Tag Archives: News

Sep 27 2015

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up September 27, 2015

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for September 27, 2015!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

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!

Disney World Saratoga Springs GrandstandTip Of The Week

Bring simple child-proofing items for your hotel room. When my boys were younger, I always brought outlet covers with me, but then on one trip my youngest son locked the hotel bathroom door and pulled it closed while the tub was filling! After an urgent call to maintenance, we learned that the stirrer in the supplied coffee packets can work as an emergency bathroom door key. Following that unpleasant episode, I started bringing a foam door stop to keep the door from closing all the way!

Eat to the BeatDisney Did You Know

159 Eat To The Beat Concerts will be performed at this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

Walt DisneyWalt’s Words

“Children are people, and they should have to reach to learn about things, to understand things, just as adults have to reach if they want to grow in mental stature. Life is composed of lights and shadows, and we would be untruthful, insincere, and saccharine if we tried to pretend there were no shadows. Most things are good, and they are the strongest things; but there are evil things too, and you are not doing a child a favor by trying to shield him from reality. The important thing is to teach a child that good can always triumph over evil.”

Red Polka Dot MagicBand SkinsDisney World Enthusiast Giveaway

From now through Friday, October 2, 2015 at midnight, please enter daily to win a set of four Red Polka Dot MagicBand skins. Just click here and follow the instructions to be entered into the giveaway. Be sure to take advantage of the bonus entries, and please feel free to share with your friends and family!

Icon S3Behind The Magic Podcast

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

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 a Movin’ with Mickey Update, Helpful Information for Your February 2016 Disney World Vacation, plus all of the latest Disney World news!

Do you have a question or article idea?
Please leave a comment!

Sep 26 2015

Behind The Magic Podcast Recap September 21 – September 25, 2015

Icon S3

Welcome to Season 3 of Behind The Magic Podcast!

This “snack credit” of podcasts is a unique 15-minute daily Disney podcast hosted by Zeek, Rachel, Tim, Sarah, Richard, and me. Every day Monday through Friday you can join us for entertaining Disney information, discussions, guests, games, and more. Zeek and Rachel will be surprising you each and every day with all of their fabulous humor and Disney insider knowledge. And of course, Tim will keep you up-to-date on Disney news with his daily “Mouse News Minute” segment.

Here’s a quick peek at what you can expect each day during Season 3:

  • Monday ~ Magical Mondays with fun and games featuring Zeek’s “DisKids Reactions” segment!
  • Tuesday ~ Topical Tuesdays with Top Ten lists and discussions featuring Richard’s “2 Cents To The Scoop” segment!
  • 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 featuring my “Mouse Whispers” segment!
  • Friday ~ Field Trip Fridays with information and discussions helpful to your park visit featuring Sarah’s “2 Minute Table Service” segment!

This Week’s Episodes

This week’s episodes include:

  • Monday ~ Tournament of Podcasts
  • Tuesday ~ Behind Food & Wine
  • Wednesday ~ Behind WDW Parkhopper
  • Thursday ~ Behind Mission: SPACE
  • Friday ~ Behind Your Stay What To Do At Your Resort

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

This Week’s Mouse Whispers

In my Thursday, September 24 “Mouse Whispers”, I shared the latest Disney gossip and rumors about some lost character meet and greets! Check out Thursday’s full episode here!

We hope you enjoy our show!

Sep 25 2015

Remember Magic YOUR Band Red Polka Dot MagicBand Skins Giveaway

Red Polka Dot MagicBand Skins

A must-have Disney World vacation accessory!

Remember To Enter Daily To Win

Remember to enter daily to win a set of four “Red Polka Dot” MagicBand Skins!

The Review

A few months ago, I arranged with Tracy at Magic YOUR Band to review their MagicBand Skins. If you aren’t familiar with this product, these adorable decals attach directly to your Disney World MagicBand creating your own personalized look.

Magic YOUR BandTracy asked me to pick out a MagicBand Skin that I liked as well as try out their online design tool for this review. My youngest son was excited to test the product with me so he choose the two piece “Slice of Pizza” design to go on his orange MagicBand. I decided to try putting my DisneyWorldEnthusiast.com logo on a skin for my red MagicBand. I was amazed at how easy Magic YOUR Band’s editing system worked. In a matter of minutes, I had a background selected and my logo in place and looking great! Then my son and I eagerly waited for our MagicBand Skins to arrive. Just as promised, they arrived in about a week.

We opened our delivery to find our MagicBand Skins nicely packaged and looking gorgeous! The first thing that struck me was how bright and vibrant the colors appeared. Upon further inspection, the MagicBand Skins looked perfectly cut and well made. Next up was getting them on our MagicBands.

The process was much easier than I thought it would be. I spent a few minutes watching the installation video on their site and then gave it a try. I found the skins to be very forgiving and I was able to lift them and adjust them until they were just right. Once I had the MagicBand Skins where I wanted, I went back over them pressing down firmly to make sure they were in place. It only took a couple of minutes until our MagicBands were looking quite magical!

I continued to wear my MagicBand with the Magic YOUR Band Skin throughout the day. It held up beautifully to a day filled with errands, cleaning, cooking, laundry, rain, and the movies. My son and I can’t wait to wear our new favorite Disney vacation accessory on our upcoming trip!

