Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

Oct 27 2015

Epcot’s Holidays Around The World 2015

Disney World Holiday Decorations

Every year at Epcot, the holiday season is celebrated with a special event called Holidays Around The World. This year, the festive extravaganza will be held from November 27 through December 30. It is filled with yummy food, joyful music, and wonderful traditions from countries around the globe. Here are the latest details courtesy of Disney:

This winter, soak up the sights and sounds of some of the greatest holiday festivities during Holidays Around the World at Epcot! Amid joyful music and seasonal food favorites, time-honored traditions spring to life as costumed performers present holiday heritage throughout World Showcase.

Although subject to change, festivities may include:

American Adventure
Share your Christmas wishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy Hanukkah traditions and experience the spirit of Kwanzaa. Plus, treat your ears to the Voices of Liberty Dickens Carolers—an outstanding a cappella group that sings a special repertoire of classic songs.

Canada
Follow the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs on a musical tour through the customs of the Great White North.

Holidays Around the World — China PavilionChina
Feast your eyes on the colorful Chinese Lion Dance, which brings good fortune and happiness to all during major celebrations like the Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival.

France
Discover the magic of Père Noël and the joy of the season through a Christmas letter from a child.

Germany
Listen as Helga tells the story of the first Christmas tree and the tale of her first Nutcracker.

Italy
Meet the kind-hearted witch La Befana who arrives on the eve of the Epiphany to grant gifts to good children.

Japan
Hear the fascinating story of the Daruma doll and the Japanese customs of the New Year.

Holidays Around the World — Mexico PavilionMexico
¡Feliz Navidad! Join mariachis and dancers as they bring color and excitement to the music, dances and traditions of a holiday fiesta.

Morocco
Come! Take a journey through the seasons of holidays in Morocco, where celebrations are “the spice of life.”

Norway
Spend time with Sigrid and learn about Julenissen, the Christmas Gnome.

United Kingdom
Delve into the vivid stories of Father Christmas, dating back to 15th-century England.

Heading to Disney World for the holidays?

501 WaysIf you are planning a vacation to Disney World during the holiday season, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Happy Holidays!

Oct 26 2015

Magic YOUR Band Plaid MagicBand Skins Giveaway Winner

Plaid Skins CollageA must-have Disney World vacation accessory!

The Winner

Congratulations to Daniela who won a set of four “Plaid” MagicBand Skins. Thanks to everyone who took the time to enter and be sure to follow me on Twitter and Facebook to hear about more free giveaways throughout 2015!

Interested in getting your own MagicBand Skins? Please click this link to purchase some today!

The Review

Earlier this year, I arranged with Tracy at Magic YOUR Band to review their MagicBand Skins. If you aren’t familiar with this product, these adorable decals attach directly to your Disney World MagicBand creating your own personalized look.

Tracy asked me to pick out a MagicBand Skin that I liked as well as try out their online design tool for this review. My youngest son was excited to test the product with me so he choose the two piece “Slice of Pizza” design to go on his orange MagicBand. I decided to try putting my DisneyWorldEnthusiast.com logo on a skin for my red MagicBand. I was amazed at how easy Magic YOUR Band’s editing system worked. In a matter of minutes, I had a background selected and my logo in place and looking great! Then my son and I eagerly waited for our MagicBand Skins to arrive. Just as promised, they arrived in about a week.

Magic YOUR BandWe opened our delivery to find our MagicBand Skins nicely packaged and looking gorgeous! The first thing that struck me was how bright and vibrant the colors appeared. Upon further inspection, the MagicBand Skins looked perfectly cut and well made. Next up was getting them on our MagicBands.

The process was much easier than I thought it would be. I spent a few minutes watching the installation video on their site and then gave it a try. I found the skins to be very forgiving and I was able to lift them and adjust them until they were just right. Once I had the MagicBand Skins where I wanted, I went back over them pressing down firmly to make sure they were in place. It only took a couple of minutes until our MagicBands were looking quite magical!

My son and I wore our MagicBands with the Magic YOUR Band Skins throughout our entire Disney World vacation this summer. They held up beautifully to ten days filled with pool time, attractions, and rain. We can’t wait to wear our new favorite Disney vacation accessory on our next trip this fall!

