Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

Disney New Year
Aug 21 2015

Helpful Information For Your January 2016 Disney World Vacation

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

Mickey Mouse Dressed For WinterWeather

The weather in Disney World during January can get chilly. The average high is about 71 degrees, the average low is about 47 degrees, and the average rainfall is about 2.91 inches. This is the coldest month of the year by far, and it can sometimes drop to freezing or just below. Be sure to pack accordingly!

Crowds

The crowds in January vary from moderate to extreme. New Year’s Day is extreme, Martin Luther King, Jr.  Weekend and Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend the crowds are high, and during the rest of the month the crowds are fairly moderate.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowJanuary 1 – January 2
Average Crowd Level 10 out of 10
January 3 – January 9
Average Crowd Level 6.6 out of 10
January 10 – January 16
Average Crowd Level 4.3 out of 10
January 17 – January 23
Average Crowd Level 5.3 out of 10
January 24 – January 31
Average Crowd Level 5.0 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 – 5pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

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

Events

New Years 3If you’ll be visiting Disney World for the ringing in of 2016 there are plenty of fun-filled options available to celebrate the holiday including special entertainment and dining. For more information about celebrating New Year’s in Walt Disney World, please click here.

WDW MarathonFrom January 6 – 10, 2016, the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend will be held. This fantastic annual event includes kids races, a 5K, a 10K, a pasta party, a special breakfast, a half marathon, a health and fitness expo, and a cool down party, in addition to the full marathon through all four theme parks. For more information about Marathon Weekend, please visit runDisney by clicking here.

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: January 18 – February 11, 2016
Liberty Square Riverboat: January 18 – 22, 2016
Magic Carpets of Aladdin: January 25 – February 3, 2016
Space Mountain: January 11 – January 15, 2016
Splash Mountain: January 10 – January 14, 2016

Disney World New YearsEpcot
Frozen Ever After: October 5 – May 1, 2016
Soarin’: January 4 – June 1, 2016

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

Animal Kingdom
Flights of Wonder: January 25 – March 17, 2016
Kali River Rapids: January 4 – February 11, 2016
Maharaja Jungle Trek: January 4 – January 21, 2016
Pandora – The World of AVATAR: Opening TBD
Rivers of Light: Opening in 2016

Water Parks
Blizzard Beach: Park Closed October 4 – January 3, 2016
Typhoon Lagoon: Park Closed January 4 – March 12, 2016

Disney Springs
Fulton’s Crab House: January 1 – April 1, 2016
Planet Hollywood: January 1 – June 1, 2016

Resort Hotels
All Star Sports: Surfboard Bay Pool January 25 – 28, 2016
Animal Kingdom Lodge: Kilimanjaro Lounge January 11 – February 5, 2016
Art of Animation: Schoolyard Sprayground January 1 – March 11, 2016
Boardwalk Inn: Luna Park Pool January 11 – February 2, 2016
Caribbean Beach Resort: Jamaica Pool January 6 – 8, 2016, Martinique Quiet Pool January 11 – 13, 2016, Fuentes del Morro Pool January 13 – 16, 2016, Trinidad North Quiet Pool January 27 – 29, 2016
Grand Floridian Resort: Courtyard Pool January 16 – 19, 2016
Old Key West: Sandcastle Pool January 4 – 6, 2016
Polynesian Village Resort: Polynesian East Pool To Be Completed In 2016
Port Orleans Riverside: Ol’ Man Island Pool January 11 – February 29, 2016
Saratoga Springs Resort: Grandstand Pool January 20 – 22, 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 January 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 January 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!

Aug 21 2015

Last Chance – Magic YOUR Band Pirate MagicBand Skins Giveaway

Magic YOUR Band

A must-have Disney vacation accessory!

Last Chance

Friday, August 21 is the last day to enter to win a set of four “Pirate” MagicBand Skins!

The Review

A few months ago, 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.

We 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!

I continued to wear my MagicBand with the Magic YOUR Band Skin throughout the day. It held up beautifully to a day filled with errands, cleaning, cooking, laundry, rain, and the movies. My son and I can’t wait to wear our new favorite Disney vacation accessory on our upcoming trip!

