Feb 11 2020

Helpful Information For Your July 2020 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in July 2020?
July is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World!

Weather

The weather in Disney World during July is hot and rainy. The average high is about 92 degrees, the average low is about 73 degrees, and the average rainfall is about 7.05 inches. You can expect some rain most afternoons or evenings, so be sure to bring your poncho!

Crowds

The crowds in July are moderate throughout most of the month as traveling families enjoy vacationing during summer break while local families stay home avoiding the heat. Be sure to watch out for more visitors on July 4 especially at Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios as people flock to the Parks to celebrate Independence Day.

July 1 – July 4
Average Crowd Level 6.3 out of 10
July 5 – July 11
Average Crowd Level 6.7 out of 10
July 12 – July 18
Average Crowd Level 5.6 out of 10
July 19 – July 25
Average Crowd Level 6.3 out of 10
July 26 – July 31
Average Crowd Level 6.2 out of 10

Park 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 – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 8:30pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

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

Events

If you are visiting for the 4th of July, Disney always has additional offerings to celebrate the holiday. You can count on themed merchandise and foods, extended park hours, and enhanced fireworks displays at Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios to celebrate the occasion.

On Wednesday and Saturday evenings during the summer, Disney will be throwing a glowing pool party at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. For more information or to purchase tickets, please click here.

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom
Tron Themed Attraction: Opening in 2021
Walt Disney World Railroad: December 2018 – TBD

Epcot
Guardians of the Galaxy Themed Attraction: Opening in 2021
Journey of Water: Opening in 2021
La Creperie de Paris: Opening in 2020
Mary Poppins Attraction: TBD
PLAY! Pavilion: Opening in 2021
Ratatouille Attraction: Opening in 2021
Wondrous China: Opening in 2021

Hollywood Studios
Roundup Rodeo BBQ: Opening in 2020

Animal Kingdom
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Water Parks
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Disney Springs
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Planning Tips

If you are traveling to Disney World in July 2020, 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.
Once your tickets are linked and at exactly 60 days in advance of your check in date (7:00am 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 book UPDATED FOR 2020 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 July 2020 reservations, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save money:

- - View the latest Disney World discounts currently available!

Join The Fun

I have created a Facebook Group called Disney World Enthusiast! 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 the group!

Have a magical vacation!

Feb 9 2020

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up February 9, 2020

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for February 9, 2020!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Disney Did You Know

Each story of the pagoda in the Japan Pavilion in World Showcase at Epcot represents one of the five elements in the Buddhist Universe. In order from the bottom to top they are earth, water, fire, wind, and heaven.

Tip Of The Week

When visiting Magic Kingdom and it’s time for a meal, hop on the resort monorail to The Contemporary, Polynesian Village, or Grand Floridian to enjoy a quiet, leisurely lunch or dinner. Not only will this help recharge you for more touring, it also offers a nice break from the crowds and heat of the parks.

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Walt’s Words

“The flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all.”

Featured Advertiser

Create your own unique look with a personalized Disney MagicBand Skin. Magic YOUR Band has a range of designs to choose from that you can use as-is or customize with your own text. And if you want to take it to the next level, you can even upload your own photos or images to fully personalize, customize, and decorate your MagicBand. With great discounts for multi-buys, why not create one for the whole family? For more information or to start customizing your own Magic YOUR Band Skin now, please click here.

Featured Book

UPDATED for 2020! 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.

Coming Up Next Week

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

Have a wonderful week!

Feb 6 2020

Celebrating Valentine’s Day 2020 In Walt Disney World

If you are one of those lucky people who will be celebrating your love in Walt Disney World this year on Valentine’s Day, you have lots of romantic options available. Here are just some of the many possibilities available courtesy of Disney:

Valentine’s Day is the time to celebrate being together with loved ones, and Walt Disney World Resort is the perfect destination for those seeking memorable moments to share with someone special. Couples and friends alike can commemorate the occasion with spectacular dining options and unforgettable experiences throughout the theme parks, resort hotels and Disney Springs at The Most Magical Place on Earth.

Special Valentine’s Day Offerings

Dining is the quintessential way for couples to spend quality time together, and Walt Disney World Resort has an unmatched selection of restaurants with special menus for Valentine’s Day.

Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada pavilion at Epcot provides plenty of romantic ambiance with a cozy wine cellar setting and a mouthwatering menu of savory steaks and seafood. This signature dining experience will be serving a Valentine’s Day special, Chateaubriand for Two, for lunch and dinner on February 14.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort features two new restaurants perfect for couples seeking an intimate dining atmosphere. Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood in the new Gran Destino Tower is offering a special menu for the holiday. Here, rooftop views of Walt Disney World Resort complement a menu of delectable dishes and small plates inspired by the flavors of Spain. For a charming waterside experience, guests can visit Three Bridges Bar & Grill and indulge in a delicious three-course Valentine’s Day meal in an idyllic open-air setting.
Jiko – The Cooking Place is a signature restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge that offers guests an upscale dining experience featuring an authentic blend of traditional African, Indian and Mediterranean cuisine. On Valentine’s Day, in addition to the normal menu, guests will have the option to enjoy a special appetizer, entrée and featured dessert for a fixed price.
Narcoossee’s, a fine-dining location nestled along the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, is offering a select three-course, prix-fixe menu alongside their normal menu on Valentine’s Day. This romantic waterside eatery boasts panoramic views, delectable seafood and steaks, and an ambiance perfect for couples celebrating love.

