disney Experience account by picking the color and adding your name.
  • 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. Need help with your research? Check out my book “A Tale of Two Resorts” which includes descriptions and tips for every attraction and helpful dining information for every restaurant from snack stand to table service including specifics about atmosphere, cuisine type, dress code and even menu selections including the kid’s meals that are offered. Click here for more information including an excerpt.
  • Whether you are staying onsite or off-property, now is the time 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 out (midnight EST time) if you are staying onsite, login to your My Disney Experience account and book your Fastpass+ reservations.
  • If you are staying onsite, 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 now by clicking here.
  • Now is also a great time 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, ask a question in the comments section, or take a look at the Planning section here.

Special Offers

If you haven’t already made your April 2015 reservations, Disney has some great offers going on right now!

  • Save up to 25% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels when booked between now and March 28, 2015 for stays most nights March 2 – June 15, 2015.
  • As an added bonus you can receive one more ticket day FREE when you upgrade to a room and ticket package with a minimum 4-day Magic Your Way Ticket.

To take advantage of these incredible deals, please click the image below and fill out the form to receive a quote from my friends at Destinations in Florida.

Any planning questions or tips? Please leave a comment!