Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

May 8 2018

UP! A Great Bird Adventure In Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom and looking to escape the crowds of Pandora – The World of Avatar for a little while? Head on over to the Asia section of the park, and check out the brand new show…UP! A Great Bird Adventure. Here’s everything you need to know about this fun-filled performance for the bird lover’s in your family courtesy of Disney:

There’s a new show in the wilderness! Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry pal Dug from Disney•Pixar’s animated hit film UP join bird experts on a new adventure featuring encounters with birds from around the world. UP! A Great Bird Adventure made its onstage debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Earth Day, April 22, coinciding with the theme park’s 20th anniversary.

Here are six wild facts about the new 25-minute show:

  • Led by an avian enthusiast and bird experts, this unique experience features a close-up look at bird species from South America, North America, India, Africa, and other locations around the globe.
  • More than 15 species of birds make appearances, including toucans, parrots, macaws, and an African fish eagle with a magnificent 7-foot wingspan.
  • This is the first time that Russell and Dug from DisneyPixar’s UP appear onstage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
  • An original, authentic Indian musical score features themes from DisneyPixar’s UP.
  • Twenty animal trainers were involved in the training and rehearsal that brought the show to the stage. Four trainers work with the birds and the actors during every performance.
  • The production team’s goal is to showcase beloved Disney characters and the amazing natural behavior of birds to inspire guests to connect with nature.

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:

Are you excited to see UP! A Great Bird Adventure?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

May 7 2018

Helpful Information For Your May 2018 Disney World Vacation

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

Weather

The weather in Disney World during May is beautiful. The average high is about 89 degrees, the average low is about 65 degrees and the average rainfall is only about 3.1 inches. By traveling in May, you are getting your vacation in just before the rainy season begins. But don’t forget to pack your poncho just in case!

Crowds

May begins with moderate crowd levels. You can anticipate crowds to pick up Memorial Day weekend and beyond. Crowds will feel heavier in Magic Kingdom and Epcot throughout the month 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 over the weekends as many locals enjoy visiting the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowMay 1 – May 5
Average Crowd Level 5.6 out of 10
May 6 – May 12
Average Crowd Level 5.9 out of 10
May 13 – May 19
Average Crowd Level 6.1 out of 10
May 20 – May 26
Average Crowd Level 6.6 out of 10
May 27 – May 31
Average Crowd Level 8.4 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 – 9:30pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 10pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

For specific hours on each day during May, 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 May is the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. In 2018, the event runs from February 28 through May 28 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.

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom
Incredible Tomorrowland Expo: May 1, 2017 – May 24, 2018
Liberty Square Riverboat: January 8, 2018 – July 19, 2018
Tron Themed Attraction: Opening in 2021

Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalEpcot
Guardians of the Galaxy Themed Attraction: Opening in 2021
Kringla Bakeri og Kafe: February 4, 2018 – Summer 2018
Ratatouille Attraction: Opening in 2021
Space Themed Table Service Restaurant: TBD

Hollywood Studios
Alien Swirling Saucers: Opening June 30, 2018
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway: Opening in 2019
Slinky Dog Dash: Opening June 30, 2018
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Opening in 2019

Animal Kingdom
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Water Parks
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Disney Springs
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Planning Tips

If you are traveling to Walt Disney World in May 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 (7:00am 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 May 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 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. Every day 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!

May 6 2018

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up May 6, 2018

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for May 6, 2018!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Disney World Magic Kingdom PlutoTip Of The Week

If you are looking for a unique place to watch the parade or evening fireworks at Magic Kingdom, view them from the second floor of the Main Street train station. You’ll want to get there early, depending on crowd levels, possibly an hour or more in advance, to claim a space. This location is ideal, because it is slightly elevated for an unobstructed view, it is covered to protect you from the sun or rain, and there are tables and chairs available so that you can eat a snack or meal while you wait.

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Spaceship EarthDisney Did You Know

Spaceship Earth, the visual and thematic centerpiece of Epcot, weighs 16 million pounds — more than three times that of a space shuttle fully fueled and ready for launch. The outer “skin” of Spaceship Earth is made up of 11,324 aluminum and plastic-alloy triangles. Also, did you know that rainwater never falls off the sphere? It’s channeled into the ball and funneled away.

Walt DisneyWalt’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 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!

