Tag Archives: News

Jul 21 2017

Book Now For Big Savings On Fall Trips To Walt Disney World

It’s hard to believe that summer break is wrapping up here and in just two short weeks, my kids will be headed back to school. With only a couple more quick mountain getaways to look forward to before the snow starts to fly here in Colorado, I now have my sights set on fall break in Walt Disney World. If you’ve never visited during the fall, there are so many reasons to book a vacation during that time of year. The weather is beautiful, the crowds are lighter, the decorations are festive, and of course the biggies…Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is being held on select nights at Magic Kingdom while Epcot is hosting the world-renowned International Food & Wine Festival. You would think with all of the festivities that Disney wouldn’t be offering any discounts, but guess what? It’s our lucky day, because if you book now through October 7, 2017, you can save up to 20% on rooms at select Disney resort hotels for stays most nights October 8 through December 24, 2017.

Magical Holidays Room Offer

Save up to 20% at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts
Save up to 20% at select Disney Deluxe Resorts
Save up to 15% at select Disney Moderate Resorts
Save up to 10% at select Disney Value Resorts

For more information or to get a free quote for your dream Walt Disney World vacation, please complete the form below. I’ll be booking my trip this week, hope to see you there!

Destinations in Florida – Official Travel Partner Of Disney World Enthusiast

Jennifer HardySo have I got you thinking about a fun-filled fall break Walt Disney World vacation now? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Let me tell you about my friend, Jennifer Hardy. Jennifer is a vacation planner with the Destinations in Florida travel agency. Now before you close this page thinking a travel agency is not for you, give me just a moment to tell you more. Destinations in Florida is absolutely free to use! Not only are they free, they guarantee the lowest prices on Disney vacation packages!

And that’s not all, by booking with Jennifer you’ll receive all sorts of amazing benefits like:

  • Discount Watching – As soon as discounts are released, Jennifer will update your reservations, so you get the best deal available. She does this even if your vacation is paid in full!
  • Restaurant Recommendations and Reservations – Jennifer can make restaurant recommendations for you, and then she’ll wake up at the crack of dawn and make all of your dining reservations too. No work for you and no phone calls to make. You just sit back and relax. This service is valued at $69, but is free for Disney World Enthusiast readers that book with Jennifer!
  • Personalized Travel Itinerary – Jennifer will help you plan your days at Disney World so that you can avoid the crowds, ride the attractions best for your family, and even hit the restaurants you will love. On average, Destinations in Florida guests save four hours in lines at Disney theme parks, and you know that saying about how time is money. This service is valued at $149, but is free to Disney World Enthusiast readers that book their package with Jennifer!
  • MousePerks – Valued at $299, but free to you if you book with Jennifer; MousePerks are Magic in your Inbox! Do you want insider information from Disney Cast Members? Do you want fun Disney activities for the kids to get them ready? How about a few exclusive discounts? Every week Jennifer will email you a MousePerk to get you excited about your Disney vacation!
  • 501 WaysGifts For The Kids – Jennifer mails clients free fun gifts for the kids when she mails your final travel documents. Kids love the special items like pencils, stickers, and autograph books!
  • Gift For You – For a limited time, clients that book a Walt Disney World vacation package valued at $2,000 or more with Jennifer, will receive a free copy of my new book “501 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Walt Disney World Vacation“!

Still not convinced? To learn more about Jennifer and Destinations in Florida including recognitions, licensing, experience, Better Business Bureau record, testimonials and more, please click here. By the way, they are impressive!

Ready to price your vacation? Please fill out this form and Jennifer will having pricing details for you shortly!

Jul 20 2017

Summer Fun At Disney Springs

As a frequent guest of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, I have become a big fan of its neighbor…the recently reimagined Disney Springs. If you haven’t visited for a while, it’s definitely worth the time to stop by and take a look at all this place now has to offer. Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy a fun-filled time with your friends and family at Disney Springs this summer courtesy of Disney:

Wrapped in Florida-inspired, made-for-strolling promenades, arcing footbridges, flowing streams and waterfront charm, Disney Springs treats Walt Disney World Resort guests to an exciting, one-of-a-kind blend of shopping, dining and entertainment – with an unmistakable Disney touch.

