Jan 26 2015

Helpful Information For Your May 2015 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in May 2015? May is a wonderful time of year to visit Walt Disney World. The temperatures are warm, the flowers are blooming and the crowds are light.

Weather

The weather in Disney World during May is beautiful. The average high is about 89 degrees, the average low is about 65 degrees and the average rainfall is only about 3.1 inches. By traveling in May, you are getting your vacation in just before the rainy season begins. But don’t forget to pack your poncho just in case!

Crowds

The crowds throughout the month of May are nice and moderate. You can anticipate crowds to begin to pick up Memorial Day weekend and beyond.

May 1 – May 2 – Average Crowd Level 5.5 out of 10
May 3 – May 9 – Average Crowd Level 4.9 out of 10
May 10 – May 16 – Average Crowd Level 4.6 out of 10
May 17 – May 23 – Average Crowd Level 5.0 out of 10
May 24 – May 31 – Average Crowd Level 6.0 out of 10

Park Hours

With bigger crowds comes longer hours at the Parks. As the month goes on and the crowds increase, all of the Parks will close later.

Magic Kingdom: Open most days from 9am – 11pm or 12am (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Epcot: Open from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Hollywood Studios: Open most days from 9am – 8:30pm or 10:00pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom: Open most days from 9am – 6pm or 7pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

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

Events

On May 1 and 2, Disney World is hosting the runDisney event – Expedition Everest Challenge for the final time. This 5K race is held at night at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and includes an obstacle course and scavenger hunt. Sorry to say if you haven’t already registered, this race is sold out. However, there are currently tickets still available for the after party – please check this link for the most up-to-date availability. Because this run and after party are held at night (from 10pm – 2:30am), they should not have a big impact on daytime touring.

A terrific part about visiting Disney World in May is the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. This year the event will run from March 4 – May 17 and features over 100 topiaries, interesting gardening demonstrations, beautiful flowers, weekend music concerts and several outdoor kitchens serving delicious foods and beverages. For more information about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, please check out this article.

Also beginning 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.

Memorial Day weekend is the traditional start of family vacation time, and Walt Disney World Resort will launch into the season full force. The Magic Kingdom will be open 24 hours to guests from 6am to 6am, Friday May 22 to Saturday, May 23. Guests will be invited to come in costume to show their Disney Side while a selection of favorite attractions, entertainment, special event merchandise, plus food and beverage are on tap all night long to celebrate the start of the “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort. The around-the-clock celebration features Disney character greetings, dance parties and surprises into the wee hours of the night.

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom

Jungle Cruise: April 13 – May 8, 2015

Epcot

Maelstrom and Spirit of Norway Film: Ongoing – Reopening in 2016 Reimagined as a New Frozen Attraction

Hollywood Studios

No refurbishments currently scheduled

Animal Kingdom

Creature Comforts: Reopening June 2015 as the New Starbucks Location
Flame Tree BBQ: January 5 – June 3, 2015
TriceraTop Spin: May 11 – May 23, 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 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

If you are traveling to Disney World in May 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, now is the time to purchase your admission tickets and link them to your My Disney Experience account.
Once 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 now by clicking here.
Now is also a great time 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 May 2015 reservations, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save money:

View the latest Disney World discounts currently available!
Guarantee the best vacation price by clicking here for more information!

Join The Fun

Disney 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 15 2015

Helpful Information For Your April 2015 Disney World Vacation

Planning Your April 2015 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in April 2015? April is a perfect time of year to visit the “happiest place on earth”. The temperatures are getting warmer, the flowers are in full bloom and the crowds start to dwindle once the Easter holiday passes.

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. When traveling in April, I always pack a couple of Disney hoodies to keep me warm.

Crowds

With Easter occurring on April 5 this year, the crowd levels at the beginning of April are expected to be very high. By the second week of April, they are anticipated to begin a steady decline for the rest of the month.

April 1 – April 4 – Average Crowd Level 8.0 out of 10
April 5 – April 11 – Average Crowd Level 6.7 out of 10
April 12 – April 18 – Average Crowd Level 5.6 out of 10
April 19 – April 25 – Average Crowd Level 4.9 out of 10
April 26 – April 30 – Average Crowd Level 4.0 out of 10

Park Hours

With bigger crowds comes longer hours at the Parks. As the month goes on and the crowds decrease, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom will close earlier.