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

  • MagicBand Skins are available for purchase on MagicYOURBand.com.
  • They range in price from $6 to $8 each.
  • They offer special pricing when you purchase multiple MagicBand Skins in one order. Buy two to five and save 15%. Buy six to nine and save 25%. Buy ten or more and save 33%.
  • They come in one piece (that covers the center MagicBand Mickey) or two piece (that shows the center MagicBand Mickey) styles.
  • Christmas Magic YOUR BandThey have over 100 ready-made designs available including adorable holiday varieties!
  • You also have the options of personalizing one of their designs or creating your own with their easy-to-use online editing tool.
  • MagicBand Skins are fully waterproof. They hold up in the shower, pool, and a Florida rain storm!
  • The MagicBand Skins are easy to apply and remove if you want to change-up your look. They even have a handy video to show you how!
  • The Skins have no effect on how the MagicBand works. Your band will still be fully functional.
  • Magic YOUR Band is located in the United Kingdom and offers free international shipping on all orders.
  • The average delivery time is 7 days from the date of postage. You can upgrade to 2 business day FedEx International Priority Shipping for an additional fee.

Please click this link to purchase one today!

Oct 24 2015

Behind The Magic Podcast Recap October 19 – October 23, 2015

Icon S3

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 ~ Behind The Extinction Of Towel Animals
  • Wednesday ~ Behind Lisa Green
  • Thursday ~ Behind The Land Pavilion III
  • Friday ~ Behind Rachel’s Trip 

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

This Week’s Mouse Whispers

In my Thursday, October 22 “Mouse Whispers”, I shared the latest Disney gossip and rumors about the Imagination Pavilion! Check out Thursday’s full episode here!

We hope you enjoy our show!

Oct 23 2015

Last Chance – Magic YOUR Band Plaid MagicBand Skins Giveaway

Plaid Skins CollageA must-have Disney World vacation accessory!

Last Chance

Friday, October 23 is the last day to enter to win a set of four “Plaid” MagicBand Skins. Good luck, everyone!

The Review

Earlier this year, I arranged with Tracy at Magic YOUR Band to review their MagicBand Skins. If you aren’t familiar with this product, these adorable decals attach directly to your Disney World MagicBand creating your own personalized look.

Tracy asked me to pick out a MagicBand Skin that I liked as well as try out their online design tool for this review. My youngest son was excited to test the product with me so he choose the two piece “Slice of Pizza” design to go on his orange MagicBand. I decided to try putting my DisneyWorldEnthusiast.com logo on a skin for my red MagicBand. I was amazed at how easy Magic YOUR Band’s editing system worked. In a matter of minutes, I had a background selected and my logo in place and looking great! Then my son and I eagerly waited for our MagicBand Skins to arrive. Just as promised, they arrived in about a week.

Magic YOUR BandWe opened our delivery to find our MagicBand Skins nicely packaged and looking gorgeous! The first thing that struck me was how bright and vibrant the colors appeared. Upon further inspection, the MagicBand Skins looked perfectly cut and well made. Next up was getting them on our MagicBands.

The process was much easier than I thought it would be. I spent a few minutes watching the installation video on their site and then gave it a try. I found the skins to be very forgiving and I was able to lift them and adjust them until they were just right. Once I had the MagicBand Skins where I wanted, I went back over them pressing down firmly to make sure they were in place. It only took a couple of minutes until our MagicBands were looking quite magical!

My son and I wore our MagicBands with the Magic YOUR Band Skins throughout our entire Disney World vacation this summer. They held up beautifully to ten days filled with pool time, attractions, and rain. We can’t wait to wear our new favorite Disney vacation accessory on our next trip this fall!