By day or night guests can expect a vibrant scene, whether they are shopping top-name retail brands, enjoying high-quality entertainment, having that special dining experience, pleasure boating on Lake Buena Vista or hopping a balloon skyward for spectacular views of Walt Disney World and beyond.

The former Downtown Disney completed a dramatic, multi-year transformation in 2016, was renamed Disney Springs and more than doubled – to more than 150 — the number of shops, restaurants and other venues for guests to explore and enjoy.

Stop for a snack or cool drink, listen to talented musical performers or enjoy a meal at one of many great dining establishments. From sweets to street food to everything in between, there is something for every taste at Disney Springs.

If it’s a memorable meal you’re after, Disney Springs offers unforgettable dining experiences – some created by celebrity chefs and James Beard award-winning chefs. Chefs including Matsaharu Morimoto, Art Smith, Kevin Dundon and Rick Bayless call Disney Springs home with exciting restaurants offering unsurpassed dining.

Newest dining choices include The Polite Pig, where renowned Orlando chefs James and Julie Petrakis serve up modern barbecue with Southern sides and a bourbon bar offering more than 50 selections, and Paddlefish – an elegant old paddlewheeler reimagined into a modern yacht experience dishing up fresh seafood and steaks, a delicious Sunday brunch and a late-night menu with starry views from a deck-top lounge.

If shopping is your thing, Disney Springs is an experience like no other, with many great venues you won’t find anywhere else. Guests can shop a “Springs” brimming with everything from fashion apparel and jewelry to collectibles and artwork. For that special something, unique shopping found only at Disney Springs includes Uniqlo, American Threads, the Coca-Cola Store, Trophy Room, Shores and Sugarboo & Co. And The Force is more than with you at the Star Wars Galactic Outpost – great Star Wars merchandise is, too.

That’s only part of the shopping story. Fans of All Things Disney can stock up on Disney merchandise at World of Disney and Marketplace Co-Op. Uniqlo, Vera Bradley, Pandora, Alex & Ami and more stock Disney co-branded merchandise.

In creating the largest expansion in its history, Disney planners infused Disney Springs with the same focus on storytelling and attention to detail that are hallmarks of Disney theme parks, resort hotels and cruise ships, creating a welcoming space that only Disney can provide.

The story of Disney Springs begins as Florida’s did, with bubbling springs and natural beauty that first attracted settlers to the area. At the turn of the 20th century waterfront towns sprang up, dotting Florida’s landscape. Today’s Disney Springs fittingly starts with a clear water stream and fans out to exciting precincts for entertainment, dining, lounging and shopping.

Guests will find four outdoor, fun-to-stroll areas, each with its own personality:

  • Town Center offers a sophisticated mix of noteworthy shopping and dining along with a promenade where guests can relax, refresh and reconnect. Town Center features Spanish “Revival” style architecture, drawing from a rich history of explorers that landed in Florida centuries ago. Stop at Sprinkles where yummy cupcakes dispense from an ATM-style machine. Or order up an artisanal pie at Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza and it’s “fired up” oven-to-table in a lightning-fast 180 seconds. Long noted for Hollywood stars, the newly-renovated and renamed Planet Hollywood Observatory sets its sights on celestial ones. Its out-of-this world setting is home to a revamped menu that includes signature burgers from celebrity chef Guy Fieri.
  • BoathouseA colorful and thriving commercial district called The Landing offers inspired dining and breathtaking waterfront views. High-quality retailers are found along its lantern-lined byways, including Sanuk for footwear, Chapel Hats and The Art of Shaving. Dine fine at STK, Morimoto Asia, dine fun at Paradiso 37 or the Raglan Road Irish Pub. The BOATHOUSE serves up a great menu and terrific lakeside views. Book a romantic sailing on an Italian water taxi or opt for the thrills of an Amphicar: vintage-style cars that transition from the land to the water for an unforgettable cruise of Disney Springs sights.
  • The family-friendly Marketplace continues to delight guests of all ages by combining new experiences such as an over-the-water pedestrian causeway, along with classic Disney favorites, including a Lego Store for hands-on play or an expanded World of Disney store – largest Disney character store in the world. Cooling refreshments at the water’s edge are found at Dockside Margaritas. For the little ones, a spin on the Marketplace Train Express or a charming Venetian carousel is sure to bring smiles. Treat the family to dino-themed dining at T-Rex Café or jungle-style at Rainforest Café.
  • The West Side delivers an exuberant atmosphere with lively entertainment, retail and dining along with a series of new elevated spaces that provide both shade and an overlook to the activity below. From Cirque du Soleil to iconic restaurants like House of Blues to bowling with a stylized twist at Splitsville Luxury Lanes, West Side offers something for everyone. For unmatched aerial views of Disney Springs and beyond, hop aboard Characters in Flight. Operated by Aerophile, the world’s largest tethered helium balloon ascends 400 feet.

