Tag Archives: News

Jan 8 2016

A Tale Of Two Resorts 2016 Traveler’s Reference Giveaway

2016 Tale Cover

Enter Daily To Win

I am giving away a copy of the 2016 edition of my book “A Tale of Two Resorts: Comparing Disneyland and Walt Disney World – A Traveler’s Reference“!

A Little About My Book

Are you trying to decide between a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World? Or maybe you have visited one resort and are curious about the other? My book, “A Tale of Two Resorts: Comparing Disneyland and Walt Disney World – A Traveler’s Reference”, is now available for 2016!

Sleeping Beauty CastleThis reference book is loaded with facts and information about all of the hotels, restaurants, attractions, experiences, entertainment choices, and resort extras that are available at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Each chapter begins with a handy side-by-side chart that compares each destination and concludes with a “For What It’s Worth” section that gives my personal thoughts and opinions. Topics include Lay of the Land, Atmosphere, Weather, Crowds, Events, Budgeting, Planning Timeline, Accommodations, Admission Tickets, Transportation, Theme Parks, Resort Extras, Dining and of course, there’s helpful advice about planning your trip and organizing your day.

Whether you are going to Disneyland or Disney World and especially if the decision between the two destinations is still being made, “A Tale of Two Resorts” will give you all of the information you need to make the better choice and plenty of advice for planning that magical vacation!

What People Are Saying About “A Tale of Two Resorts”

Cinderella Castle“Bob and his wonderful Theme park Press have done it again- put out another “must have” book for fans of the Disney resorts. Kristi Fredericks (501 Ways to Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Vacation) is a bona fide Disney Park fan, and frequent visitor, and it really shows in this very helpful guidebook.”
– Amazon Customer Review

“Very informative and easy to navigate, this book gives you some incredibly helpful information on every aspect of choosing between Walt Disney World and Disneyland.”
– Amazon Customer Review

“As a travel agent this book is going to be my go to reference manual when guests ask me to compare Disneyland to Walt Disney World.”
– Amazon Customer Review

The Giveaway

From now through Friday, January 22, 2016, please enter daily to win a copy of my new book “A Tale of Two Resorts: Comparing Disneyland and Walt Disney World – A Traveler’s Reference”. Just click the image below and follow the instructions to be entered into the giveaway. Be sure to take advantage of the bonus entries!

Click image to enter!

Can’t wait and need to get the book right away?
Please click here to purchase your copy today!

Jan 7 2016

The Long Awaited Purple MagicBand

Purple MagicBand 2

Update 3/8/16: The purple MagicBand is now available as
a free option when you customize your MagicBand!

Did you know that one of the most requested MagicBand colors in 2015 was purple? Well, Disney heard your pleas, and if you’re a fan of figment, Fear, or the Haunted Mansion wallpaper, you’ll be happy to know that the new purple  MagicBand is now available. However, there is a catch…the long awaited purple MagicBand is not in the current lineup of free choices and there appears to be no plans to add it in the near future. If you want this beauty, you’ll have to shell out an additional $12.95 online or at select Disney World shopping locations. The purple option can also be used as a base for a customized MagicBand at the Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. in Magic Kingdom. These custom MagicBands start at $21.95.

If you are looking for a more economical way to personalize your MagicBand, definitely check out Magic YOUR Band. If you aren’t familiar with this product, these adorable decals attach directly to your Disney World MagicBand creating your own personalized look.

Here’s all of the important information that you’ll need to get yourself a MagicBand Skin:

  • MagicBand Skins are available for purchase on MagicYOURBand.com.
  • They range in price from $6 to $8 each.
  • They offer special pricing when you purchase multiple MagicBand Skins in one order. Buy two to five and save 15%. Buy six to nine and save 25%. Buy ten or more and save 33%.
  • They come in one piece (that covers the center MagicBand Mickey) or two piece (that shows the center MagicBand Mickey) styles.
  • Purple Plaid 2They have over 100 ready-made designs available including adorable holiday varieties!
  • You also have the options of personalizing one of their designs or creating your own with their easy-to-use online editing tool.
  • MagicBand Skins are fully waterproof. They hold up in the shower, pool, and a Florida rain storm!
  • The MagicBand Skins are easy to apply and remove if you want to change-up your look. They even have a handy video to show you how!
  • The Skins have no effect on how the MagicBand works. Your band will still be fully functional.
  • Magic YOUR Band is located in the United Kingdom and offers free international shipping on all orders.
  • The average delivery time is 7 days from the date of postage. You can upgrade to 2 business day FedEx International Priority Shipping for an additional fee.

