Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

Disney World Valentine's Day
Nov 30 2016

Helpful Information For Your February 2017 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in February 2017?
February is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World!

Mickey Mouse Dressed For WinterWeather

The weather in Disney World during February can get chilly. The average high is about 73 degrees, the average low is about 50 degrees, and the average rainfall is about 2.71 inches. This is one the coldest months of the year, and it can sometimes drop into the 40’s. Be sure to pack accordingly!

Crowds

The crowds in February vary from low to high. President’s Day Weekend the crowds are high and during the rest of the month the crowds are low to moderate.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowFebruary 1 – February 4
Average Crowd Level  2 out of 10
February 5 – February 11
Average Crowd Level  1 out of 10
February 12 – February 18
Average Crowd Level  5 out of 10
February 19 – February 25
Average Crowd Level 10 out of 10
February 26 – February 28
Average Crowd Level 4 out of 10

Magic Kingdom ClockPark Hours

Magic Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 8pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Epcot
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Hollywood Studios
Open most days from 9am – 7pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 7pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

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

Events

spaceship-earth-at-nightDebuting in 2017 is the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. This event will run weekends until February 20, 2017 and will feature breathtaking works from Disney artists past and present, Broadway talent showcasing favorite Disney music, and Food Studios serving delicious culinary delights. For more information about the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, please click here.

Valentines DayIf you will be celebrating Valentine’s Day in Disney World, there are so many wonderful ways to enjoy the holiday. Try a couples treatment at one of the spas, a romantic fireworks cruise or dessert party, a delicious meal at one of the many signature restaurants, a cozy horse-drawn carriage ride at Fort Wilderness or Port Orleans, an exciting married proposal on the beach at the Polynesian Village Resort during Wishes, and then top your evening off with a thoughtful gift from Disney Floral delivered to right to your room like this adorable “Minnie’s Garden”. For more Valentine’s Day gift ideas from Disney Floral, please click here.

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom
The Hall of Presidents: January 17 – June 29, 2017
Walt Disney World Railroad: January 9 – February 16, 2017

Epcot
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Hollywood Studios
Star Wars Land: Opening in 2020
Toy Story Land: Opening in 2018

Animal Kingdom
Pandora – The World of AVATAR: Opening in Summer 2017

Water Parks
Typhoon Lagoon: December 25 – March 11, 2017

Disney Springs
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Resort Hotels
All Star Music: Piano Pool December 12 – February 3, 2017
Old Key West: Sand Castle Pool January 2 – February 24, 2017
Walt Disney World Dolphin: Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2017
Wilderness Lodge: Hidden Springs Quiet Pool, Resort Beach, Playground and Fire Pit To Be Completed In 2017

Planning Tips

If you are traveling to Disney World in February 2017, 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 (midnight 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 new 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 February 2017 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 or just dreaming of one, we would love to have you join in the fun! Please click here to be a part of our group!

Have a magical vacation!

Nov 29 2016

Walt Disney World Resort’s Special U.S. Military Ticket And Room Rates For 2017

4th of July Castle Fireworks

At Walt Disney World Resort from now through December 16, 2017, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active or retired members of the National Guard, Reservists, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS), and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)) or their spouses can purchase:

  • Disney World Independence DayDisney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper Option for $209 each, plus tax.
  • Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Water Park Fun and More Option for $209 each, plus tax.
  • Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun and More Options for $246 each, plus tax.
  • Disney 5-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper Option for $224 each, plus tax.
  • Disney 5-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Water Park Fun and More Option for $224 each, plus tax.
  • Disney 5-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun and More Options for $261 each, plus tax.

Walt Disney World Resort tickets may be used January 1, 2017, through December 19, 2017, except that the tickets may not be used April 9 – 23, 2017.

Independence DayActive and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. No more than six Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (or spouse) pursuant to this offer. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by December 19, 2017.

Active and retired U.S. military personnel can also take advantage of specially priced rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels. This offer is valid for stays most nights from January 1 – December 19, 2017, except for April 9 –23, 2017.

For information on Disney 4-Day/5-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to Walt Disney World Resort, or to make room reservations at Walt Disney World Resort, military personnel may call 407-939-5684 or participating U.S. military base ticket offices.