Magic Kingdom: Open most days from 9am – 11pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Epcot: Open from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Hollywood Studios: Open most days from 9am – 9:30pm during the beginning of the month and then from 9am – 8pm during the last half of April (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom: Open most days from 9am – 7pm during the beginning of the month and then closing as early as 5pm by the end of April (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

If you are visiting around Easter, Disney always has additional offerings to celebrate the holiday. There is usually an Easter parade in the Magic Kingdom, meet and greets with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny, and returning this year is Epcot’s Egg-stravaganza. Click here to read all about this fun 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.

Another terrific part about visiting Disney World in April is the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. This year the event will run from March 4 – May 17 and features over 100 topiaries, interesting gardening demonstrations, beautiful flowers, weekend music concerts and several outdoor kitchens serving delicious foods and beverages. For more information about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, please check out this article.

And of course, every year on Earth Day (April 22), Animal Kingdom hosts the Party for the Planet which usually includes interesting animal and conservation presentations, crafts and games for the kids, and specialty merchandise and snacks. For more information, please check out this article.

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: April 27 – April 30, 2015
It’s a Small World: April 14 – April 17, 2015
Jungle Cruise: April 13 – May 8, 2015
Space Mountain: April 20 – April 23, 2015

Epcot

Maelstrom and Spirit of Norway Film: Ongoing – Reopening in 2016 Reimagined as a New Frozen Attraction

Hollywood Studios

Lights, Motors, Action: April 20 – April 24, 2015

Animal Kingdom

Creature Comforts: Reopening June 2015 as the New Starbucks Location
Flame Tree BBQ: January 5 – May 22, 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 August 2015
Grand Floridian Resort: Beach Water Activity Pool March 6 – April 9, 2015
Polynesian Resort: Ongoing Nanea Volcano Pool Refurbishment To Be Completed In Mid-April 2015; Polynesian East Pool Mid-April 2015 – 2016
Walt Disney World Swan: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2016

Planning Tips

If you are traveling to Disney World in April 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, now is the time to purchase your admission tickets and link them to your My Disney Experience account.
Once your tickets are linked and at exactly 60 days out (midnight EST time) if you are staying onsite, 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 now by clicking here.
Now is also a great time 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 April 2015 reservations, Disney has some great offers going on right now!

Save up to 25% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels when booked between now and March 28, 2015 for stays most nights March 2 – June 15, 2015.
As an added bonus you can receive one more ticket day FREE when you upgrade to a room and ticket package with a minimum 4-day Magic Your Way Ticket.

To take advantage of these incredible deals, please click the image below and fill out the form to receive a quote from my friends at Destinations in Florida.

Any planning questions or tips? Please leave a comment!

Jan 14 2015

Helpful Information For Your March 2015 Disney World Vacation

Planning Your March 2015 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in March 2015? Lucky you! March is a wonderful time of year to visit the “happiest place on earth”. The temperatures begin to moderate, the flowers are in full bloom and the park hours are extended. Keep in mind that this is the month that crowds begin to pick up as all of us people with school-age children who live in snowy places (like my state of Colorado 🙂 ) flee the cold over Spring Break to soak up some of the Florida sun.

Weather

The weather in Disney World during March can be beautiful. The average high is about 78 degrees, the average low is about 54 degrees and the average rainfall is about 4.01 inches. March is the fifth rainiest month of the year with generally mild temperatures. Hurricane season has not yet begun, however there are the occasional severe storms with tornadoes during this time of year. Remember that although it can reach the upper 70’s by afternoon, low 50’s waiting for the bus in the morning can be very chilly, especially given the high humidity levels in Florida. When traveling in March, I always pack a couple of Disney hoodies to keep me warm in the mornings and evenings.

Crowds

March typically begins with moderate crowds and by mid-month when a lot of schools begin their Spring Breaks, the crowd levels become high. With Easter occurring fairly early this year (April 5), the crowds are anticipated to pick up the weekend of March 14 and 15 and to continue to be high the rest of the month.

March 1 – March 7 – Average Crowd Level 5.6 out of 10
March 8 – March 14 – Average Crowd Level 7.1 out of 10
March 15 – March 21 – Average Crowd Level 7.2 out of 10
March 22 – March 28 – Average Crowd Level 8.0 out of 10
March 29 – March 31 – Average Crowd Level 9.0 out of 10

Park Hours

With bigger crowds comes longer hours at the Parks. As the month goes on each Park stays open later.

