New Crêperie Coming To Epcot’s France Pavilion

With so many changes happening at Walt Disney World it’s difficult to keep track of them all! If you’re making a list of new dining places to try, be sure to add the yet-to-be-named crêperie that is scheduled to be built in Epcot’s France pavilion near the highly anticipated Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure attraction currently under construction.

This location will offer both table service dining as well as quick service for guests to enjoy sweet and savory crepes created by celebrity chef Jérôme Bocuse of the pavilion’s Chefs de France and Monsieur Paul restaurants.

Look for this dining spot, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and a “Beauty and the Beast” Sing-Along to open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World in 2021.

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 the new creperie be on your list of restaurants to try?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Now Open In Hollywood Studios

Hey fans of the Radiator Springs gang and Lightning McQueen in particular…KaChow! I have exciting news if you’re heading to Walt Disney World soon…Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is now speeding along at Hollywood Studios. Here’s everything you need to know, courtesy of Disney:


KA-CHOW! Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy debuted on Sunday, March 31, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. This new show experience invites guests into the world of Pixar Animation Studios’ Cars films as they become rookie racers and learn the rules of the road from Piston Cup Champion Lightning McQueen.

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is located next to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. When guests cruise inside, they will come face to face with Lightning, who appears live on stage. The theater features a 17-foot-tall wraparound screen that stretches more than 200 feet end to end, enveloping guests in high-octane fun.

During the 10-minute show, Lightning shares racing knowledge gathered over the course of his illustrious career. And if there’s one thing he’s learned over the years … things don’t always go the way they’re supposed to. But with the help of Mater, Cruz Ramirez and other friends from Radiator Springs, Lightning is bound to get back on track. Sometimes you just have to turn right to go left!

Disney Parks Live Entertainment worked closely with the creative team at Pixar to bring this completely new Cars story to life. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy will run continuously throughout the day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

And when the race is over, guests can continue to immerse themselves in the world of Cars in the courtyard outside Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, where they can meet Cruz and snap a photo with the champion racer, or dance with DJ, the ultimate party on wheels. DJ made his way east across Route 66 and will now bring his own music mix to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In addition, several times daily Lightning McQueen’s Pit Crew will arrive on the scene for “DJ’s Ready! Set! Party Time!” that invites guests to gather around DJ for Cars-inspired dances and games.


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 checking out Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

First Look At Toledo Coming To Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort In 2019

Along with the complete reimagination currently going on at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, new dining options are being created including Toledo – a one-of-a-kind rooftop dining experience featuring sweeping views of Walt Disney World. Guests will be able to dine on Spanish inspired savory dishes and small plates at this restaurant located atop the 15 story Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort beginning in July 2019.

Expect to see entrees such as ribeye steak, scallops, oven-roasted shrimp along with tapas and delicious desserts. The location will also offer Spanish and California wines with over 75 choices along with specialty cocktails and beer.

For more information or to make reservations, please click here.

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 Toledo be on your list of restaurants to try?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up March 31, 2019

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for March 31, 2019!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Polynesian Village ResortTip Of The Week

When visiting Magic Kingdom and it’s time for a meal, hop on the resort monorail to the Contemporary, Polynesian Village, or Grand Floridian to enjoy a quiet leisurely lunch or dinner. Not only will this help recharge you for more touring, it also offers a nice break from the crowds and heat of the parks.

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Disney Did You Know

In Haunted Mansion, the hitch-hiking ghosts, Ezra, Gus and Phineas, were given their names by fans.

Walt’s Words

“Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever.”

Featured Advertiser

Create your own unique look with a personalized Disney MagicBand Skin. Magic YOUR Band has a range of designs to choose from that you can use as-is or customize with your own text. And if you want to take it to the next level, you can even upload your own photos or images to fully personalize, customize, and decorate your MagicBand. With great discounts for multi-buys, why not create one for the whole family? For more information or to start customizing your own Magic YOUR Band Skin now, please click here.

501 WaysFeatured Book

UPDATED! 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 information plus all of the latest Disney World news!

Have a wonderful week!

More Disney After Hours Dates Added For Spring 2019

I could not be more excited about this announcement! Disney has just added more Disney After Hours dates for late spring 2019 at Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Cinderella CastleIf you haven’t heard about Disney After Hours, it is a way to experience the parks with little to no wait time for your favorite attractions plus all of the popcorn, ice cream, and select bottled beverages you can possibly consume. I have done this event a couple of times at Magic Kingdom, and it is well worth the money. If you are planning just a single day visit to Walt Disney World, this is a fantastic option. For about the same cost of a regular one-day park admission ticket, you can enter the park at 7pm after the heat of the day, and enjoy the park three hours after regular closing time with almost no crowds or lines.

Here are the current dates for each park:

  • Magic Kingdom: April 4 and 11; and May 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30.
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom: April 3; May 7, 14 and 21; and June 4, 11 and 18.
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios: April 6 and 13; May 1, 4, 10, 17, 24 and 31; and June 14, 21 and 28.

And at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there are two special celebration nights:

On Wednesday, May 1, guests can celebrate Disney’s Hollywood Studios 30th anniversary with special anniversary merchandise, additional character greetings, and more food & beverage offerings to purchase.

On Saturday, May 4, guests can celebrate May the Fourth dressed in their favorite Star Wars gear while enjoying fun galactic character greetings and specialty treats available for purchase.

At Magic Kingdom more than 25 attractions and character greetings are available during Disney After Hours including:

  • Astro Orbiter
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
  • Disney Princess Greetings at Princess Fairytale Hall
  • Haunted Mansion
  • “it’s a small world”
  • Jungle Cruise
  • Mickey’s PhilharMagic
  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
  • Space Mountain
  • Splash Mountain

At Animal Kingdom, there are lots of attractions, characters, and experiences available including:

  • Avatar Flight of Passage
  • Na’vi River Journey
  • Pandora Drummers – Swotu Wayä
  • Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
  • DINOSAUR
  • Mickey & Minnie Greeting at Adventurers Outpost
  • Rivers of Light
  • Tree of Life Awakenings
  • It’s Tough to be a Bug!
  • TriceraTop Spin

And at Hollywood Studios all of the top attractions are available including:

  • Slinky Dog Dash
  • Alien Swirling Saucers
  • Toy Story Mania!
  • Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
  • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
  • Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
  • Star Wars Launch Bay
  • Character Greetings

Please remember all attractions and entertainment are subject to change without notice.

All Disney After Hours event tickets cost $125 plus tax for advance purchase and $129 plus tax for day-of purchases. Disney Vacation Club members and Annual Passholders receive a discounted price of $95 plus tax. Please click here for more information or to purchase tickets.

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 think Disney After Hours is worth the admission price?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!