Cinderella Castle

Helpful Information For Your August 2016 Disney World Vacation

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

Mickey on the BeachWeather

The weather in Disney World during August is hot and rainy. The average high is about 92 degrees, the average low is about 73 degrees and the average rainfall is about 7.71 inches. You can expect some rain most afternoons or evenings, so be sure to bring your poncho!

Crowds

The crowds in August are high at the beginning of the month as families enjoy vacationing during the last few weeks of summer break. By the end of the month, the crowds drop off dramatically as kids head back to school.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowAugust 1 – August 6
Average Crowd Level 8.0 out of 10
August 7 – August 13
Average Crowd Level 8.3 out of 10
August 14 – August 20
Average Crowd Level 7.9 out of 10
August 21 – August 27
Average Crowd Level 5.6 out of 10
August 28 – August 31
Average Crowd Level 3.8 out of 10

Magic Kingdom ClockPark Hours

Magic Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 10pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Epcot
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Hollywood Studios
Open most days from 9am – 8:30pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 5pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

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

Events

There are currently no special events scheduled for August in Disney World. Check back often as I will update this post if anything new is announced.

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: August 8 – November 19, 2016
“it’s a small world”: August 22 – September 15, 2016
Liberty Square Riverboat: August 15 – August 21, 2016
Swiss Family Treehouse: July 7 – September 24, 2016

Epcot
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Space MountainHollywood Studios
Pizza Planet: January 11 – November 2016
Star Wars Land: Opening in 2018
Toy Story Land: Opening in 2018

Animal Kingdom
Pandora – The World of AVATAR: Opening in 2017

Water Parks
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Disney Springs
Fulton’s Crab House: May 1 – December 31, 2016

Resort Hotels
Boardwalk Inn: Flying Fish Café February 1, 2016 – September 30, 2016
Walt Disney World Dolphin: Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 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 August 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 August 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!

D-Luxe Burger To Open In Disney Springs

D- Luxe Burger 1

Hey burger lovers, listen up, do I have good news for you! D-Luxe Burger is scheduled to open at Town Center in Disney Springs this May just in time for the busy summer season in Walt Disney World. In addition to indoor seating, this dining location will offer covered outdoor seating with gorgeous views of The Springs. The menu will feature gourmet burgers, hand cut fries, and specialty shakes.

Some of the gourmet burgers slated to be on the menu (courtesy of Disney):

  • D- Luxe Burger 2Classic Cheeseburger: beef patty topped with cheddar, lettuce, tomato and pickle
  • Barbeque Classic Burger: beef patty topped with a fried onion ring, smoked Gouda, bacon, barbeque sauce and lettuce
  • El Diablo Burger: chorizo-and-signature-blend patty, fried banana peppers, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato and chipotle mayonnaise
  • Southern Classic Burger: beef patty, topped with fried-green tomato, pimento cheese, lettuce and bacon
  • Cluck Burger: ground chicken patty, garlic herb sauce, avocado, lettuce and tomato
  • Veggie Burger: house-made patty topped with Tzatziki, green bean salad, lettuce and tomato

Rotating shake flavors may include chocolate, raspberry, strawberry, salted caramel, s’mores, and cake. And adults can try spiked versions like Smoked Bourbon and Godiva Raspberry.

But the item on the menu that I’m most interested to try has to be the painstakingly crafted Red Velvet Burger Macaron complete with its version of raspberry ketchup. It’s almost too beautiful to eat!

D- Luxe Burger 6

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 trying D-Luxe Burger in Disney Springs?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Disney After Hours At Magic Kingdom

Cinderella Castle

During April and May this year, Disney is offering a new ticketed event called “Disney After Hours”. For $149 per person (plus tax) a limited number of guests will be granted exclusive access to Magic Kingdom on select nights for three hours after park closing.

“Disney After Hours” will take place on:

April 14, 21, and 28
May 5, 8, 12, and 19

The hours of this event will be from 10:00pm to 1:00am on April 28 and May 5, 2016 and from 11:00pm to 2:00am on all other dates.

Your ticket will grant you access to the park beginning at 7:00pm on your event day; several hours prior to the park closing to all other guests. While there will be no special parades, fireworks, or dance parties offered during “Disney After Hours”, guests are able to enter the park early to enjoy the regular nightly entertainment such as the Main Street Electrical Parade and Wishes prior to the event starting.

So what do you get for $149 (plus tax) per person, you ask? Well, you will have access to over 25 of the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions with little to no wait. Some of these headliners include Peter Pan’s Flight, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Space Mountain. Also included in your admission are select bottled beverages and ice cream novelties that are available at carts throughout the park.

Remember tickets to this special event are very limited and are now on sale! To purchase or for more information, please call 407-827-7185.

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 attending Disney After Hours? Do you think it’s worth $149?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up March 27, 2016

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for March 27, 2016!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Disney's Animal KingdomTip Of The Week

If you are visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom with toddlers, keep in mind drinks in the park are served without lids and only with paper straws for the safety of the animals.

