Tag Archives: News

Magic Kingdom Welcome Show
Oct 7 2019

2020 Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar

If you’re thinking of visiting Walt Disney World in 2020, you might be wondering what will be the best time of year to plan a trip in order to avoid the massive crowds. By offering discounts during what was typically slower seasons, Disney has done a better job evening out the crowds throughout the year. However, there are still a few weeks that are ideal for a vacation if you’re hoping to pack in as much fun as possible without long waits for every attraction. In 2020, the best dates to visit Walt Disney World based on estimated crowd levels will be from August 23 through October 3. The busiest weeks that you may want to avoid if at all possible will be January 1 through January 4 due to New Year’s, March 15 through March 28 due to Spring Break, April 5 through April 12 due to Easter, November 22 through November 28 due to Thanksgiving, and December 20 through December 31 due to the Christmas holiday. Check out the chart below to see the estimated crowd levels during your 2020 Walt Disney World vacation.

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 plan on visiting Disney World in 2020?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Oct 6 2019

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up October 6, 2019

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for October 6, 2019!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Haunted MansionDisney Did You Know

In the Haunted Mansion, the ghosts in the Grand Ballroom Scene are actually reflections of animatronics located above and below the Doom Buggy track. This is a variation of the “Pepper’s Ghost” illusion.

Tip Of The Week

Remember to stay hydrated and nourished. Fatigue and irritability can set in fast if you let yourself get overly thirsty or hungry. Take a few minutes to refuel and try some of the tasty food and beverage choices that Disney World has to offer. This will help give you the energy you need to keep going.

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Hocus Pocus Villain SpelltacularWalt’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.”

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.

501 WaysFeatured 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.

dwe logo small size white bkgdComing Up Next Week

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

Have a wonderful week!

Oct 4 2019

Walt Disney Imagineering Presents The Epcot Experience Is Now Open

From the time it debuted on October 1, 1982, Epcot quickly became my favorite park at Walt Disney World. Over the years, I have been sad to see many of my most beloved attractions like Horizons, World of Motion, Body Wars and more disappear. While change is always difficult, I am truly thrilled about all of the new additions coming to Epcot over the next few years. Now guests can explore Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience to get a glimpse of what’s in store for this park. Here’s a brief description of what you can expect to see courtesy of Disney:

At Walt Disney World Resort, Epcot continues the biggest transformation of any Disney theme park in history, developing groundbreaking attractions, magnificent new landscapes and unforgettable entertainment spectaculars. Guests are now invited to see an enticing glimpse into this bright future when they visit Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience, an engaging and immersive new showcase of exciting changes on the way for this beloved theme park.

The Epcot Experience provides the first in-depth look at the park’s transformation, blending cutting-edge technology and fun with personal moments to create an environment that honors everything guests love about Epcot. Located inside the Odyssey Events Pavilion – between Test Track and the Mexico pavilion – the Epcot Experience invites guests into a multi-faceted celebration of the past, present and future of the park:

360-Degree Film Presentation

  • Guests enter a large, circular, darkened room where they are surrounded by a seamless, 360-degree, floor-to-ceiling screen showing a continuous 12-minute film celebrating the past, present and future of Epcot.
  • The immersive presentation displays archival footage going back well before Epcot opened in 1982, taking guests on a journey to present day and beyond. It showcases new pavilion icons that will integrate into the park, and previews experiences in development with vignettes featuring:
    • The PLAY! pavilion
    • A new vision for Spaceship Earth
    • Sensational new attractions based on popular films
    • The park’s forthcoming nighttime spectacular, “HarmonioUS”
  • In the center of the room, a three-dimensional artfully designed model of Epcot appears to continuously change in time with the film, as projection-mapping technology highlights different areas of the park in special ways.
  • Altogether, the space uses 30 projectors to bring the experience to life and take guests along on the journey of this ambitious next chapter in Epcot’s legacy.

Dimensional Photo Opportunities

Guests can have their pictures taken inside four dimensional photo locations specially designed for the Epcot Experience. Perfect for sharing on social media, these photo ops make it seem as if guests are standing atop the iconic Spaceship Earth geosphere or shrunk to the size of Remy from Disney and Pixar’s “Ratatouille,” among others.

Display Cases Showcasing Special Items

Throughout the Epcot Experience, display cases feature artifacts, memorabilia and other fascinating items showcasing the past, present and future of Epcot. Pieces include:

  • An Epcot park map and medallion from opening day, October 1, 1982, plus a commemorative opening day park ticket
  • Epcot pin sets from 1982 and present day
  • Models and concept art for future Epcot experiences

The Epcot Experience also features attraction posters from throughout the park’s history, plus experiences still on the horizon. Grab-and-go food and drinks are available inside, as well, along with tables and seating.

