Tag Archives: News

Jul 14 2019

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up July 14, 2019

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for July 14, 2019!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Animal Kingdom Lodge SavannahTip Of The Week

If you would like the chance to view some exotic animals without the cost or lines of Animal Kingdom, visit the Animal Kingdom Lodge. You can stroll around the resort while enjoying spectacular up-close views of the savannahs that are home to over 30 different animal species, including giraffes, zebras, and flamingos. Pick up a Wildlife Field Guide from the lobby concierge to help you identify the beautiful creatures.

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Disney Did You Know

Here’s one to stump your friends with. How many stones are there in Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom? NONE. The whole shell of the building is fiberglass.

Walt DisneyWalt’s Words

“When you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.” 

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! 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!

Jul 10 2019

New Dining Options At Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Along with the recent reimagination of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and the gorgeous Gran Destino Tower, several new dining options are now open throughout the resort. Here’s everything you need to know courtesy of Disney:

With two restaurants and a stylish rooftop lounge leading the way, new food and beverage experiences share the spotlight as Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort emerges fresh from a multi-year, resort-wide re-imagining. The two new restaurants extend the wide variety of palate-pleasing dining options found throughout the resort.

The new Gran Destino Tower is home to an unforgettable new dining experience, Tolédo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood, a unique rooftop table-service restaurant offering dishes and small plates inspired by the flavors of Spain. Featuring sweeping views of Walt Disney World Resort, this charming, surrealistic location invites guests to dine indoors under a pair of large olive trees nestled beneath an intricate vaulted ceiling with shimmering stained-glass accents.

Tolédo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood is the namesake of the Spanish city that was home to avant-garde writers and artists in the 1920s and ’30s. Spain also inspires the savory menu choices:

  • Begin the adventure with tapas from the Basque region of Spain. An onstage tapas kitchen serves small plates, charcuteríá, and cheeses.
  • Or choose from Cazuelas – chef interpretations of classic recipes presented in a traditional Spanish terra cotta dish.
  • Entrees include rioja-braised chicken, Spanish-style bone-in ribeye or golden tilefish (100% sustainable seafood).
  • Spanish sides include bravas (potatoes) with pimento aioli, braised gigante beans with aged sherry vinegar, and roasted cauliflower with harissa vinaigrette.
  • Three signature desserts from the Master Pastry Chef include the Tapas Bar, a crunchy chocolate bar with bite-sized flavors of Spanish coffee, crunchy chocolate, raspberry mousse and lemon curd.

In the Disney animated film “Destino,” from which the tower takes its name, the immortal Chronos is in love with the mortal Dahlia. This passion shines through in the Dahlia Lounge, a convivial room that shares the tower’s rooftop with Tolédo – Tapas, Steaks & Seafood. The heroine inspires the lounge’s visual aesthetics – from dandelion chandeliers and metal bell accents to ceiling coffers with swirling patterns reminiscent of her flowing hair. Cocktails are crafted by expert mixologists, while wines from California and Spain include high-end cavas handpicked by the master sommelier. Visitors to the lounge – indoors or outdoors – can also choose from tapas or small-plate specialties.

The second new restaurant at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is on an island in the middle of Lago Dorado. Three convenient new walkways stretching across the 22-acre lake lead to Villa del Lago and its Three Bridges Bar & Grill. Offering casual waterside dining in an open-air setting, this idyllic new location presents a varied menu that includes curry-lentil hummus, Szechuan peppercorn wings, salads, a signature burger and a grilled skirt steak with pepper relish. Behind the central bar, a beautiful stone hearth invites guests to unwind with a pitcher of sangria or a vibrant cocktail while enjoying tranquil lake views.

Here’s a taste of other venues found at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort:

  • NEW! Barcelona Lounge – On the ground floor of the two-story lobby in Gran Destino Tower, this dramatic yet casual space offers a European coffee experience paired with Spanish and classic American pastries as well as healthy breakfast items. The city of Barcelona inspired the eclectic patterns and warm colors, including the stained-glass feature wall behind the bar. Under a magnificent chandelier, the space transforms throughout the day, transitioning by late morning to an artisanal cocktail bar with a variety of tonics to complement an international gin collection. Those tonics include the resort’s own house-crafted, signature Gran Destino Gin Tonic. Guests can linger over lake views while enjoying select wines and craft beers from both Spain and California. Dishes of cheeses, olives and more, paired with sourdough, are served beginning at 11 a.m.
  • NEW! Chronos Club – With its casual yet intimate shadings, this bright, open-air club-access space located on the 15th floor of Gran Destino Tower is perfect for unwinding and enjoying light refreshments throughout the day. Chronos Club offers lake views and a Barcelona vibe with its cooler color palette.
  • Maya Grill – This grand Mexican dining room features ancient-modern styling and Nuevo Latino cuisine.
  • Rix Sports Bar & Grill – This stylish establishment puts a unique spin on classic bar food.
  • El Mercado de Coronado – There’s something for everyone at this food court filled with kitchens serving made-to-order breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Café Rix – At this charming grab-and-go location, guests find pastries and coffee, among other tasty snacks.
  • Laguna Bar – Signature cocktails are available at this breezy lakeside lounge.
  • Siestas Cantina – This poolside hideaway is a place to unwind with refreshing beverages and snacks.