Heading to Disney World soon?

501 WaysIf you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Were you hoping for a purple MagicBand?
Is there another color or design you would like to see in the future?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Jan 6 2016

Tiffins To Open In Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Tiffins 1

With the new additions coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom this spring including Rivers of Light and the nighttime version of Kilimanjaro Safari, it was only a matter of time until Disney realized they would need more dining experiences to accommodate the evening crowds. Although Animal Kingdom has some of the better quick service options on property and more have been updated and added recently, the park is still lacking a bit in its table service choices. While Tusker House, Yak & Yeti, and the family friendly Rainforest Café are all solid selections, the capacity isn’t enough for a park full of hungry guests looking for a nice place to sit down and relax after a busy day touring. Just in time and slated to open this year along with the new nighttime experiences, a signature dining restaurant is coming to the park.

Tiffins will be open for lunch and dinner and will offer water views from both indoor and outdoor seating. Expect the menu to be exotic and diverse as it is being inspired by destinations used in the creation of the park itself. While no prices have been released yet, if it is typical of most signature dining at the resort, bring money! Meals generally range $30 – $60 per adult not including alcohol, tax, or gratuity. This is purely a guess, but with Rivers of Light being a hot new ticket when this place opens, I wouldn’t be shocked to see some sort of Rivers of Light Dining Package being offered as well.

Oh and what the heck is a Tiffin, you ask? Well, according to Disney: “Tiffin” is an Indian English word for a midday meal or a type of container used to carry food while traveling. Disney doesn’t overlook a single detail!

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 more dining in Animal Kingdom?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Jan 5 2016

New Details About Disney’s Animal Kingdom Rivers Of Light

Rivers of Light 2

Last fall Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek announced the plans Disney has to transform Disney’s Animal Kingdom after dark with new nighttime entertainment and experiences offering guests longer days than ever before at this one-of-a-kind theme park.

New details were recently unveiled, telling guests more about the show that will take place on Discovery River at the park, between Discovery Island and Expedition Everest. Opening this spring, “Rivers of Light” will be an innovative experience unlike anything ever seen in a Disney park, combining live performers, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery. “Rivers of Light” will magically come to life on the natural stage of Discovery River, delighting guests and truly capping off a full day of adventures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Rivers of LightAccording to Disney Parks Blog: In “Rivers of Light,” a pair of mystical hosts come to the river bearing gifts of light. During the show, the hosts set out from the shore on elaborate lantern vessels for a dramatic dance of water and light to summon animal spirits. With the storytellers as your guides, the wonders of “Rivers of Light” builds to a stunning crescendo.

“This is going to be a ceremonial event that will happen on our lake,” said Imagineer Joe Rohde. “It takes the idea of the special nature of the animals that are in this park and turns it into a celebration of the beauty of these animals. It starts simply and humbly, continues to unfold and grow as bigger and more elaborate lanterns appear, and then huge curtains of water and light emerge from the water with animals within them. And ultimately it takes off into the sky.”

In order to create this masterpiece, Imagineers and Creative Entertainment partnered with some of the best including the filmmakers at Disneynature, master puppet designer Michael Curry, and composer Mark Mancina.

Check out this sneak peek into the show with Imagineer Joe Rohde!

I am thrilled to see Animal Kingdom getting extended hours and evening entertainment. Often this park gets a bad rap for its few attractions, but what it is lacking in rides, it more than makes up for with a beautifully cohesive theme. I love this park and I’m looking forward to being able to enjoy it at night, what about you?

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 Rivers of Light and visiting the park at night?
Please leave a comment!

Jan 3 2016

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up January 3, 2016

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for January 3, 2016!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Fastpass Plus LogoTip Of The Week

Not sure how far ahead of time to book your Disney World vacation? A good rule of thumb is to make your reservation more than six months in advance. By securing an onsite reservation this early, you will be able to make your dining reservations six months ahead of check in for your entire trip and your Fastpass+ reservations 60 days in advance.

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Disney Hollywood Studios CokeDisney Did You Know

More than 75 millions Cokes are consumed each year at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Walt Disney 5Walt’s Words

“Whether you say you can’t or you can, you’re right.”

2016 Tale CoverDisney World Enthusiast Giveaway

Look for a new “A Tale of Two Resorts 2016” giveaway beginning Friday, January 8, 2016! Good luck, everyone!

Behind The Magic Podcast

Be sure to catch up on this week’s episodes when Zeek, Rachel, Tim, Richard, Sarah, Jerry 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!