Here are some other details guests should know about:

  • 4th of JulyDisney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets ONLY by Eligible Service Members (defined below) or their spouses (but not both), for use by themselves and other family members and friends, as provided herein. These Tickets may not be otherwise transferred, distributed or resold.
  • “Eligible Service Members” are active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists and the U.S. Coast Guard, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS), and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
  • The actual prices charged at the individual U.S. military base ticket offices for Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be less than the prices set forth above.
  • Participating military sales outlets must require that Eligible Service Members (or their spouses) present valid military identification to purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets.
  • Subject to certain exceptions, Disney 4-Day/5-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World Resort are not valid until activated by the Eligible Service Members (or their spouses) at Walt Disney World theme park ticket windows. Tickets and options expire and may not be used after December 19, 2017. Valid military identification will be required for purchase and use.
  • No more than six (6) Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased and (if applicable) activated by any Eligible Service Member or spouse (regardless of the place of purchase and whether purchased by that person or that person’s spouse). In addition, one of the six (6) Tickets purchased must be used by the Eligible Service Member or his/her spouse.
  • Each Disney Military Promotional Ticket must be used by the same person on any and all days.

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:

Thank you for your service!

Nov 28 2016

Epcot International Festival of Arts Debuts January And February 2017

spaceship-earth-at-night

So many new and exciting things have been announced recently for Walt Disney World, it’s difficult to decide when to schedule my next trip. If you’re one of the lucky travelers that have a trip planned for January or February 2017, check out this fantastic event debuting in Epcot. Here’s everything you need to know about the Epcot International Festival of the Arts courtesy of Disney:

Combining visual, culinary and performing arts from around the world, the first-ever Epcot International Festival of the Arts will create a global masterpiece for six inspired weekends. Held Fridays through Mondays starting Jan. 13 – Feb. 20, 2017, the Festival will feature new art each week, making each weekend original.

Here’s a sample of what’s in store:

American AdventureFrom the pieces of Disney historical artist Mary Blair and Herb Ryman art of Epcot, to current Disney artists Joe Kaminski and Costa Alavezos, guests won’t only be surrounded by incredible visions, they’ll watch the creative process live.

In the inaugural year of the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, a collaboration with Disney Theatrical will bring an exciting new showcase of favorite music and Broadway talent to the America Gardens Theatre stage.

Over the six weekends of the festival, park Guests will enjoy different pairings of phenomenal Broadway talent in concert, performing songs from some of Disney on Broadway’s award-winning shows, including ‪The Lion King‪, Newsies, and Aladdin, to name a few.

EpcotNew Food Studios will showcase culinary creations so delicious and intricate, guests may not know if the menus are for admiring or eating. Disney chefs will surely encourage guests it’s the latter.

And there’s more: hands-on experiences for the whole family, favorite Disney characters channeling their favorite artists, and seminars. It’s a colorful, whimsical celebration of a new artful Epcot.

The festival is included with Epcot admission.

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!

Nov 27 2016

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up November 27, 2016

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for November 27, 2016!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Tip Of The Week

Celebration ButtonsIf you are celebrating something during your Disney World vacation, be sure to stop by Guest Services at any of the theme parks or at the front desk of your Disney resort hotel to pick up a celebration button. While the options change from time to time, there are currently nine different types of buttons available: 1st Visit, Happy Anniversary, Happy Birthday, Just Engaged, Just Married, Happily Ever After, Family Reunion, My Magical Triumph, and I’m Celebrating. The buttons are fun to wear, because cast members and guests alike often stop you to say “Happy Birthday!” or “Congratulations!”

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Tree of LifeDisney Did You Know

Disney’s Animal Kingdom encompasses 403 acres, the company’s biggest theme park. The park’s centerpiece is The Tree of Life, 14 stories high and 50 feet wide at its trunk.

Walt DisneyWalt’s Words

“All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me… You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”   

Tomorrowland PinDisney World Enthusiast Giveaway

Look for a brand new giveaway beginning Friday, December 2, 2016! Good luck, everyone!

Behind The Magic Podcast

Be sure to catch up on this seasons’s episodes when Zeek, Rachel, and I discuss Disney news, rumors, and so much more.

For more details about our podcast and to listen, please click here!

