Tag Archives: Planning

Feb 9 2015

Helpful Information For Your August 2015 Disney World Vacation

Cinderella Castle

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in August 2015? August is an exciting time of year to visit Walt Disney World. The temperatures are still hot, the Parks continue to be open late, but the crowds drop dramatically mid-month.

Weather

Tree of LifeThe weather in Disney World during August is hot and rainy. The average high is about 92 degrees, the average low is about 73 degrees and the average rainfall is about 7.71 inches. You can expect some rain most afternoons or evenings, so be sure to bring your poncho!

Crowds

The crowds in August are high during the first half of the month as families try to squeeze in a last minute vacation before the kids head back to school. Beginning in mid August, look for the crowd levels to drop dramatically.

August 1 – Average Crowd Level 7.0 out of 10
August 2 – August 8 – Average Crowd Level 7.7 out of 10
August 9 – August 15 – Average Crowd Level 6.7 out of 10
August 16 – August 22 – Average Crowd Level 6.0 out of 10
August 23 – August 29 – Average Crowd Level 3.6 out of 10
August 30 – August 31 – Average Crowd Level 4.0 out of 10

Park Hours

Magic Kingdom ClockThe Parks continue to have long hours to wrap up the busy summer season.

  • Magic Kingdom: Open most days from 9am – 10pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
  • Epcot: Open 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 – 5pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

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

Events

There are currently no special events scheduled for August in Disney World. Check back often as I will update this post if anything new is announced.

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom

  • Diamond Horseshoe: August 2 – November 19, 2015
  • Dream Along With Mickey: July 19 – August 22, 2015
  • Liberty Square Riverboat: August 4 – August 10, 2015
  • Liberty Tree Tavern: July 6 – November 20, 2015
  • Mad Tea Party: August 26, 2015
  • Pirates of the Caribbean: May 11 – September 25, 2015

Epcot

  • Frozen Ever After: October 5 – May 1, 2016

Tower of TerrorHollywood Studios

  • No refurbishments currently scheduled

Animal Kingdom

  • Pizzafari: August 23 – October 19, 2015
  • Primevil Whirl: August 17 – November 12, 2015

Water Parks

  • No refurbishments currently scheduled

Downtown Disney

  • Downtown Disney is undergoing a major transformation to become the reimagined Disney Springs. Construction will be finished in phases with the final completion date set for Fall 2016.

Resort Hotels

  • Beach Club Resort: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2015
  • Coronado Springs Resort: Fitness Center, Salon, Casitas Leisure Pool July 5 – October 12, 2015
  • Grand Floridian Resort: Gasparilla Island Grill August 23 – September 4, 2015
  • Polynesian Village Resort: Ongoing Polynesian East Pool Refurbishment To Be Completed In 2016
  • Walt Disney World Swan: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2016

Planning Tips

Cinderella CastleIf you are traveling to Disney World in August 2015, 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.
  • Get prepared to make your advanced dining reservations (ADRs) at exactly 180 days in advance of your check-in date beginning at 6am EST. You can book your ADRs by clicking here.
  • If you are staying onsite, be sure to customize your MagicBand on your My Disney Experience account by picking the color and adding your name.
  • 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. Need help with your research? Check out my book A Tale of Two Resorts which includes descriptions and tips for every attraction and helpful dining information for every restaurant from snack stand to table service including specifics about atmosphere, cuisine type, dress code and even menu selections including the kid’s meals that are offered. Click here for more information including an excerpt.
  • Whether you are staying onsite 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 (midnight EST time) if you are staying onsite 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 onsite, 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 new book 501 Ways to Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Vacation, ask a question in the comments section, or take a look at the Planning section here.

Special Offers

If you haven’t already made your August 2015 reservations, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save money:

Join The Fun

Next Disney VacationDisney Vacation Planner Jennifer Hardy and I have teamed up to create a new Facebook Group called Next Disney Vacation! 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, we would love to have you join in the fun! Please click here to be a part of our group!

Have a magical vacation!

Feb 7 2015

TouringPlans – Disneyland or Disney World – What’s The Difference? Part 1

Please check out my latest article on TouringPlans – Disneyland or Disney World – What’s The Difference? Part 1!

Need help planning your Disney World vacation?

Be sure to check out these resources to make the most of your time in Disney World:

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 money:

Feb 6 2015

Helpful Information For Your July 2015 Disney World Vacation

Independence Day

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in July 2015? July is a thrilling time of year to visit Walt Disney World. The temperatures are hot, the Parks are open late and the crowds are high.

Weather

Disney World Independence DayThe 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 high throughout the month as families enjoy vacationing during summer break. Be sure to lookout for massive crowds on July 4 especially at Epcot and Magic Kingdom as people flock to the Parks to celebrate Independence Day.

July 1 – July 4 – Average Crowd Level 7.5 out of 10
July 5 – July 11 – Average Crowd Level 6.3 out of 10
July 12 – July 18 – Average Crowd Level 7.0 out of 10
July 19 – July 25 – Average Crowd Level 8.1 out of 10
July 26 – July 31 – Average Crowd Level 7.0 out of 10

Park Hours

Magic Kingdom ClockWith the busy summer season comes long hours at the Parks.