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

  • MagicBand Skins are available for purchase on MagicYOURBand.com.
  • They range in price from $6 to $8 each.
  • They offer special pricing when you purchase multiple MagicBand Skins in one order. Buy two to five and save 15%. Buy six to nine and save 25%. Buy ten or more and save 33%.
  • They come in one piece (that covers the center MagicBand Mickey) or two piece (that shows the center MagicBand Mickey) styles.
  • Christmas Magic YOUR BandThey have over 100 ready-made designs available including adorable holiday varieties!
  • You also have the options of personalizing one of their designs or creating your own with their easy-to-use online editing tool.
  • MagicBand Skins are fully waterproof. They hold up in the shower, pool, and a Florida rain storm!
  • The MagicBand Skins are easy to apply and remove if you want to change-up your look. They even have a handy video to show you how!
  • The Skins have no effect on how the MagicBand works. Your band will still be fully functional.
  • Magic YOUR Band is located in the United Kingdom and offers free international shipping on all orders.
  • The average delivery time is 7 days from the date of postage. You can upgrade to 2 business day FedEx International Priority Shipping for an additional fee.

The Giveaway

Interested in getting a MagicBand Skin of your own? Well, you’re in luck! From now through Friday, October 23, 2015 at midnight, please enter daily to win a set of four Plaid MagicBand Skins. Just click the image below and follow the instructions to be entered into the giveaway. For a better chance of winning, be sure to take advantage of the bonus entries!

Click image to enter!

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

The Winner

Please check back on Monday, October 26, 2015 for the announcement of the winner! If you entered to win, be sure to check your email (including your Junk Folder) for a message with the subject line “Plaid MagicBand Skins Winner”!

Are you planning a trip to Disney World soon? Are you entering to win?
Please leave a comment and good luck, everyone!

Oct 22 2015

The Heart Of Disney – Honoring A Friend

Yesterday my niece, Morgan, shared a video on Facebook that got me thinking. You’ve probably seen it…the video shows a young daughter serenading her mother who is battling stage 4 breast cancer. Ellen DeGeneres had the little girl and her mother on her show and she once more sang to her, but this time with the help of country singer Martina McBride. If you haven’t seen it yet, click here to watch, but be sure to grab a tissue first.

Watching this video, reminded me just how lucky I am. Last week, I was in Disney World with my two boys, enjoying a fun-filled week. Like every Disney vacation, the three of us laughed, played, and made memories to last a lifetime. Isn’t that what Disney is really all about? It isn’t about how many attractions we see or everything we eat, it’s about those little moments…hearing the sounds of laughter from families having fun together, smelling the popcorn when you walk in Magic Kingdom, tasting the sweetness of a treat from The Confectionary, seeing the fireworks bursting over Cinderella Castle as you ride Big Thunder Mountain, and feeling the warmth of your children as they rest their tired heads on your shoulders after a day filled with joy. It’s those fleeting moments that are truly the heart of Disney.

Polly’s Place

In 2008, my dear friend Polly lost her long and hard-fought battle with cancer. Two weeks before she died, she was planning a final getaway with her husband and two young children to Walt Disney World; it was the last thing we spoke about before she passed away. Despite everything that she went through, she always had a positive attitude. Her strength and determination are still a daily inspiration to me. To honor her memory, I’ve created a  Charity Page called “Polly’s Place” to celebrate her life and giving spirit. A fellow Disney fan, Polly was a beautiful person inside and out; filled with kindness and compassion. “Polly’s Place” features two causes that were always close to her heart – children and animals.

Give Kids The WorldGive Kids The World

Give Kids The World works with wish granting organizations to provide week-long Central Florida vacations to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families free of charge. Through generous donations and hard-working volunteers, Give Kids The World has welcomed more than 138,000 families from over 75 countries around the world. These families are given a place to stay in the Give The Kids The World Village, donated theme park tickets to Walt Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios, meals, transportation and more. To support this outstanding organization or for more information, please check out their website by clicking here.

Stacey J. Aswad“Must Do Disney” Stacey Aswad’s Animal Charity Work

Frequent visitors will recognize Stacey from the fantastic resort TV campaign “Must Do Disney” where Stacey shares with guests all the best things to see and do in Walt Disney World. But what you may not know about Stacey is that she is a huge animal lover and advocate passionate about ending animal cruelty and homelessness. Stacey sells autographed photos for a $20 donation that she in turn gives to a variety of animal charities and rescue organizations working to save animals around the world each and every day. To support Stacey’s charitable work or for more information, please check out her website by clicking here.

Forever in my heart – ’til we meet again…