Behind The Magic Podcast Recap November 23 – November 27, 2015

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Welcome to Season 3 of Behind The Magic Podcast!

This “snack credit” of podcasts is a unique 15-minute daily Disney podcast hosted by Zeek, Rachel, Tim, Sarah, Richard, and me. Every day Monday through Friday you can join us for entertaining Disney information, discussions, guests, games, and more. Zeek and Rachel will be surprising you each and every day with all of their fabulous humor and Disney insider knowledge. And of course, Tim will keep you up-to-date on Disney news with his daily “Mouse News Minute” segment.

Here’s a quick peek at what you can expect each day during Season 3:

  • Monday ~ Magical Mondays with fun and games!
  • Tuesday ~ Topical Tuesdays with Top Ten lists and discussions featuring Richard’s “2 Cents To The Scoop” segment!
  • Wednesday ~ With Us Wednesdays with celebrity guests from around the Disney Universe!
  • Thursday ~ Theme Park Thursdays with fun information, facts, and stories about the parks featuring my “Mouse Whispers” segment!
  • Friday ~ Field Trip Fridays with information and discussions helpful to your park visit featuring Sarah’s “2 Minute Table Service” segment!

This Week’s Episodes

This week’s episodes include:

  • Monday ~ Tournament of Podcasts
  • Tuesday ~ Topical Tuesday Multiball
  • Wednesday ~ Behind DisDads Aaron’s Revenge

For more details about each episode and to listen, please click here!

We hope you enjoy our show!

Remember Creative Countdown’s Countdown To Disney Giveaway

Creative Countdown 1

Savor the Suspense!

Remember To Enter Daily To Win

Remember to enter daily to win a Countdown To Disney from now through Thursday, December 3 at midnight. Good luck, everyone!

Review

Recently I had the pleasure of reviewing Creative Countdown’s Countdown To Disney. If you aren’t familiar with this product, this fabulous countdown allows you to “Savor the Suspense” as you tear off a page each day getting just a little bit closer to that wonderful Disney magic!

Creative CountdownCreative Countdown is the incredible company launched in 2012 by two entrepreneurial moms – Amy Gamber and Joanie Hickey. Their company gives people a fun and unique way to countdown to some of the most memorable moments of their lives such as a graduation, a wedding, the birth of a child, or a magical Walt Disney World vacation.

Through their website, Creative Countdown allows customers the ability to customize one of their many countdown designs with daily personalized messages. For my review, I was able to go on to the Creative Countdown site and customize one of the countdowns for my Summer 2016 Walt Disney World Family Vacation. I added messages to remind my family to book advanced dining reservations, to create our touring plans, to book Fastpass+ reservations, to customize our MagicBands, to check in online, and more. For a planner like myself, Creative Countdown is a dream come true!

When my personalized Countdown To Disney arrived, it was even better that I had hoped. The quality in both the printing and the binding is outstanding. My family and I will love having this daily reminder of how close we are getting to our magical Walt Disney World vacation!

Here’s all of the important information that you’ll need to get yourself a Creative Countdown:

  • Creative Countdowns are available for purchase on CreativeCountdown.com.
  • They offer a variety of styles of countdowns including standard tear-off, personalized tear off, personalized flip stand, and personalized email.
  • The standard tear-off 60 day Countdown To Disney is $9.95.
  • The personalized tear-off countdown starts at $19.95 for 30 pages and additional pages can be added for $0.25 each.
  • The personalized tear-off countdowns can hold up to 400 pages.
  • There are 29 different designs available including options for holidays, weddings, births, graduations, vacations, and more.
  • If you need help personalizing your countdown, they have hundreds of quick-fill entries available that you can use and edit.
  • Creative Countdowns are a wonderful gift idea for friends and family!

The Giveaway

Interested in getting a Creative Countdown of your own? Well, you’re in luck! From now through Thursday, December 3 , 2015 at midnight, please enter daily to win a Countdown To Disney. Just click the image below and follow the instructions to be entered into the giveaway. Be sure to take advantage of the bonus entries, and please feel free to share with your friends and family!

Click image to enter!

Can’t wait and need a Creative Countdown right away?
Please click this link to purchase one today!

What I’m Thankful For At Disney World

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Is your turkey in the oven? Are you watching the parade or maybe one of the big games? I hope you have a wonderful day planned with family and friends. There are so many things to be thankful for this year, I thought it would be fun to create a list of what I’m most thankful for at Walt Disney World.

The Memories

I am thankful for all of the memories I’ve enjoyed with my family and friends throughout the years on our Disney World vacations. I’ve been visiting the resort since I was a baby and so have my kids. The special times that I have shared with my loved ones are priceless.

