What’s Happening With Disney World Enthusiast In 2016

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Welcome to Disney World Enthusiast 2016!

With the start of a brand new year, I thought it would be fun to take a quick look back at where this blog began and to share with you where it is headed in 2016.

Disney World Enthusiast - Kristi FredericksBefore I get started, I want to take a moment to say thank you! Whether this is your first visit to this site or your fiftieth, I appreciate you taking the time to stop by. I hope you enjoy what you read and come back often. I love interacting with fellow Disney fans, so please feel free to comment on the posts you find here, tweet me (@DWEnthusiast), leave a message on my Facebook page (Disney World Enthusiast), or join in the fun in my Facebook group (Next Disney Vacation). I would love to hear from you!

Next month, Disney World Enthusiast will celebrate its second birthday. Where has the time gone? Tired of my usual New Year’s resolutions (eat better, exercise more, yada, yada, yada…), I decided to try a different one in January 2014 – create a blog – and I’m so glad I did. By starting this website, I’ve met so many incredible people and enjoyed some truly amazing moments. Thanks to all of you for being a part of this journey!

So here’s what will be happening with Disney World Enthusiast in 2016:

dwe logo small size white bkgdPosting Schedule

Look for a new article to be posted each day. Monday through Thursday’s posts will typically highlight the latest Walt Disney World news to keep you up-to-date. Friday’s post will talk about my current giveaway, Saturday’s post will fill you in on the week’s podcast episodes, and Sunday’s posts will catch you up on anything you’ve missed with the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up.

And as always, you will be able to find current discounts, refurbishments, and planning information to help with your upcoming Walt Disney World vacation.

Flower MagicBand SkinsGiveaways

I hope you’ve been enjoying the giveaways, because I will be continuing them throughout 2016. I have some fantastic prizes lined up for this year including Disney merchandise, MagicBand Skins, Creative Countdowns, and Disney travel books, just to name a few.

501 WaysBooks

One of the things I’m most excited about this year is for the release of my new books. Currently I have available “501 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Walt Disney World Vacation” and “A Tale of Two Resorts: Comparing Disneyland and Walt Disney World – A Traveler’s Reference 2016“. Later this year, Theme Park Press will be publishing two brand new Disney Parks’ books that I have written in addition to the 2017 edition of “A Tale of Two Resorts”. I’ll be sure to share more information as the release dates are announced.

Thirsty River Bar 5Website Upgrades

During the third quarter of 2016, you will notice several upgrades being added to Disney World Enthusiast. Expect to find more in-depth information, reviews, and tips about all of the attractions, experiences, accommodations, and dining options available throughout Walt Disney World.

The EmporiumStore

During the fourth quarter of 2016, look for my “Emporium” to open. This shop will offer Disney inspired merchandise adorned with my own artwork. I’ve been working on this for quite a while now, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone later this year!

BTM S4 LogoBehind The Magic Podcast

Also new for 2016, I am now a regular host on the daily Disney podcast – Behind The Magic – along with Zeek and Rachel. If you haven’t listened before, be sure to check out the show here. It is a lively, upbeat 15 minutes each day that will help keep the Disney magic alive between your trips!

TouringPlansTouringPlans

Continuing in 2016, you’ll still be able to find me over at TouringPlans a few times a month as I write posts for their blog as well.

Well, that pretty much covers what will be happening here at Disney World Enthusiast in 2016. If there is anything I am missing and that you would love to see included, please let me know in the comments. Once again, thanks for sharing this adventure with me!

Happy New Year!
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Lion Guard Adventure In Animal Kingdom

Lion Guard AdventureIf you are a fan of The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar movie that premiered on Disney Channel last fall or know someone that is, I have great news for you! Soon you will be able to become an honorary member of the Lion Guard in a brand new Disney’s Animal Kingdom experience called The Lion Guard Adventure.

The fun begins in Disney’s Animal Kingdom on February 7, 2016. This interactive experience will allow young guests to explore the park in search of five main characters from “The Lion Guard” – Kion, Bunga, Fuli, Beshte, and Ono, who are represented as colorful statues. Like the movie, the experience encourages interest in protecting animals and caring for nature. Once little ones complete the adventure, each child can take a pledge to become an honorary member of “The Lion Guard” and receive a special button.

The experience will be offered in Disney’s Animal Kingdom through late March, as one of many activities celebrating the debut of “The Lion Guard” series on Disney Channel and Disney Junior.

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 for the Lion Guard Adventure?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Sneak Peek At “Zootopia” Coming To Hollywood Studios

Zootopia

Coming Soon!

For a limited time, beginning January 21, 2016, a sneak peek of Disney’s newest animated film “Zootopia” will be presented as a part of Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The current finale of Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream will go on a brief hiatus during this time.

The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery.

Here’s a look at the new trailer for “Zootopia”!

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia,” a comedy-adventure directed by Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”) and co-directed by Jared Bush (“Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero”), opens in theaters on March 4, 2016.

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 looking forward to the release of “Zootopia”?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up January 10, 2016

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for January 10, 2016!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Power StripTip Of The Week

With my family of four and all of our electronics, we can easily have a dozen things that need to be charged at any given time. Bringing a power strip to use in your hotel room is a convenient way to charge multiple electronic devices at once.

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Potato HeadDisney Did You Know

In 1987, Mr. Potato Head became the spokesman for the American Cancer Society’s Annual Great American Smokeout and gave up his signature pipe to Surgeon General C. Everett Koop in Washington, DC.

Walt DisneyWalt’s Words

“You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.”

2016 Tale CoverDisney World Enthusiast Giveaway

From now through Friday, January 22, 2016 at midnight, please enter daily to win “A Tale of Two Resorts 2016”. 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. 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 more dining and planning information plus all of the latest Disney World news!

Have a wonderful week!

Behind The Magic Podcast Recap January 4 – January 8, 2016

BTM S4 Logo

Welcome to Season 4 of Behind The Magic Podcast!

This “snack credit” of podcasts is a unique 15-minute daily Disney podcast hosted by Zeek, Rachel, and myself. Every day Monday through Friday you can join us for entertaining Disney information, discussions, guests, games, and more. We’ll be surprising you each and every day with all of 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.

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 ~ Fun Fridays with fantastic fun and games!

This Week’s Episodes

This week’s episodes include:

  • Monday ~ Behind 2015
  • Tuesday ~ Behind Not Getting Into Disney
  • Wednesday ~ Behind Pete Trabucco
  • Thursday ~ Behind China

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

We hope you enjoy our show!