Featured Advertiser

BitbeltHave you heard of this incredible gadget – Bitbelt? If you aren’t familiar, this handy creation secures your MagicBand so that it doesn’t accidentally become lost. Anyone that carries a child, a backpack, or wears a jacket at Disney World knows how easily a MagicBand can become unclasped. That’s where this little beauty comes in! Simply place a Bitbelt on your MagicBand and save yourself the trouble of having to search for a lost band or take the time to get a replacement. Bitbelts come in a dozen different colors and in two sizes – adult and junior. They are only $4.99 each plus they offer discounted pricing when you purchase multiple Bitbelts in one order. And if you think Bitbelts are great for MagicBands, they are also available for your fitness trackers. Never lose a pricey Fitbit again! For more information about Bitbelt, please click here!

501 WaysFeatured Book

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.

Considering A Disney World Vacation

Book Your Disney VacationJennifer Hardy, a Disney Vacation Planner with Destinations in Florida, is the official travel partner of Disney World Enthusiast. She can help you book your next Disney vacation whether it is to Disney World, Disneyland, or aboard the Disney Cruise Line. Currently Jennifer has some incredible deals for discounted travel to Walt Disney World. For more information about Jennifer’s amazing and absolutely free services or to get a free no-obligation quote, please click here!

You’re Invited

Next Disney VacationJennifer Hardy, from Destinations in Florida, and I have teamed up to create a brand new Facebook Group called Next Disney Vacation! It is the perfect place to talk about your next Disney vacation, voice your opinions, ask your questions, get them answered, and share the magic. Whether it’s Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, or the Disney Cruise Line, Jennifer and I are ready to help. Everyday you’ll find posts, photos, trivia, tips, and more that we find all throughout the Disney Universe. If you’re counting the days until your next Disney vacation or just dreaming of one, we would love to have you join in the fun and conversation! Please click here to be a part of our group!

dwe logo small size white bkgdComing Up Next Week

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

Have a wonderful week!

Nov 26 2016

More Details About Pandora – The World Of Avatar Coming Summer 2017

pandora-4

More news out of Destination D for fans of AVATAR! Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek gave lucky fans a behind-the-scenes look at what’s to come next summer at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Here’s everything you need to know courtesy of Disney:

pandora-7Bob Chapek, Chairman, Disney Parks and Resorts, gave a look into the future of the newest addition to the Walt Disney World Resort today, unveiling some exciting new updates coming soon to Disney’s Animal Kingdom expansion – Pandora – The World of Avatar.

As part of Chapek’s conversation with D23 host Jeffrey Epstein, he revealed the new entry bridge to Pandora – The World of Avatar. According to the storyline developed by Walt Disney Imagineering and Lightstorm Entertainment, this bridge was built during a time when a destructive company called the RDA – Resources Development Administration came to Pandora. Now that they are long gone, nature is breaking down evidence of their presence. This bridge will soon serve as an entry into the base camp of Alpha Centauri Expeditions, the eco-tour group that will host explorers on their Pandora adventure.

pandora-6“I think the thing I’m most excited about right now to experience would be everything in Pandora.” Chapek said. “From the place-making to the two extraordinary attractions that will be in the land – both the Na’vi River Journey as well as Avatar Flight of Passage, these promise to set new high-watermarks for our experiential magic we give our guests.”

Chapek shared details of the two, new signature attractions of Avatar Flight of Passage, where guests will fly over the jungles of Pandora on a Mountain Banshee and Na’vi River Journey, a family-friendly boat ride through the bioluminescent forests. He also gave a first look at the new Satu’li Canteen, which is the main dining establishment for Pandora, featuring Na’vi art and cultural items; Windtraders, where travelers can purchase Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits, and more; and the Pongu Pongu, a drink location with a design that is as eclectic as its Expat owner.

pandora-8Coming in summer of 2017, Pandora – The World of Avatar will complete the transformation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney in collaboration with filmmaker James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment is bringing to life the mythical world of Pandora, inspired by Cameron’s AVATAR, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. The awe-inspiring land of floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and soaring Banshees will give guests a transformational experience they will never forget.

Chapek gave the sneak peek at the updates to an enthusiastic crowd of Disney fans at the “Destination D: Amazing Adventures” conference for D23, the official fan club for The Walt Disney Company. The “Destination D” Convention, held this year at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, also features a panel by the creative team behind Pandora – The World of Avatar including filmmaker James Cameron, producer Jon Landau and Joe Rohde, Creative Director for Disney’s Animal Kingdom from Walt Disney Imagineering.

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 are you most looking forward to in Pandora – The World Of Avatar?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!