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalDisney Did You Know

During the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival dozens of new sweet and savory food and beverage menu items add tasting fun and variety to the event. Each marketplace features a garden planted with select produce and herbs to represent more than 50 overall beverage choices and more than 30 food items featured.

Walt Disney 5Walt’s Words

“Life is composed of lights and shadows, and we would be untruthful, insincere, and saccharine if we tried to pretend there were no shadows.”

Creative Countdown 1Disney World Enthusiast Giveaway

From now through Friday, April 1, 2016 at midnight, please enter daily to win a Countdown To Disney. Just click here and follow the instructions to be entered into the giveaway. Be sure to take advantage of the bonus entries, and please tell your friends and family to enter as well!

Behind The Magic Podcast

Be sure to catch up on this week’s episodes when Zeek, Rachel, and I discuss Disney news, rumors, and so much more.

  • Monday ~ Mouse Whispers New Disney Fees
  • Tuesday ~ Disney After Dark
  • Wednesday ~ Behind Enchanted Tiki Talk
  • Thursday ~ Behind IllumiNations
  • Friday ~ BTM The Show

For more information about this week’s podcasts or to listen, please click here.

Featured Advertiser

BitbeltHave you heard of this incredible gadget – Bitbelt? If you aren’t familiar, this handy creation secures your MagicBand so that it doesn’t accidentally become lost. Anyone that carries a child, a backpack, or wears a jacket at Disney World knows how easily a MagicBand can become unclasped. That’s where this little beauty comes in! Simply place a Bitbelt on your MagicBand and save yourself the trouble of having to search for a lost band or take the time to get a replacement. Bitbelts come in a dozen different colors and in two sizes – adult and junior. They are only $4.99 each plus they offer discounted pricing when you purchase multiple Bitbelts in one order. And if you think Bitbelts are great for MagicBands, they are also available for your fitness trackers. Never lose a pricey Fitbit again! For more information about Bitbelt, please click here!

501 WaysFeatured Book

The difference between an average and an outstanding Walt Disney World trip is in the details. Kristi Fredericks helps make your dream vacation a reality with her numerous tips and tricks to save money, time, and sanity while at the happiest place on earth in her new book “501 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Walt Disney World Vacation”. For more information, to read an excerpt, or to purchase, please click here.

Considering A Disney World Vacation

Book Your Disney VacationJennifer Hardy, a Disney Vacation Planner with Destinations in Florida, is the official travel partner of Disney World Enthusiast. She can help you book your next Disney vacation whether it is to Disney World, Disneyland, or aboard the Disney Cruise Line. Currently Jennifer has some incredible deals for discounted travel to Disney World. For more information about Jennifer’s amazing and absolutely free services or to get a free no-obligation quote, please click here!

You’re Invited

Next Disney VacationJennifer Hardy, from Destinations in Florida, and I have teamed up to create a brand new Facebook Group called Next Disney Vacation! It is the perfect place to talk about your next Disney vacation, voice your opinions, ask your questions, get them answered, and share the magic. Whether it’s Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, or the Disney Cruise Line, Jennifer and I are ready to help. 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 and conversation! Please click here to be a part of our group!

dwe logo small size white bkgdComing Up Next Week

Next week I’ll have some dining and planning information plus all of the latest Disney World news!

Have a wonderful week!

Behind The Magic Podcast Recap March 21 – March 25, 2016

Welcome to Season 5 of Behind The Magic Podcast!

This “snack credit” of podcasts is a unique 15-minute Disney podcast hosted by Zeek, Rachel, Jerry and myself. Every day Monday through Thursday you can join us for entertaining Disney information, discussions, guests, games, and more. We’ll be surprising you each and every day with our funny stories and Disney insider knowledge. And of course, we’ll also keep you up-to-date on all of the latest Disney news and gossip.

NEW THIS SEASON: On Friday nights, please join us for our 90 minute special BTM The Show that airs live at 10:30pm EST/7:30pm PST on YouTube!

Here’s a quick peek at what you can expect each day:

  • Monday ~ Mouse Whispers Mondays with all of the latest Disney gossip and rumors!
  • Tuesday ~ Topical Tuesdays with exciting Disney discussions!
  • Wednesday ~ With Us Wednesdays with celebrity guests from around the Disney Universe!
  • Thursday ~ Theme Park Thursdays with fun information, facts, and stories about the parks!
  • Friday ~ BTM The Show – Live at 10:30pm EST/7:30pm PST!

This Week’s Episodes

This week’s episodes include:

  • Monday ~ Mouse Whispers Possible Disney Fees
  • Tuesday ~ Behind Disney After Dark
  • Wednesday ~ Behind Enchanted Tiki Talk
  • Thursday ~ Behind Illuminations
  • Friday ~ BTM The Show

For more details about each episode and to listen, please click here!

We hope you enjoy our show!