Magic Kingdom: Open most days from 9am – 10pm (or later during last half of March, plus Extra Magic Hours)
Epcot: Open from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Hollywood Studios: Open most days from 9am – 8:30pm (or later during last half of March, plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom: Open most days from 9am – 7pm (or later during last half of March, plus Extra Magic Hours)

For specific hours on each day during March, please click this link. Remember that park hours are subject to change and are often extended during the busier seasons.

Events

Another terrific part about visiting Disney World in March is the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. This year the event will run from March 4 – May 17 and features over 100 topiaries, interesting gardening demonstrations, beautiful flowers, weekend music concerts and several outdoor kitchens serving delicious foods and beverages. For more information about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, please check out this article.

For an exciting St. Patrick’s Day celebration, head over to Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Downtown Disney for music, food, and fun. For more details, please check out this article.

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: March 4 – March 5, 2015
Central Plaza Area (between end of Main Street and Cinderella Castle): Ongoing – To Be Completed In 2015
Cinderella’s Royal Table: January 5 – March 6, 2015
Harmony Barber Shop: February 2 – March 30, 2015
Stitch’s Great Escape: March 1 – March 2, 2015
Peter Pan’s Flight: March 5 – March 6, 2015
Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid: February 2 – March 6, 2015

Epcot

Maelstrom and Spirit of Norway Film: Ongoing – Reopening in 2016 Reimagined as a New Frozen Attraction

Hollywood Studios

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular: March 14 – March 15, 2015

Animal Kingdom

Creature Comforts: Reopening June 2015 as the New Starbucks Location
Flame Tree BBQ: January 5 – April 22, 2015
Kali River Rapids: March 10 – March 13, 2015

Water Parks

Blizzard Beach Water Park: January 4 – March 14, 2015

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. Please check out this article for more details and photos!

Resort Hotels

Beach Club Resort: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In August 2015; Stormalong Bay Lazy River and Bridges 3 & 4 February 2 – March 3, 2015
Contemporary: Main Pool Closed March 9 – March 11, 2015
Grand Floridian Resort: Beach Water Activity Pool March 6 – April 9, 2015
Polynesian Resort: Ongoing Nanea Volcano Pool Refurbishment To Be Completed In Spring 2015; Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto To Be Completed In 2015; DVC Polynesian Villas & Bungalows To Open In 2015
Walt Disney World Swan: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2016

Planning Tips

If you are traveling to Disney World in March 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.
Whether you are staying onsite or off-property, now is the time to purchase your admission tickets and link them to your My Disney Experience account.
Once your tickets are linked and at exactly 60 days out (midnight EST time) if you are staying onsite, 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 now by clicking here.
Now is also a great time 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 March 2015 reservations, Disney has some great offers going on right now!

Save up to 25% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels when booked between now and March 28, 2015 for stays most nights March 2 – June 15, 2015.
As an added bonus you can receive one more ticket day FREE when you upgrade to a room and ticket package with a minimum 4-day Magic Your Way Ticket.

To take advantage of these incredible deals, please click the image below and fill out the form to receive a quote from my friends at Destinations in Florida.

Any planning questions or tips? Please leave a comment!

Jan 9 2015

Celebrating Valentine’s Day Disney Style

Last weekend while I was shopping with my family at Target, I was amazed to see that right next to the Christmas clearance section was an area filled with everything imaginable for Valentine’s Day. It’s hard to believe that we are already well into January with February 14 less than six weeks away! If you are one of those lucky people who will be celebrating in Disney World this year, you have lots of romantic options available and if you are like so many of us far away from that magical place, I have a few ideas for you to bring a little Disney magic into your celebration as well as some gift ideas.

Here are just some of the many possibilities available at Disney World from WDW News:

The Couple that ‘Spas’ Together… – What’s more enjoyable than a luxurious spa treatment? Imagine sharing it with that special someone. The new Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort or Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, both feature a “couples room” where guests can enjoy specialized spa treatments – such as massages and facials – with the one they love. For information about spa treatments, call 407-WDW-SPAS.

Make like Aladdin and Jasmine – Fly through the sky with your special someone on an adventurous tandem parasail over Bay Lake. Those looking to soar to new heights can spend 10 minutes soaring high above Disney and get a bird’s-eye view of Magic Kingdom and its neighboring resorts. Contact Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, or call 407-939-0754 for reservations for a tandem flight.