Select quick-service locations at Walt Disney World are serving an array of heartfelt confections for a limited time:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is serving a decadent array of Valentine-themed sweets during the month of February. For a cool treat, guests can find a double chocolate strawberry ice cream sandwich at Dino Bites or strawberry soft-serve ice cream at Anadapur Bus. Kusafiri classics including the Mickey Cinnamon Buns and Elephant Ears are dressed up in their Valentine’s Day best, with special sprinkles and colored icing fit for the occasion.
Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa offers heart-shaped crispy treats, an “Enchanted Rose” strawberry milkshake topped with chocolate sauce, whipped cream and heart sprinkles, and a chocolate-dipped strawberry latte.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will be the perfect place for guests to find a specialty cupcake for their Valentine. Starting February 9, Roaring Fork will serve a delightful chocolate cupcake with strawberry filling, topped with ganache icing, a lattice chocolate heart and crispy pearls.

Throughout February, Disney Springs is an excellent source for Valentine’s Day goodies that make sweet surprises for loved ones. Classic Disney romance-inspired desserts from Amorette’s Patisserie include a Bella Notte Petite Cake and sour cherry ganache macaron, while The Ganachery offers a Conversation Heart Piñata.

Throughout Disney parks, resort hotels and Disney Springs, guests will already find an adorable selection of themed merchandise perfect for a celebration of love. Couples planning a Walt Disney World Valentine’s Day date can step into the parks in style with matching couples’ t-shirts and a limited-edition, heart-adorned MagicBand. New pin sets featuring favorite Disney couples will be the perfect gift for pin traders, and a selection of precious plushes will be available as an excellent way to commemorate Valentine’s Day 2020.

A special Valentine’s Day activity at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort is the perfect date night for crafty couples. Significant others will be guided in painting two halves of one whole picture that features a classic Disney couple. The evening also includes light appetizers and a beverage. To book a reservation for this experience, guests may call 407-WDW-PLAY.

Valentine’s Day turns into “Villaintine’s Day” at Magic Kingdom Park the night of February 14. Couples and friends can have a wonderfully wicked time at Disney Villains After Hours, a separately ticketed event at Magic Kingdom filled with villain-themed fun and entertainment. This fan-favorite experience is returning this year for 24 select nights February 7 – July 10, including a sinister celebration on Valentine’s Day.

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 time and money:

Check out my book UPDATED FOR 2020 – 501 Ways to Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Vacation for secret insider tips and tricks that you won’t find anywhere else!
View the latest Disney World discounts currently available!

Will you be celebrating Valentine’s Day in Disney World?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Feb 4 2020

First Look At Drawn To Life In Disney Springs

If you are a fan of Cirque du Soleil and Disney, I have some exciting news for you. In March, previews for the eagerly awaited, Drawn to Life, will open at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World. Tickets are on sale now. Here’s a first look at what guests can expect from this unique show, courtesy of Disney:

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products are thrilled to announce Drawn to Life, the highly anticipated, new family friendly show coming to Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Written and directed by Michel Laprise and with Fabrice Becker as Director of creation, this collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering will open for previews March 20, 2020, and officially premiere April 17, 2020. The show will take residency at Disney Springs.

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group President and CEO Daniel Lamarre, says, “For Cirque du Soleil, this is a beautiful way of celebrating Disney’s legacy in the art of animation. This new and exciting production is most certainly the best way to highlight the privileged relationship we have with our colleagues at Walt Disney World and our joint commitment to continually bring audiences new experiences that surpass their expectations.”

The show is a result of years of research and extraordinary collaboration that included extensive visits to Disney theme parks, Walt Disney Archives, Walt Disney Imagineering, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, The Walt Disney Family Museum, as well as hands-on work between Disney animators and Cirque du Soleil. In fact, the Cirque du Soleil teams collaborated extensively with legacy animators to create the show.

‘’What fascinates us is that moment when life appears in drawings. Just like in an acrobat’s body, the visceral physicality of animation. The way they perform, the way they create the illusion of life,’’ says Michel Laprise Writer and Show Director.

”In creating this show, we’ve brought to life an extraordinary new entertainment experience for the whole family,” said Josh, D’Amaro, president, Walt Disney World Resort, “It blends all the heart, humor and joy of Disney storytelling with new acrobatic performances and effects never before seen in a Cirque du Soleil production.”

This new show follows the story of Julie, a courageous and determined girl who discovers an unexpected gift left by her late father: an unfinished animation piece. Guided by a surprising pencil, she embarks on an inspiring quest sprinkled with her Disney childhood memories. Through this journey, she learns to imagine new possibilities and animate the story of her future.

Drawn to Life will transport guests of all ages into the world of Disney animation in Cirque du Soleil’s signature style. This entirely new experience will wow Walt Disney World guests and Cirque du Soleil fans, while bringing timeless Disney stories to life in an unforgettable new way.

‘’It has been a fantastic collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering. We had the chance to work with some of the animators that have worked on iconic Disney movies. You’ll get to meet some of your favourite characters, but maybe in a very different way,’’ says Fabrice Becker, Creation Director.

With an international cast of more than 65 artists, the Cirque du Soleil theater located in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, will welcome up to 1,580 spectators for each show, five days a week.

Tickets are on sale now, please click here for more information.

Heading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World during the holiday season, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Check out my UPDATED book 501 Ways to Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Vacation for secret insider tips and tricks that you won’t find anywhere else!
View the latest Disney World discounts currently available!

Are you excited to see Drawn To Life?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Feb 2 2020