  • Magic Kingdom: Open most days from 9am – 10pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
  • Epcot: Open 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 – 7pm (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

Independence DayIf 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. Please click this link for more information!

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom

  • Dream Along With Mickey: July 26 – August 22, 2015
  • Liberty Tree Tavern: July 6 – November 20, 2015
  • Pirates of the Caribbean: May 11 – September 25, 2015

Epcot

  • Captain EO: April 10 – July 18, 2015
  • Frozen Ever After: October 5 – May 1, 2016

Hollywood Studios

  • No refurbishments currently scheduled

Animal Kingdom

  • No refurbishments currently scheduled

Water Parks

  • No refurbishments currently scheduled

Downtown Disney

  • Downtown Disney is undergoing a major transformation to become the reimagined Disney Springs. Construction will be finished in phases with the final completion date set for Fall 2016.

Resort Hotels

  • Beach Club Resort: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2015
  • Coronado Springs Resort: Fitness Center, Salon, Casitas Leisure Pool July 5 – October 12, 2015
  • Polynesian Village Resort: Ongoing Polynesian East Pool Refurbishment To Be Completed In 2016
  • Walt Disney World Swan: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2016

Planning Tips

Independence DayIf you are traveling to Disney World in July 2015, 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 onsite, be sure to customize your Magicband on your My Disney Experience account by picking the color and adding your name.
  • 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. Need help with your research? Check out my book A Tale of Two Resorts which includes descriptions and tips for every attraction and helpful dining information for every restaurant from snack stand to table service including specifics about atmosphere, cuisine type, dress code and even menu selections including the kid’s meals that are offered. Click here for more information including an excerpt.
  • Whether you are staying onsite 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 (midnight EST time) if you are staying onsite 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 onsite, 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 new book 501 Ways to Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Vacation, ask a question in the comments section, or take a look at the Planning section here.

Special Offers

If you haven’t already made your July 2015 reservations, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save money:

Join The Fun

Next Disney VacationDisney Vacation Planner Jennifer Hardy and I have teamed up to create a new Facebook Group called Next Disney Vacation! 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 your counting the days until your next Disney vacation, we would love to have you join in the fun! Please click here to be a part of our group!

Have a magical vacation!

Jan 29 2015

Disney World Ticket Prices Expected To Increase In February

 

Disney World Ticket

Updated February 23, 2015 – Just as predicted, Disney increased their admission ticket prices effective Sunday, February 22, 2015. Click here for full details!
Updated February 19, 2015 – The latest information is that the price increases will go into effect this Sunday, February 22, 2015. One day Magic Kingdom adult base tickets are expected to increase to $105 and all other one day park tickets are expected to increase to $99. It is still expected that rates will be raised similarly across the board on all admission tickets, the no-expiration option will be a thing of the past, and a water park ticket will include park hopping privileges between both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Check back often as I will update this post as soon as more information is made available. Remember to guarantee your best vacation price or to purchase admission tickets before the rates go up, click this link and fill out the form to get a FREE quote from Destinations in Florida! 

Have you heard the rumor? Word around Main Street, U.S.A. is that sometime in February Disney World will be raising their ticket prices. So what exactly does that mean to you and your budget if you have a trip planned this year? Let’s take a look at what happened with the last price increase in February of 2014.

February 2014 Price Increase (historical information)

  • A one day Magic Kingdom adult base ticket increased from $95 to $99
  • A one day Magic Kingdom child base ticket increased from $89 to $93
  • A one day Epcot, Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom adult base ticket increased from $90 to $94
  • A one day Epcot, Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom child base ticket increased from $84 to $88
  • A one day adult ticket with park hopper increased from $129 to $134
  • A one day child ticket with park hopper increased from $123 to $128
  • A one day adult ticket with water park fun and more increased from $149 to $154
  • A one day child ticket with water park fun and more increased from $143 to $148
  • A one day adult ticket with park hopper & water park fun and more increased from $174 to $180
  • A one day child ticket with park hopper & water park fun and more increased from $168 to $174
  • A five day adult base ticket increased from $289 to $304
  • A five day child base ticket increased from $270 to $284
  • The park hopper add-on option increased from $59 to $60
  • The water park fun and more add-on option increased from $59 to $60
  • The park hopper plus water park fun and more add-on option increased from $84 to $86
  • An annual pass increased from $609 to $634

A base ticket allows admission to one theme park per day.

A park hopper add-on allows guests to hop between more than one theme park per day.

The water park fun and more add-on allows guests to visit (a specific number of times depending on the number of days of your ticket) DisneyQuest, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Oak Trail golf course, ESPN Wide World of Sports, Disney’s Fantasia Gardens and Disney’s Winter Summerland miniature golf.

An annual pass allows guests to visit all four theme parks for 365 consecutive days.

What does all of this mean?

The rumors I’ve been hearing speculate that Disney will increase admission prices by about 5% which translates to around $5 per ticket per day on one day base tickets. They are also estimating a small increase for the add-ons as well as a 5% bump in the multi-day tickets and annual passes.