Sunset in the Sky – A very different kind of flight is aboard a tethered balloon rising gently into the Florida sky. Located on the waterfront at Downtown Disney, Characters in Flight gives romantics a chance to take their love to new heights. Operating daily, the giant balloon provides breathtaking sights from 400 ft. up in the air with an unparalleled, 360-degree view of the Vacation Kingdom and beyond. Flights take place between 8:30 a.m. and midnight (weather permitting) and last approximately 8-10 minutes. Romantics who time their flight to sunset or fireworks bursting above the parks are in for a special treat. Tickets can be purchased at Downtown Disney West Side; tickets are $12.00 per child and $18.00 per adult.

Magical Resorts – From the tropical splendor of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to the Victorian era of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the mood is set for an enchanting stay at a Walt Disney World resort hotel. Disney’s fantasy hotels transport couples to faraway places with lavish theming, picturesque views and superior service. For reservations, call 407-W-DISNEY.

The Love Boat – The Grand Floridian’s Grand 1 – an elegant 52-foot yacht – can give couples, or parties up to 18, a stunning view of “Wishes” fireworks showering above Magic Kingdom during select evening cruises along Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Private butler service and gourmet meals also are available. Romantic evening cruises include a captain and private deck hand. Reservations may be made up to 90 days in advance by calling 407-WDW-PLAY. Callers to that same number can ask about Magic Kingdom or Epcot fireworks cruises aboard gently floating pontoon boats. To turn up the romance, lovebirds can order up champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries for their fireworks viewing.

Disney Dining Serves Romance – Couples find Disney dining infused with romance in settings ranging from subdued to spectacular.

Indulge in a romantic dinner for two at California Grill atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Situated on the 15^th floor of the resort, the onstage, market-inspired kitchen boasts breathtaking views of the Magic Kingdom, Seven Seas Lagoon and nightly fireworks. The menu is creative, seasonal, sophisticated and fun.

Beneath shimmering chandeliers, lovebirds can dine in fairy tale elegance at Be Our Guest Restaurant in New Fantasyland. Known as the place where Belle and Beast fell in love, the grand ballroom in Beast’s Castle is the perfect setting for romance as ‘snow’ falls on the French countryside outside the windows and guests dine on French-inspired cuisine and fine wines.

One of the most romantic dinner spots at Walt Disney World Resort is a table for two at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The elegant restaurant has been honored with the Five-Diamond Award from AAA for its gourmet cuisine. Combining Royal Doulton china, Cristofle silver and personalized menus, Victoria & Albert’s is the “crown jewel” of the Grand Floridian’s dining destinations. Soft harp music fills the air in the intimate dining room. Ladies also receive a long-stemmed red rose. For the ultimate romantic experience, an evening at the Chef’s Table is unsurpassed. Couples are seated at a cozy table in Victoria & Albert’s kitchen and treated to a culinary feast custom-tailored to their palates by Chef Scott Hunnel.

Guests who prefer to dine in an even more intimate setting at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa need only to pick up the closest telephone. The Grand Floridian can arrange a private dinner for two, served against the elegant backdrop of the Grand Floridian beach – or aboard the Grand 1 – on a sunset excursion along Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Certain menu items can be specially prepared for the evening. Seven-day notice is requested.

There’s nothing more romantic than a champagne toast with classical French cuisine. Monsieur Paul restaurant at the France pavilion at Epcot pays homage to one of France’s most celebrated chefs, Paul Bocuse with upscale French creations. The second floor vantage point of the newly redesigned restaurant offers stunning views of the nightly IllumiNations fireworks display.

For all Walt Disney World dining information, guests can call 407-WDW-DINE.

Nature Lovers – A horseback ride through one of the backwoods trails at Walt Disney World Resort is just the thing for couples who share a love of nature and each other. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers wrangler-led tours (45 minutes) through the deep, pine-scented woods that make up part of the Vacation Kingdom’s 40 square miles. Tours leave several times daily from Trail Blaze Corral, and may be reserved by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.

Romantic Evening – Horse-drawn carriage rides through the wilderness of Walt Disney World Resort are a romantic treat for couples looking for a secluded nighttime outing. The antique carriages depart from Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and traverse throughout the scenic landscape of the 750-acre rustic resort. Or guests can choose a relaxing old-fashioned carriage ride through Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside with pickup at Boatwright’s Dining Hall. Each nightly excursion is 25 minutes long. For reservations, guests can call 407-WDW-PLAY.