New Epcot Merchandise

The new Epcot logo unveiled at D23 Expo in August adorns a wide array of new merchandise available inside the park beginning October 1, 2019, including:

  • Short- and long-sleeve shirts
  • Baseball cap
  • Hoodie
  • Tote bag
  • Journal
  • Water bottle
  • Mickey Mouse ear hat

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 to check out the Epcot Experience?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Oct 2 2019

Check Out Epcot Forever For A Limited Time

Change is never easy, neither is letting go of things we love, so saying good-bye to IllumiNations was definitely a sad day for fans all around the globe. However I am hopeful and looking forward to enjoying the Epcot of the future including the new interim nighttime spectacular “Epcot Forever.” Despite having “forever” in its name, this fireworks show will only be around for a limited time, so be sure to catch it while you can. Here’s a brief description of what you can expect courtesy of Disney:

Across the canvas of a darkened sky, the new “Epcot Forever” nighttime spectacular at Walt Disney World Resort celebrates the past, present and future of Epcot. The new show is a showcase of soaring fireworks, inspiring music, lasers and colorful glowing kites flying above and around the park’s World Showcase Lagoon.

As the dramatic curtain-closer to each theme park day, the show takes guests on an emotional journey set to stirring renditions of Epcot music that guests will know and love. It will stoke fond memories from the park’s history and spur excitement for the bright future of Epcot – a future filled with new attractions and experiences as part of a multiyear transformation already underway.

“Epcot Forever” exemplifies the park’s founding principles – innovation, exploration, imagination and celebration. Children sing of “one little spark of inspiration” as guests marvel at fireworks that pinwheel, corkscrew and explode in giant aerial starbursts. As colorful pyrotechnics dance across the heavens, the Epcot story plays out to a grand orchestral soundtrack. Noted conductor and composer Don Harper produced new arrangements of classic Epcot tunes to thread through the show.

Future World pavilions past and present inspire familiar themes, building to Epcot’s grandest moments. In one sequence, uplifting music from Soarin’ Around the World cues dazzling LED kites to crisscross the sky in a kaleidoscopic effect. Guests also will recognize cherished music from Epcot spectacles of the past, including the “Tapestry of Nations” parade.

Approaching its dramatic conclusion, the show pivots from the park’s familiar music to a new verse of “One Little Spark” celebrating the future of Epcot yet to come. As the music and fireworks build, “One Little Spark” transitions to a spectacular finale that brightens the sky one last time with fireworks and special effects.

“Epcot Forever” is set to perform into 2020, leading to the park’s next nighttime spectacular, “HarmonioUS.” 

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 to see Epcot Forever?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Disney World Easter
Sep 30 2019

Helpful Information For Your April 2020 Disney World Vacation

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

Weather

The weather in Disney World during April is the best of the year. The average high is about 83 degrees, the average low is about 59 degrees and the average rainfall is only about 2.28 inches. April is the second driest month of the year behind November. Don’t forget that even though it reaches the 80’s by afternoon, the early mornings, late evenings and heavily air-conditioned attractions are still chilly.

Crowds

For most of April, crowd levels will be moderate with the exception of the high levels during Easter week that concludes on the holiday Sunday, April 12. You may also experience slightly higher crowd levels in Epcot during the weekends as many locals enjoy visiting the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowApril 1 – April 4
Average Crowd Level 7.3 out of 10
April 5 – April 11
Average Crowd Level 8.7 out of 10
April 12 – April 18
Average Crowd Level 7.3 out of 10
April 19 – April 25
Average Crowd Level 5.4 out of 10
April 26 – April 30
Average Crowd Level 4.4 out of 10

Magic Kingdom ClockPark Hours

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

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

Events

Epcot International Flower And Garden FestivalA wonderful part about visiting Disney World in April is the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. In 2020, the event will run from March 4 – June 1 and features over 100 topiaries, interesting gardening demonstrations, beautiful flowers, weekend music concerts and several outdoor kitchens serving delicious foods and beverages.

Star Wars Marathon 2From April 16 – 19, 2020, the Star Wars Rival Run Weekend will be held. This fantastic event includes kids races, a 5K, a 10K, and a half marathon. Please click here for more information or to register.

Disney Easter Egg HuntIf you are visiting around Easter, Disney always has additional offerings to celebrate the holiday. There is usually an Easter parade in Magic Kingdom, meet and greets with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny, and the Epcot Egg-stravaganza Easter Egg Hunt. And remember Disney Floral can help you decorate your resort room and provide gifts for the occasion, just click here for more information.

 

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom
TRON Lightcycle Run: Opening in 2021
Walt Disney World Railroad: December 2018 – TBD

Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalEpcot
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: Opening in 2021
Journey of Water: TBD
Mary Poppins Attraction: TBD
PLAY! Pavilion: Opening in 2021
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure: Opening in Summer 2020
Space 220: TBD
Wondrous China: TBD

Hollywood Studios
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway: Opening in Spring 2020
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 April 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.
  • 501 WaysOnce your tickets are linked and at exactly 60 days in advance of your check in date (7am 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 April 2020 reservations, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save money:

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!