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.
  • Halloween MagicYOURBandThey 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.

The Giveaway

Interested in getting a MagicBand Skin of your own? Well, you’re in luck! From now through Friday, October 2, 2015 at midnight, please enter daily to win a set of four “Red Polka Dot” MagicBand Skins. Just click the image below and follow the instructions to be entered into the giveaway. Be sure to take advantage of the bonus entries, and please feel free to share with your friends and family!

Red Polka Dot MagicBand Skins

Click image to enter!

Can’t wait and need a MagicBand Skin right away?
Please click this link to purchase one today!

Sep 24 2015

Frightening Facts About The Twilight Zone Tower Of Terror

Tower of Terror 4

Can you believe that Halloween is next month? Disney World is already celebrating the spooky season with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom on select nights through November 1. In honor of creepy things, I thought it would be fun to take a look at some “frightening” facts about one of Disney’s most scariest attractions – The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Read on, if you dare..

  • Walt Disney Imagineers viewed 156 episodes of “The Twilight Zone” for inspiration when creating The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
  • The ride vehicle is an elevator car.
  • The storyline of the attraction sets the date as Halloween night – October 31, 1939.
  • Tower of Terror 3The architecture of the tower was inspired by multiple Southern California landmarks, such as the Biltmore Hotel and the Mission Inn.
  • The building features 27,000 roof tiles.
  • The outdoor queue area features the songs “Inside” by Fats Waller and “Mood Indigo” by Duke Ellington.
  • The grounds of the Hollywood Tower Hotel were inspired by the look of California’s Griffith Park and Elysian Park.
  • The lobby of the Hollywood Tower Hotel was outfitted with antiques and furniture purchased at Los Angeles-area auction houses.
  • Some of the sculptures featured in the lobby are the work of 19th century sculptor Auguste Moreau.
  • Tower of Terror 2A copy of “Four Pages of Hilarious Star Caricatures by Walt Disney” is featured in Photoplay Magazine on the lobby’s concierge desk.
  • The Library room features a hidden nod to Mickey Mouse in the sheet music, which is for the song “What! No Mickey Mouse?”
  • The clip of film in which Rod Serling introduces the attraction was taken from a “Twilight Zone” episode called “It’s a Good Life.”
  • While actor Rod Serling appears in the film in the Library room, the voice you hear is actually voice actor Mark Silverman.
  • The young girl who disappears in the elevator carries a Mickey Mouse doll.
  • Tower of Terror 1The attraction’s “Fifth Dimension” scene was inspired in part by the “Little Girl Lost” episode of “The Twilight Zone.”
  • The attraction offers a 13-story drop.
  • The drop sequence for each elevator car is selected at random by the attraction’s computer system.
  • Measuring 199 feet tall, Tower of Terror is one of the tallest attractions at Walt Disney World Resort.
  • There is a Disney ghost story that has been passed around for years that the Tower of Terror is haunted by a former “Bell Hop” (cast member) that died during his shift on one of the loading platforms. The story goes that this “Bell Hop” ghost is known to appear on Platform D, flicker lights and freeze the attraction when cast members are trying to do their final ride through at the end of the day. True or not, it sure is spooky!

Heading to Disney World soon?

Ultimate Walt Disney World Hacks for Families with Kids
If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out my new books to help you save time and money!

Check out Ultimate Walt Disney World Hacks for Families with Kids and Ultimate Walt Disney World Hacks for Solo Travelers and Couples for secret insider tips and tricks that you won’t find anywhere else!

Ultimate Walt Disney World Hacks for Solo Travelers and CouplesDiscover how to:

  • save hundreds of dollars on your trip
  • pack including essentials to make your trip more enjoyable
  • score difficult-to-get dining reservations
  • master the complex Genie+ system to beat the lines

With practical advice and secret hacks on saving money, packing, dining, transportation, accommodations, and more, these books are must-haves for anyone planning a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth!

Do you love The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror?
Are you a fan of the show? Please leave a comment!

Sep 23 2015

Narcoossee’s Waterfront Brunch Coming Soon

Narcoossee Brunch 4

Another breakfast option is being added to the Disney World line-up. Beginning on November 22, 2015, brunch will be served at Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa each Sunday. This restaurant features sophisticated dining and gorgeous views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom.

Narcoossee Brunch 3Brunch will begin with your choice of Champagne, Mimosa or a Bloody Mary for adults and a smoothie for children. There will be a Pastry Basket for the table to share that includes chocolate and butter croissants, muffins, Danish, pecan sticky buns, and a seasonal jam. Each guest will select an appetizer from Onion Soup Gratinee, Seafood Charcuterie, Romaine Salad, Shrimp and Grits, and Artisanal Cheeses. Next up, several delicious entrees are available including Brioche French Toast, Croque Madam, Lobster-Egg Benedict, Chicken and Waffles, Three Egg Omelette, Pan-Roasted Loch Duart Salmon, and Steak and Eggs. And if you weren’t already stuffed, each guest wraps up their meal with a trio of desserts.

The cost is $69 for adults and $41 for children (ages 3 – 9). Reservations are available now by clicking here or by calling 407-WDW-DINE. Bon appetit!

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:

Do you have a favorite breakfast spot in Disney World?
Will you be trying brunch at Narcoossee? Please leave a comment!