Looking to bring a little Disney magic into your Valentine’s Day celebration at home? Here are a few of my Disney inspired ideas that would work not only for a romantic evening for two, but for the whole family as well.

Decorate the space like a rustic Italian restaurant, make a simple spaghetti or lasagna dinner, open a bottle of wine, put on some romantic music like Andrea Bocelli, and then after the meal pop in Lady and the Tramp.
Decorate the space like an old library, make some easy French desserts like cream puffs or éclairs, add a little French wine and music, and follow it up with Beauty and the Beast.
Decorate the space like you are “under the sea”, make a tasty seafood meal, turn on some lively Caribbean music, and watch The Little Mermaid.
And of course, for those Frozen fans out there, decorate the space like a winter wonderland, make a delicious chocolate fondue and cut up fruits and cakes for dipping, and don’t forgot some yummy hot chocolate while watching the movie.

Looking for a Valentine’s Day gift for that special Disney fan in your life? Here are a few of my favorites from the Disney Store. Just click the images for more information about each item and if you place an order, be sure to use promo code SHIPMAGIC to receive free shipping on purchases over $75. This is just a small sampling of what is available. The Disney Store has items for Princesses and Prince Charmings of every age and prices range from just a few dollars to thousands (contains affiliate links)!

Mickey Mouse Dangling Icon Earrings – $19
Mickey puts the ear in heart with these Mickey Mouse Icon Earrings. His distinctive silhouette features a large Swarovski crystal and dangles from a heart on this pair of sparkling earrings by the renowned Arribas Brothers.

Minnie Mouse Icon Necklace – $39.50
Minnie’s iconic outline is crafted with Swarovski crystals and accented with her fa-mouse bow on this dazzling necklace. Crystals add extra sparkle to the polka dots on this glamorous reminder of your visit to the Park.

Disney Sketch Wristlet by Dooney & Bourke – $88
Carry your small essentials in this strapping handbag by Dooney & Bourke. Mickey’s fine fashion fun-purse comes to you direct from the Disney Parks and the designer label you love.

Mickey Mouse Icon Ring – $175 (Silver)
Mickey puts his head together and comes up with this contemporary styled ring. Part of the Disney Dream Collection, this band of alternating Mickey icons is available in a choice of sterling silver ($175) and gold ($1500) so Mickey will always be on hand.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Jan 7 2015

Disney World Refurbishments 2015

Updated June 1, 2015

Planning a trip to Disney World in 2015? Throughout the year Disney closes attractions for enhancements or maintenance. Here’s the current list of planned refurbishments. Please remember that these dates are tentative and are subject to change.

Magic Kingdom

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
Pirates of the Caribbean: June 8 – September 25, 2015
Walt Disney World Railroad: September 28 – November 5, 2015

Epcot

Maelstrom and Spirit of Norway Film: Ongoing – Reopening in 2016 Reimagined as a New Frozen Attraction

Hollywood Studios

Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage: June 12 – June 14, 2015
Voyage of the Little Mermaid: September 7 – September 10, 2015

Animal Kingdom

Creature Comforts: Reopening June 2015 as the New Starbucks Location
Flame Tree BBQ: January 5 – June 3, 2015

Water Parks

Typhoon Lagoon: Park Closed October 25 – January 1, 2016

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
Contemporary Resort: Main Pool September 8 – September 10, 2015
Polynesian Resort: Polynesian East Pool To Be Completed In 2016
Walt Disney World Swan: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2015
Walt Disney World Dolphin: Guest Room Refurbishments 2016 – 2017

Need more help planning your Disney World vacation?

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

Be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save money:

View the latest Disney World discounts currently available!
Guarantee the best vacation price by getting a FREE quote from Destinations in Florida!

Weather

Crowds

Park Hours

Events

Refurbishments

Planning Tips

Special Offers

Join The Fun

Have a magical vacation!

Share this:

Planning Your April 2015 Disney World Vacation

Weather

Crowds

Park Hours

Events

Refurbishments

Planning Tips

Special Offers

Share this:

Planning Your March 2015 Disney World Vacation

Weather

Crowds

Park Hours

Events

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Updated June 1, 2015

Planning a trip to Disney World in 2015? Throughout the year Disney closes attractions for enhancements or maintenance. Here’s the current list of planned refurbishments. Please remember that these dates are tentative and are subject to change.

Magic Kingdom

Epcot

Hollywood Studios

Animal Kingdom

Water Parks

Downtown Disney

Resort Hotels

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Have a magical Disney World vacation!

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