Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

Disney New Year
Oct 22 2018

Helpful Information For Your January 2019 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in January 2019?
January is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World!

Weather

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 greatly from low to extreme. New Year’s Day is extreme, Martin Luther King, Jr.  Weekend and Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend are moderate, and by the end of the month the crowds are fairly low.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowJanuary 1 – January 5
Average Crowd Level 8.2 out of 10
January 6 – January 12
Average Crowd Level 4.9 out of 10
January 13 – January 19
Average Crowd Level 4.3 out of 10
January 20 – January 26
Average Crowd Level 4.7 out of 10
January 27 – January 31
Average Crowd Level 3.4 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 – 8pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 8pm (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 2019 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 9 to January 13, 2019, the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend will be held. This fantastic annual event includes kids races, a 5K, a 10K, a half marathon, and a health and fitness expo, 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):

Disney World New YearsMagic Kingdom
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Epcot
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Hollywood Studios
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Animal Kingdom
Wildlife Express Train: October 22, 2018 – Spring 2019

Water Parks
Blizzard Beach: October 28, 2018 – January 5, 2019

Disney Springs
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Planning Tips

If you are traveling to Disney World in January 2019, 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 (7am 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 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 2019 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 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!

Oct 21 2018

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up October 21, 2018

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for October 21, 2018!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Tip Of The Week

If you have an important game that you would like watch while you are in Disney World, head over to the Boardwalk Inn and check out the ESPN Club. This family friendly restaurant offers over 100 video monitors with global satellite feeds showing every sporting event imaginable, plus a 108 square foot video wall. This place is a sport lover’s dream!

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Disney Did You Know

The hitch-hiking ghosts in Walt Disney World’s Haunted Mansion, Ezra, Gus and Phineas, were given their names by fans.

Walt DisneyWalt’s Words

“Over at our place, we’re sure of just one thing: everybody in the world was once a child. So in planning a new picture, we don’t think of grown-ups, and we don’t think of children. But just of that fine, clean, unspoiled spot down deep in every one of us, that maybe the world has made us forget. ”   

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 FOR 2018! 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!

Christmas
Oct 19 2018

Celebrate The Holiday Season At Walt Disney World With The Ultimate Disney Christmastime Package

Are you looking for a truly magical way to spend the holidays with your family this year? If so, you are in luck, because Walt Disney World Resort is offering the Ultimate Disney Christmastime Package that includes once-in-a-lifetime exclusive access to some of the best holiday experiences the resort has to offer. Please remember that these packages are very limited and will sell out quickly, be sure to fill out the quote form at the bottom of this post right away if you are interested. Here are the details of this festive offer:

Walt Disney World Resort is celebrating the magic of the 2018 holiday season with the Ultimate Disney Christmastime Package, available for purchase from October 22 through December 2, 2018.  Guests on this Walt Disney Travel Company package will enjoy a five-night stay at a select Disney Moderate, Disney Deluxe or Disney Deluxe Villa resort hotel (checking in on December 17 and checking out on December 22, 2018), 4-day theme park tickets with Park Hopper Option and an itinerary full of holiday merriment including some exclusive magical experiences. Highlights include:

Monday, December 17 – Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Exclusive nighttime access to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios enjoying Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers, and Toy Story Mania. The land will celebrate its’ first holiday season with special decor guests can’t miss.

ChristmasTuesday, December 18 – Magic Kingdom

Ring in the holiday season with tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom.

Wednesday, December 19 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Exclusive nighttime access to select attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, including Avatar Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey, Expedition Everest and Dinosaur – plus an exclusive showing of Rivers of Light.

Thursday, December 20 – Disney Springs

At Disney Springs, exclusive early-morning access to the newly reimagined World of Disney store and the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail, to enjoy hot chocolate and cotton candy.

Friday, December 21 – Epcot

Enjoy an exclusive holiday-themed buffet dinner event in World Showplace Events Pavilion at Epcot.

Because theme park admission is included in this package, guests will be able to truly enjoy the holidays at our theme parks, with all our other guests including “A Frozen Holiday Wish” at Magic Kingdom, the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays at Epcot, Flurry of Fun festivities and Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Diwali holiday additions to UP! A Great Bird Adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and much more.

You can wrap up this package starting at $175 per person, per night, for a family of four in a garden view room at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. That’s a total package price of $3,500. Example price based on 2 adults, 1 junior and 1 child.

The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.  The number of packages available for purchase is limited.  Valid Theme Park admission is required to attend Theme Park events included in this package. Theme park tickets must be used within 14 days of first use.  First use must be by December 31, 2019.  Special event ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only valid on December 18, 2018. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.  Offer excludes 3-bedroom villas, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.

If you would like to receive a quote for the Ultimate Disney Christmastime Package, please fill out the form below, and Destinations in Florida Vacation Planner, Jennifer Hardy will contact you shortly. Happy Holidays!

Destinations in Florida – Official Travel Partner Of Disney World Enthusiast

ChristmasSo have we got you thinking about a Walt Disney World holiday vacation now? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Let me tell you more about my friend, Jennifer Hardy. Jennifer is a vacation planner with the Destinations in Florida travel agency. Now before you close this page thinking a travel agency is not for you, give me just a moment to tell you more. Destinations in Florida is absolutely free to use! Not only are they free, they guarantee the lowest prices on Disney vacation packages!