IMG_8789The Cast Members

It is the cast members that are really what makes Disney World unique. Without their smiling faces, hard work, and exceptional hospitality, Disney World would just be like any other theme park.

Magic Kingdom Holiday FireworksOther Guests

Sure, you might come across a few guests that drive you nuts, but for the most part, I find most of the people at Disney World to be friendly and just enjoying the magic. My family and I have had lots of fun talking with other visitors in line and while waiting for shows. Part of what makes Disney so magical is the shared experience. Imagine watching Wishes all by yourself with no other guests in the park…it wouldn’t feel the same, would it?

Pirates 1The Attractions

The Disney Imagineers have poured their hearts and souls into these attractions and it shows. Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain, Tower of Terror, Everest…the list goes on and on. These are not just “rides”.

The Treats

I am thankful for all of the Disney treats. I could spend my entire vacation eating nothing but desserts!

Epcot's World Fellowship FountainWhat It Represents

Lastly, I am also thankful for what Walt Disney World represents. To me, this resort is more than just attractions, food, and fun, at its heart Disney World embodies all that is good in the world. It is a symbol of family, fun, friendship, goodwill, charity, hospitality, love, peace, education, acceptance, hard work, determination, imagination, and dreams. During the holiday season and throughout the year, Disney World and Walt’s legacy demonstrate a “world” that we should strive to become.

What about Disney World are you most thankful for?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

Helpful Information For Your April 2016 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in April 2016?
April is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World!

Weather

Minnie with Flowers 2The 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.

Crowds

April begins with high crowd levels as we wrap up Easter week and the Spring Break season. The remainder of the month will see moderate crowds throughout the resort. Crowds will feel larger in Magic Kingdom and Epcot as many travelers skip Hollywood Studios completely due to construction and only spend limited time in Animal Kingdom. Epcot will also see slightly higher crowd levels during the weekends as many locals enjoy visiting the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowApril 1 – April 2
Average Crowd Level 8.5 out of 10
April 3 – April 9
Average Crowd Level 5.9 out of 10
April 10 – April 16
Average Crowd Level 6.0 out of 10
April 17 – April 23
Average Crowd Level 5.7 out of 10
April 23 – April 30
Average Crowd Level 5.7 out of 10

Magic Kingdom ClockPark Hours

Magic Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 10pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Epcot
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Hollywood Studios
Open most days from 9am – 8pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 5pm (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

Epcot International Flower And Garden FestivalA wonderful part about visiting Disney World in April is the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. In 2016, the event will run from March 2 – May 30 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 click here.

Star Wars Marathon 2From April 14 – 17, 2016, the Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend will be held. This fantastic event includes kids races, a 5K, a 10K, and a half marathon. For more information, please click here.

And of course, every year on Earth Day, 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.

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: April 4 – July 15, 2016
Walt Disney World Railroad: April 11 – April 22, 2016

Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalEpcot
Frozen Ever After: October 5 – June 1, 2016
Soarin’: January 4 – June 16, 2016
The Circle of Life: February 7 – April 2, 2016

Hollywood Studios
Pizza Planet: January 11 – TBD
Star Wars Land: Opening TBD
Toy Story Land: Opening TBD

Animal Kingdom
Pandora – The World of AVATAR: Opening TBD
Rivers of Light: Opening in 2016

Water Parks
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Disney Springs
Planet Hollywood: January 1 – June 1, 2016

Resort Hotels
Boardwalk Inn: Flying Fish Café February 1, 2016 – September 30, 2016
Caribbean Beach Resort: Aruba Pool February 22 – April 15, 2016
Polynesian Village Resort: Polynesian East Pool To Be Completed In 2016
Walt Disney World Dolphin: Guest Room Refurbishments 2016 – 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 April 2016, 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 April 2016 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!

Holiday Season At Disney Springs

Disney Springs Christmas 4

It’s that time of year again when Walt Disney World goes all out for the holidays! Here’s a peek at some of the festive happenings being offered during the Holidays at Disney Springs courtesy of Disney:


Disney Springs receives a sprinkle of holiday magic as the shopping and entertainment location is transformed into a festive wonderland for the holiday season. With familiar favorites, new seasonal offerings and sparkling décor reflective of the unique Disney Springs neighborhoods, Holidays at Disney Springs will dazzle guests as they complete their seasonal shopping and enjoy the dining and entertainment offerings available during this cheerful time of year.

Holiday Décor

Disney Springs Christmas 6Each neighborhood has been transformed into a unique holiday wonderland for the season’s greetings, each reflecting the neighborhood’s role in the Disney Springs waterfront town.

The Marketplace décor will make guests feel right at home with wreaths and trees with a handmade touch. This colorful, authentic atmosphere is the ideal inspiration while shopping for loved ones.