The biggest rumored changes that are supposed to take place alongside the rate increases are the doing away with the no expiration option for multi-day tickets and the addition of an option that would allow guests to park hop between the two water parks (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach).

What do I do now?

If you have a trip planned this year and you can afford to do so, purchase your tickets in the next few days before the rates go up. If you have purchased a package that includes tickets, no need to worry. As long as you don’t make any changes to your vacation package you will not be hit with the additional costs.

Ready to purchase your tickets?

Your admission tickets will likely be the one of the most expensive parts of your Disney vacation, so be sure you are purchasing valid Disney theme park tickets. Your safest bet is to purchase directly from Disney by clicking here or by purchasing from an authorized discount Disney ticket seller like my friends at Destinations in Florida or Under Cover Tourist. Don’t be tempted by tickets sold on E-Bay or on the side of the road. These are typically partially used tickets with a few days left on them that may or may not be expired. Admission tickets are non-transferable and Disney uses a finger print system to match the ticket with its owner. You definitely don’t want to be turned away at the gate (or worse!) for having an invalid admission ticket.

Need more help planning your Disney World vacation?

Be sure to check out these posts to make the most of your time in Disney World:

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 money:

Do you think Disney World is worth the increase in ticket prices?
Please leave a comment!

Jan 28 2015

Helpful Information For Your June 2015 Disney World Vacation

Disney World Magic Kingdom Cinderella Castle

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in June 2015? June is an exciting time of year to visit Walt Disney World. The temperatures are rising, the Parks are open late and the crowds are picking up.

Weather

The weather in Disney World during June is hot and rainy. The average high is about 91 degrees, the average low is about 71 degrees and the average rainfall is about 8.32 inches. You can expect some rain every afternoon or evening, so be sure to bring your poncho!

Crowds

The crowds the first week of June are still moderate as families are just beginning summer break. You can anticipate crowds to begin to pick up the second week of June and to remain fairly consistent throughout the remainder of the month. Be sure to lookout for big crowds at Hollywood Studios the first couple of weekends in June as thousands of Star Wars fans descend upon that Park to enjoy all of the festivities.

June 1 – June 6 – Average Crowd Level 6.0 out of 10
June 7 – June 13 – Average Crowd Level 6.7 out of 10
June 11 – June 20 – Average Crowd Level 6.9 out of 10
June 21 – June 27 – Average Crowd Level 6.4 out of 10
June 28 – June 30 – Average Crowd Level 6.0 out of 10

Park Hours

Magic Kingdom ClockWith the busy summer season comes long hours at the Parks.

  • Magic Kingdom: Open most days from 9am – 10pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
  • Epcot: Open 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 – 7pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

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

Events

Star Wars WeekendsBeginning on May 15 and running weekends through June 14 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are Star Wars Weekends. This event is huge with fans of the franchise and includes dining experiences, themed treats, special shows, parades, presentations, autograph sessions, and chances to meet the characters and celebrities. For more information and to watch a hilarious video featuring a Star Wars Darth Vader cupcake destroying a bakery, please check out this article.

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom

  • Pirates of the Caribbean: June 8 – September 25, 2015

Epcot

  • Captain EO: April 10 – July 18, 2015
  • Frozen Ever After: October 5 – May 1, 2016

Hollywood Studios

  • No refurbishments currently scheduled

Animal Kingdom

  • Flame Tree Barbecue: January 5 – June 29, 2015

Water Parks

  • No refurbishments currently scheduled

Downtown Disney

  • Downtown Disney is undergoing a major transformation to become the reimagined Disney Springs. Construction will be finished in phases with the final completion date set for Fall 2016.

Resort Hotels

  • Art of Animation: Finding Nemo Schoolyard Wet Play Area May 26 – June 29, 2015
  • Beach Club Resort: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2015
  • Polynesian Village Resort: Ongoing Polynesian East Pool Refurbishment To Be Completed In 2016
  • Walt Disney World Swan: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2016

Planning Tips

Disney World Epcot World Showcase CanadaIf you are traveling to Disney World in June 2015, 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 onsite, be sure to customize your Magicband on your My Disney Experience account by picking the color and adding your name.
  • 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. Need help with your research? Check out my book “A Tale of Two Resorts” which includes descriptions and tips for every attraction and helpful dining information for every restaurant from snack stand to table service including specifics about atmosphere, cuisine type, dress code and even menu selections including the kid’s meals that are offered. Click here for more information including an excerpt.
  • Whether you are staying onsite 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 out (midnight EST time) if you are staying onsite or 30 days out for all other guests, login to your My Disney Experience account and book your Fastpass+ reservations.
  • If you are staying onsite, 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 new book 501 Ways to Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Vacation, ask a question in the comments section, or take a look at the Planning section here.

Special Offers

If you haven’t already made your June 2015 reservations, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save money:

Join The Fun

Next Disney VacationDisney Vacation Planner Jennifer Hardy and I have teamed up to create a new Facebook Group called Next Disney Vacation! 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 your counting the days until your next Disney vacation, we would love to have you join in the fun! Please click here to be a part of our group!

Have a magical vacation!