And that’s not all, by booking with Jennifer you’ll receive all sorts of amazing benefits like:

  • Discount Watching – As soon as discounts are released, Jennifer will update your reservations, so you get the best deal available. She does this even if your vacation is paid in full!
  • Restaurant Recommendations and Reservations – Jennifer can make restaurant recommendations for you, and then she’ll wake up at the crack of dawn and make all of your dining reservations too. No work for you and no phone calls to make. You just sit back and relax. This service is valued at $69, but is free for Disney World Enthusiast readers that book with Jennifer!
  • Personalized Travel Itinerary – Jennifer will help you plan your days at Disney World so that you can avoid the crowds, ride the attractions best for your family, and even hit the restaurants you will love. On average, Destinations in Florida guests save four hours in lines at Disney theme parks, and you know that saying about how time is money. This service is valued at $149, but is free to Disney World Enthusiast readers that book their package with Jennifer!
  • MousePerks – Valued at $299, but free to you if you book with Jennifer; MousePerks are Magic in your Inbox! Do you want insider information from Disney Cast Members? Do you want fun Disney activities for the kids to get them ready? How about a few exclusive discounts? Every week Jennifer will email you a MousePerk to get you excited about your Disney vacation!
  • 501 WaysGifts For The Kids – Jennifer mails clients free fun gifts for the kids when she mails your final travel documents. Kids love the special items like pencils, stickers, and autograph books!
  • Gift For You – For a limited time, clients that book a Walt Disney World vacation package valued at $2,000 or more with Jennifer, will receive a free copy of my book updated for 2018 “501 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Walt Disney World Vacation“!

Still not convinced? To learn more about Jennifer and Destinations in Florida including recognitions, licensing, experience, Better Business Bureau record, testimonials and more, please click here. By the way, they are impressive!

Ready to price your vacation? Please fill out this form and Jennifer will having pricing details for you shortly!

Oct 17 2018

First Look At City Works Eatery & Pour House Coming To Disney Springs

Hey sports fans and pub food lovers, if you’re heading to Walt Disney World next summer, you have plenty to be excited about. With several new restaurants already open at Disney Springs, get ready to get your fix of delicious beers, burgers and more coming in 2019 to the City Works Eatery & Pour House. Here’s a first look:

Bottleneck Management proudly announces the addition of City Works to Disney Springs in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, in the summer of 2019. The lively eatery and pour house style restaurant, currently found in seven locations across the country, offers a massive draft selection of local, regional, and global craft brews with a constantly rotating draft list, complemented by classic American cuisine with chef-driven twists.

The 8,632 square foot restaurant at Disney Springs will offer a retail space, expansive seating, plenty of high-definition TVs – including a 165-inch screen – and a 1,767 square foot patio. The space will also exhibit three full-service bars, two of which allow for covered, open air dining along the patio.

City Works will be located in the Disney Springs West Side. An independent entrance and exit to the promenade will make it convenient for guests to stop in for a bite, watch a game or just to grab a beer to enjoy while they walk throughout Disney Springs. City Works will be the go-to spot for sports fans looking to enjoy craft beers, a delicious menu and a state-of-the-art, game-viewing experience.

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

Christmas
Oct 15 2018

Helpful Information For Your December 2018 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in December 2018?
December is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World!

Weather

The weather in Disney World during December is cool and fairly dry. The average high is about 72 degrees, the average low is about 51 degrees and the average rainfall is about 2.89 inches. It can sometimes get chilly especially during the evenings, so be sure to pack a few clothes for cooler weather, too.

Crowds

The crowds in December normally start out light and become extreme by Christmas week often causing temporary park closures due to reaching capacity especially at Magic Kingdom.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowDecember 1
Average Crowd Level 4.0 out of 10
December 2 – December 8
Average Crowd Level 3.6 out of 10
December 9 – December 15
Average Crowd Level 4.7 out of 10
December 16 – December 22
Average Crowd Level 6.1 out of 10
December 23 – December 29
Average Crowd Level 9.4 out of 10
December 30 – December 31
Average Crowd Level 10 out of 10

Magic Kingdom ClockPark Hours

Magic Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Epcot
Open most days from 9am – 9:30pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Hollywood Studios
Open most days from 9am – 8pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 8pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

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

Events

Very Merry Christmas Party Gingerbread MenRunning through December 21, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will be held on select nights at Magic Kingdom. This party is a festive and heart warming experience for the entire family. There is a special holiday parade, entertaining shows, spectacular fireworks, hot chocolate and cookies, character dance parties, and even snow on Main Street! For more information including dates and pricing, please click here.

Disney World Holiday DecorationsEach year, the season is celebrated with the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. This year the seasonal celebration will be held through December 30. It is filled with yummy food, joyful music and wonderful traditions from countries around the globe. For more information and reservations, please click here!

Candlelight ProcessionalThe Candlelight Processional at Epcot is one of the most beloved holiday traditions at Disney World, with the joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and glorious mass choir. Performances are held three times nightly throughout the holiday season at the America Gardens Theatre. For more information and reservations, please click here!

Christmas Tree CupcakeOn Christmas Day, several Disney World restaurants serve a special holiday meal. If you have your heart set on eating at a particular restaurant for Christmas, be sure to make your dining reservation right away, because holidays do fill up quickly. Disney World dining reservations can be made by clicking here.

New Years 3If you’ll be visiting Disney World for the ringing in of 2019 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.

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom
Liberty Square Riverboat: January 8, 2018 – December 21, 2018

Epcot
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Hollywood Studios
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Animal Kingdom
Wildlife Express Train: October 22, 2018 – Spring 2019

Water Parks
Blizzard Beach: October 28, 2018 – January 5, 2019

Disney Springs
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Planning Tips

If you are traveling to Disney World in December 2018, 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 (7am 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 book UPDATED FOR 2018 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 December 2018 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!