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.
  • Halloween MagicYOURBandThey 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, August 21, 2015 at midnight, please enter daily to win a set of four “Pirate” MagicBand Skins. 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!

Magic YOUR Band

Click to enter giveaway!

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, August 24, 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 “Pirate 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!

Aug 20 2015

Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Debuts At Epcot Food & Wine Festival

Print

Can you believe that the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival begins next month? This year Disney has added an activity for the kiddos to enjoy called Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak. Here’s everything you need to know about this fun, new offering courtesy of Disney:

Beginning September 25, while supplies last, take part in Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak and help Remy as he ventures around World Showcase at Epcot collecting ingredients for his signature dish, Ratatouille.

RemyRecord your discoveries as you help Remy find each ingredient by placing the corresponding sticker on the specially themed map to represent that location.

Maps and stickers can be purchased for $9.95 (plus tax) at the following locations throughout Epcot: Disney Traders, Festival Center, Pin Central, Port of Entry, and World Traveler. Keep in mind maps, stickers, and surprise are available while supplies last. There are no discounts available and purchasing limits may apply.

Whether you choose to search for each ingredient or not, return your map to the redemption location at Port of Entry by November 16, 2015 to pick up your surprise.

What’s the surprise? Take a look! You will have the opportunity to receive one of the pins featured here.

Hide & Squeak 2

Need more information?

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ©DisneyIf you will be attending the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival this year, be sure to check out these articles for more information:

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 Food & Wine Festival?
What do you think of Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak?

Aug 20 2015

Soarin’ Around The World Coming To Epcot

Soarin 1

Last month during the July 10, 2015 Behind The Magic Podcast, I shared the latest rumors about Soarin’ and over the weekend those rumors were finally confirmed!

Beginning next year, guests at Epcot will undertake a whole new journey when Soarin’ Around the World opens. This new experience is part of the planned updates to the popular attraction, including all-new digital screens and projection systems, an additional theatre, and a redesigned and themed queue .

Soarin’ Around the World will take guests on a journey to far-flung lands, over some of the world’s most unique natural landscapes and man-made wonders.

Check out this video for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Soarin’ Around The World!

An official opening date for the new film has not been announced yet. Stay tuned and I’ll share more information about this new experience as soon as it is released!

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:

Do you love Soarin’? Are you excited about Soarin’ Around The World?
Please leave a comment!

Aug 19 2015

The Latest On Pandora – The World Of AVATAR


More news out of D23 Expo 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 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. He was joined by Imagineers as well as legendary filmmakers James Cameron and Jon Landau who shared new details about the expansion including information about the new E-ticket attraction.

Avatar 1During the session, Imagineer Joe Rohde said one of the things that has made work on this project so special has been the collaboration with the Oscar-winning team behind the film – James Cameron, Jon Landau and the rest of the Lightstorm team.

“We’ve been working side-by-side with Jim and Jon to make sure that what we do is true to the story, characters and vision for the beautiful, mythical, epic land of Pandora,” Joe said. “We’re creating a transformational experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.”

Avatar 4As part of the largest expansion in the park’s history, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will immerse guests into the mystical world of Pandora, and the entire park will transform after dark, offering guests longer days than ever before to experience this one-of-a-kind theme park.

The new themed-land, Pandora – The World of AVATAR, will give guests the opportunity to journey into the magnificent world of Pandora – a world that includes floating mountains, a bioluminescent forest and the winged creatures known as Banshees, giving guests a transformational experience they will never forget.

Flight of PassageThe new E-ticket attraction centerpiece of Pandora, AVATAR Flight of Passage, will allow guests to soar on a Banshee over a vast alien world. The spectacular flying experience will give guests a birds-eye view of the beauty and grandeur of the world of Pandora on an aerial rite of passage.

Check out this video to get a sneak peek of what’s headed our way at Animal Kingdom!

When will we get to experience all of these incredible new additions to Animal Kingdom, you ask? Well, Disney has not released an official opening date yet. Rumors are that Disney has hit several delays with this project and we could be looking at a late 2017 or early 2018 opening. This could work nicely with the currently scheduled release of the film AVATAR 2 on December 25, 2017. Stay tuned, and I’ll keep you posted with updates as more information is released!

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:

Do you love AVATAR? Which part of the land are you most excited about?
Please leave a comment!