The Landing is decked out in a bit more illustrious style, with silver and gold décor amidst the glittering holiday lights. With a slight modern flare, the metallic decorations fit the theme of this industrial neighborhood.

Guests will be transported to a magical winter wonderland as they visit the West Side neighborhood at Disney Springs. The vibrant blue ornaments, beautiful white holiday lights, and contemporary Christmas trees will bring holiday cheer to shoppers of all ages.

Holiday Entertainment

In addition to the yuletide décor, Disney Springs treats guests to special entertainment offerings throughout the neighborhoods.

The Marketplace is filled with the sights and sounds of the season as Holiday Carolers perform favorite Christmas tunes from 6 – 10pm. each evening from November  13 – December 30. The Marketplace holiday celebration continues with a special Kwanzaa musical group appearing at the Waterside Stage December 26 – 27.

Christmas GoofyAlso at the Marketplace, guests can visit Santa Claus to share their Christmas wish. The Chalet is in a new location this year by the Waterside Stage, where guests can meet Santa November 13 – December 24 from 12-10:30 p.m. For the second year, guests will be given a pager for a virtual queue so that they can continue their holiday shopping and be paged once it’s their turn to meet St. Nick. From December 25 – 29, Santa Goofy will greet guests during the same hours in the Chalet location.

Waterview Park at The Landing gives guests the chance to learn about and experience the story of Hanukkah through music. Showtimes are scheduled throughout the evenings of December 6 – 13.

In addition to the jolly musical offerings, guests will be astounded by the Holiday Stilt Walkers appearing throughout Disney Springs from 6 – 10pm. each evening from November 13 – December 30.

Shopping

The World of Disney store at the Marketplace is the world’s largest shopping destination for all-things Disney. The recently-expanded location offers a vast assortment of Disney merchandise including plush toys, clothing, Mickey Mouse hats and trading pins. The new Disney Parks Castle Play Set also is available at World of Disney and is the perfect surprise for little princesses.

Christmas StitchDisney Springs offers unique gift ideas that are exclusive to this premier shopping location. Ladies with a passion for fashion will appreciate a one-of-a-kind, personalized pair of flip-flops from havaianas, a hand-painted pair of TOMS shoes from Curl, or a stylish hat from Chapel Hats. A custom-designed phone case from D-Tech on Demand is the perfect stocking-stuffer. As for gifts for gentlemen, visit the new Twenty Eight & Main location at the Marketplace for exclusive Disney Parks gentleman’s apparel, accessories, and more.

For presents that sparkle and shine, consider the popular Pandora, Alex & Ani or Crislu jewelry. Dooney & Bourke and Vera Bradley bags add a touch of Disney design. The new Disney Boutique collection, which offers beautiful women’s apparel and accessories for dedicated Disney fans, can be found at TrenD in the Disney Springs Marketplace.

Sweet treats make for delicious holiday surprises. Opening in mid-December, The Ganachery offers rich, hand-crafted chocolate ganache with beautiful custom packaging. Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop also offers tasty chocolate treats and hot chocolates to sweeten this special time of year.

Disney Gift Cards give the gift of Disney magic to everyone this holiday season. Disney Gift Cards are accepted at many Disney Springs shopping locations and all Disney Springs restaurants, including the recently opened Morimoto Asia, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar and The BOATHOUSE.

Dining

In addition to a sleigh full of holiday shopping and entertainment, Disney Springs also offers special Christmas Day meals.

  • Fulton’s Crab House will feature a special surf- and turf menu, which includes braised short ribs and Alaska King crab with loaded mashed potatoes, crispy Brussels sprouts, lardons, and cabernet demi ($45 per person).
  • Portobello Country Italian Trattoria will offer a delectable three-course meal, including a filet with roasted garlic whipped potatoes and sweet cannoli for dessert ($50 per person).
  • For families looking for a classic feast in honor of the festive celebration, Planet Hollywood and Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant will offer a delicious turkey dinner with all the fixings to make guests feel right at home.
  • Wolfgang Puck Express will feature a tender oven-roasted pork chop with mashed potatoes and broccolini finished with a special holiday dessert ($15 per person).
  • The beautiful upstairs dining room at Wolfgang Puck Grand Café hosts an elaborate holiday feast, with a three-course meal complete with a wine selection. Guests will enjoy a savory watercress salad, followed by Colorado rack of lamb and concluded with a bittersweet chocolate ganache ($75 per person).

For dining reservations, please click here or call 407-WDW-DINE.

To view a full list of the Holidays at Disney Springs festivities and to learn more about the exciting shopping and dining experiences at Disney Springs, please click here. 


501 WaysHeading to Disney World for the holidays?

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 visiting Disney Springs this holiday season?
What are you most excited about? Please leave a comment!