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:

Will you be trying the new dining options at Disney’s Coronado Springs?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Jul 7 2019

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up July 7, 2019

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for July 7, 2019!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Extra Magic HoursTip Of The Week

Disney offers a perk called Extra Magic Hours which allows resort hotel guests early or late access to a theme park on select days. While this sounds like an outstanding idea, the morning Extra Magic Hours only work to your advantage if you can be there early enough to enjoy that extra hour before the park opens. If you can’t be there early, then you’ll want to avoid that theme park for the day, because the morning Extra Magic Hours make that park much more crowded. If you do use the morning Extra Magic Hours, consider “park hopping” to another theme park around 11:00am.

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Disney World Epcot Living With The LandDisney Did You Know

More than 30 tons of fruits and vegetables grown at The Land pavilion at Epcot are served in Walt Disney World restaurants.

Walt’s Words

“The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it, or learn from it.” 

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! 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!

Jun 30 2019

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up June 30, 2019

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for June 30, 2019!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Tip Of The Week

If you have an important game that you would like watch while you are in Disney World, head over to the Boardwalk Inn and check out the ESPN Club. This family friendly restaurant offers over 100 video monitors with global satellite feeds showing every sporting event imaginable, plus a 108 square foot video wall. This place is a sport lover’s dream!

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalDisney Did You Know

Since 1971, the total miles logged by Walt Disney World monorail trains would be equal to more than 30 round trips to the moon.

Walt’s Words

“Always remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a mouse.”

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! 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!

Christmas
Jun 24 2019

Helpful Information For Your December 2019 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in December 2019?
December is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World!

Weather

The weather in Disney World during December is cool and fairly dry. The average high is about 72 degrees, the average low is about 51 degrees and the average rainfall is about 2.89 inches. It can sometimes get chilly especially during the evenings, so be sure to pack a few clothes for cooler weather, too.

Crowds

The crowds in December normally start out moderate and become extreme by Christmas week often causing temporary park closures due to reaching capacity especially at Magic Kingdom.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowDecember 1 – December 7
Average Crowd Level 5.1 out of 10
December 8 – December 14
Average Crowd Level 5.9 out of 10
December 15 – December 21
Average Crowd Level 8.3 out of 10
December 22 – December 28
Average Crowd Level 10 out of 10
December 29 – December 31
Average Crowd Level 10 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 – 9:30pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Hollywood Studios
Open most days from 9am – 8pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 8pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

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

Events

Very Merry Christmas Party Gingerbread MenRunning through December 22, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will be held on select nights at Magic Kingdom. This party is a festive and heart warming experience for the entire family. There is a special holiday parade, entertaining shows, spectacular fireworks, hot chocolate and cookies, character dance parties, and even snow on Main Street! For more information including dates and pricing, please click here.

Disney World Holiday DecorationsEach year, the season is celebrated with the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. This year the seasonal celebration will be held through December 30. It is filled with yummy food, joyful music and wonderful traditions from countries around the globe. For more information and reservations, please click here!

Candlelight ProcessionalThe Candlelight Processional at Epcot is one of the most beloved holiday traditions at Disney World, with the joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and glorious mass choir. Performances are held three times nightly throughout the holiday season at the America Gardens Theatre.

Christmas Tree CupcakeOn Christmas Day, several Disney World restaurants serve a special holiday meal. If you have your heart set on eating at a particular restaurant for Christmas, be sure to make your dining reservation right away, because holidays do fill up quickly. Disney World dining reservations can be made by clicking here.

New Years 3If you’ll be visiting Disney World for the ringing in of 2019 there are plenty of fun-filled options available to celebrate the holiday including special entertainment and dining. For more information about celebrating New Year’s in Walt Disney World, please click here.

Refurbishments

Periodically throughout the year, Disney closes attractions for refurbishments and enhancements. Here are the currently scheduled closures during December (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
Ratatouille Attraction: Opening in 2021
Space Themed Table Service Restaurant: TBD

Hollywood Studios
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Animal Kingdom
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Water Parks
Blizzard Beach: October 27, 2019 – December 5, 2019

Disney Springs
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Planning Tips

If you are traveling to Disney World in December 2019, 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 UPDATED book 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 December 2019 reservations, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save money:

Have a magical vacation!