Thanks to new slot-smart parking decks where green lights indicate available spaces (and take the guesswork out), parking is convenient to the entire Disney Springs scene – and free. Valet parking also is available.

Disney Springs is easily accessed from I-4, Central Florida’s major interstate, and connected to the rest of Walt Disney World Resort by motorcoach, watercraft or pedestrian pathways.

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:

What do you love most about the recently reimagined Disney Springs?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Jul 19 2017

The Music Of Pixar Live! A Symphony Of Characters At Disney’s Hollywood Studios

If you’ve visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios lately, you know that with so many attractions closed and all of the construction going on, Disney is looking for ways to keep guests happy and entertained while in the park. Just for the summer, Disney is offering a brand new show that Pixar fans are sure to enjoy – “The Music of Pixar Live! A Symphony of Characters.” This 40 minute concert is presented three times nightly at Theater of the Stars, following the regular daily performances of “Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage.” Here’s everything you need to know courtesy of Disney:

Beloved characters and soundtracks from Pixar Animation Studios’ films take center stage all summer long with “The Music of Pixar Live! A Symphony of Characters” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

From now through August 27, 2017, “The Music of Pixar Live! A Symphony of Characters,” inside Theater of the Stars, treats families to a celebration of the music, animation and characters of Pixar films. Featuring fun character moments and brilliant animated scenes on large video screens, a full orchestra performs selections of the stirring soundtracks from films such as “Toy Story,” “Up,” “Finding Nemo,” “Finding Dory,” “The Incredibles” and “Cars.”

From the moment arriving guests are greeted by Green Army Men until the closing finale of You’ve Got a Friend in Me, in which the audience is encouraged to sing along, it’s a Pixar celebration like no other.

Throughout the show, beloved Pixar characters add moments of comedy and fun before their featured segment. As an example, Mike and Sulley take the stage to collect laughs as Mike tries stand-up before the “Monsters, Inc.” segment comes on-screen. Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear unwrap the “Toy Story” segment and “Up” is fronted by a special appearance of Carl Fredricksen and Dug. Can’t forget Dory (though she might!) – appearing before the “Finding Nemo” and “Finding Dory” segment.

Showtimes vary for “The Music of Pixar Live! – A Symphony of Characters” so be sure to pick up a Times Guide when entering the park!

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 checking out “The Music Of Pixar Live” this summer?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Jul 18 2017

Epcot International Festival of Arts Returns In 2018

With the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival in the past and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival rapidly approaching, here’s some exciting news for guests with vacations planned for early 2018…the Epcot International Festival of Arts will be returning again beginning in January!

This festival, that made its debut this year, is anticipated to run several weekends in January and February 2018 to help bridge the gap between the busy holiday and spring break seasons. The Epcot International Festival of Arts is a fun-filled, colorful event that showcases visual, culinary, and performing arts from around the world. Last year’s celebration included musical performances by Broadway talent, one-of-a-kind Disney art exhibits, hands-on experiences for the entire family, and artistic dishes almost too beautiful to eat.

Check back often for more information about the 2018 Epcot International Festival of Arts!

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 attending the Epcot International Festival Of The Arts?
What are you most excited about? Please leave a comment!

Jul 17 2017

D23 Expo 2017: A First Look At What’s On The Horizon At Walt Disney World

What an incredible weekend filled with exciting announcements out of the D23 Expo 2017! If you’ve been following along with Zeek, Rachel, and I on Behind The Magic Podcast, you know we’ve been speculating for months about what we would hear at the convention this time around. We talked at length about several of the rumors including a Mickey Mouse attraction coming to Hollywood Studios, Guardians of the Galaxy and Ratatouille coming to Epcot, Tron at Magic Kingdom, a new Star Wars Themed Resort, and even the new Disney Skyliner. Zeek and Rachel were lucky enough to be at D23 this weekend to get all of the latest information live! Here’s everything that is confirmed so far courtesy of Disney…

WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT OVERALL:

Several projects and updates were announced for Walt Disney World Resort including a new line-up of attractions at Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, new resort hotel experiences and concepts, and two new transportation options.

DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS:

  • Star Wars-themed land update – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the name of the new Star Wars-themed land opening in 2019 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, after the opening of the land at Disneyland Resort. Guests will encounter several characters, including:
    • BB-8
    • Chewbacca
    • Rex
    • Kylo Ren
  • Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway –  In this game-changing attraction, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will feature an original story that will take guests on a journey inside the world of Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts using new technologies that turn the flat cartoon world into an incredible dimensional display. Located inside the Chinese Theatre, this new attraction will replace The Great Movie Ride, which will close Aug. 13, 2017. Opening for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will be announced at a later date.
  • Toy Story Land – Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is scheduled to open summer 2018.

EPCOT:

In preparation for the park’s 35th anniversary, Epcot will continue to evolve to make it more timeless, more relevant, more family and more Disney, while staying true to its original vision beginning with several newly revealed offerings.

  • “Guardians of the Galaxy” – Epcot will have a brand new E-ticket attraction within Future World based on the rockin’ and action-packed world of Guardians of the Galaxy. This is the next step in how guests can encounter these characters at Walt Disney World Resort. To make way for this new adventure, Ellen’s Energy Adventure inside Universe of Energy will close Aug. 13, 2017. The new attraction will open by the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.
  • “Ratatouille” – Within World Showcase, in an all-new space in the France pavilion, a new “Ratatouille”-inspired attraction will take guests on a dazzling chase across a kitchen with the sights, sounds and smells of Gusteau’s Parisian restaurant. Patterned after the number one family attraction at Disneyland Paris, the new attraction will open by the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.
  • China pavilion – To showcase the splendor and majesty of China, an updated film will be added using a next-generation digital camera system to film a brand new, seamless Circle-Vision show for the
    China pavilion.
  • Mission: SPACE – In addition to an updated Orange Mission, a brand new Green Mission will take guests on a stunning tour around the Earth, with younger cadets joining the adventure for the very first time. Mission: SPACE will reopen this August.
  • New restaurant – Adjacent to Mission: SPACE, a new table-service restaurant will invite guests to travel high above the Earth for an unforgettable dining experience. The new restaurant will be managed by Patina Restaurant Group and an opening will be announced at a later date.

MAGIC KINGDOM PARK:

  • “Tron”-themed attraction – The highest rated attraction at Shanghai Disneyland is coming to Tomorrowland in a new area near Space Mountain. Opening will be announced at a later date.
  • Live entertainment theater – Based on the iconic Willis Theater in the 1920s Kansas City where Walt lived after he left Marceline, this new addition to Magic Kingdom Park will be located off of Main Street U.S.A. and will be an entirely new venue for world class entertainment. Opening will be announced at a later date.

RESORTS:

  • Disney Riviera Resort – The proposed 15th Disney Vacation Club property will be located near Epcot with a rooftop restaurant that has unbelievable views of nighttime spectaculars at Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Opening will be announced at a later date.
  • Immersive Star Wars-themed hotel – An immersive Star Wars-themed hotel will be the most experiential concept ever. Dedicated entirely to the galaxy of Star Wars, guests will have a one-of-a-kind experience where a luxury resort meets a multi-day adventure in a galaxy far, far away. Opening will be announced at a later date.

TRANSPORTATION:

  • Disney Skyliner – This new transportation system will give guests a bird’s-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort. Disney Skyliner will connect Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios to four resorts – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, as well as the proposed 15th Disney Vacation Club property, Disney Riviera Resort. Opening date for Disney Skyliner will be announced at a later time.
  • Minnie Van service – Starting later this month, the Minnie Van service is a whimsical, point-to-point transportation service that will help guests get around Walt Disney World Resort in a jiffy. Guests can arrange their own private Disney vehicle right from their smartphone, and a Disney Cast Member will drive them wherever they want to go around Walt Disney World.

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:

Which announcement are you most excited about?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!