Star Wars Weekends
May 4 2018

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About The Star Wars Guided Tour At Disney’s Hollywood Studios

If you are a Star Wars fan, you are probably already thrilled by the upcoming addition to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the currently under construction Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, slated to open in 2019. But to get your Star Wars fix in the meantime while you are patiently (or not so patiently) awaiting opening day, Disney is offering a guided tour that is sure to be a hit with the entire family! So here’s everything you ever wanted to know about the Star Wars Guided Tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studios…

This five and a half hour tour begins at 8:00am (check in at 7:45am) at Guest Relations inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The cost is $99 per person (adult or child) including tax plus a separate admission to the park is required. The Star Wars Guided Tour is one of the most popular tours in all of Walt Disney World and is currently being offered every day Monday through Saturday. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance by calling 407-939-7529 and do book up quickly.

According to Disney, here’s what you get for your $99…

This guided voyage will have you:

So is the Star Wars Guided Tour really worth the high cost of the ticket? Keep in mind you and the rest of the tour group will be able to skip the lines at Star Tours and to meet the characters without using your own Fastpass+, guarantee your kids age 4 through 12 one of the coveted spots in Jedi Training, have the best location in the park to see the Star Wars shows and fireworks without having to wait, receive a personalized name tag in addition to another special souvenir, dine on a Star Wars themed entrée and drink of your choice, all while being entertained and educated on the Star Wars Universe by one of Disney’s top-notch guides. For die-hard Star Wars fans, I would say the answer to that question is a definite YES!

Curious about your lunch options? Here are a few of the current selections (for the full menu, please click here)…

Royal Guard Burger – 1/3 lb Angus Beef Burger, topped with Barbecued Brisket, Pepper Jack Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato and Pickles served with Carrot Sticks or French Fries

Dark Side Chicken and Waffles – Darth Vader Waffles topped with Chicken Breast Nuggets served with Maple Syrup

Galactic Chicken Salad – Mixed Greens topped with Grilled Chicken Breast, Crisp Wonton, Black Bean Relish and Avocado served with Vinaigrette Dressing

Want to add even more Star Wars to your trip or maybe you’re not ready to spend $99 per person for the Guided Tour? How about considering the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party? For only $79 per adult or $45 per child (price includes tax and gratuity) in addition to your regular park ticket, you can enjoy an endless array of desserts, specialty drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), reserved viewing spot for the nighttime fireworks event, as well as receiving a special Star Wars themed souvenir. For more information or to purchase dessert party tickets, 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:

Are you a Star Wars fan? Will you be taking the Star Wars
Guided Tour or attending the dessert party? Please leave a comment!

May 3 2018

New Details About Toy Story Land In Disney’s Hollywood Studios

So who else is excited? It feels like we’ve been waiting years for the new Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and now opening day is just around the corner. Disney has been slowly releasing information about the new Alien Swirling Saucers, Slinky Dog Dash, and Woody’s Lunch Box over the last few months and now we finally have a few more details and photos of what we’re about to experience. Here’s the latest scoop courtesy of Disney:

As fans continue the countdown to the opening of Toy Story Land on June 30, more “toy-riffic” news is emerging as anticipation builds for the colorful new land coming to life at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Guests will “shrink” to the size of a toy as they enter into this land full of everyone’s favorite toys, building blocks and game pieces. Across eleven fun-filled acres designed to recreate Andy’s toy-filled backyard from the Disney·Pixar “Toy Story” films, guests will be fully engaged in the wonderful world where Woody, Buzz, Jessie and all their pals come out to play. Attractions and experiences straight from Andy’s imagination will treat park-goers to the best playtime ever – even after the Tinker Toy lights come on.

Here’s some freshly unwrapped news:

Alien Swirling Saucers. Designed as a playset Andy won at the Pizza Planet restaurant, this all-new attraction is out-of-this-world fun. “Toy Story” green aliens have powered up their flying saucers and earthbound guests get to play along. In rocket ship toys, guests swirl and whirl among toy planets and space stations as part of the game while “The Claw” hangs overhead. This space adventure is bathed in multi-color lighting and sound effects from throughout the galaxies. Disney has released the first-ever images of the new attraction, showing the toy spaceships being piloted by everyone’s favorite aliens.

Ten-hut! Sarge and the Green Army Man Drum Corps will be marching several times a day through Toy Story Land. As the Drum Corps marches on, everyone’s invited to follow another contingent of Green Army Men to their fun and interactive boot camp, where they’ll “toy” with guests using giant Pixar balls, oversized crayons and a game of SARGE SAYS (their own spin on Simon Says). Will guests have what it takes to become official recruits in Andy’s backyard?

Wheezy, the squeaky toy penguin from the “Toy Story” films, will do more than bring smiles to the faces of guests riding Slinky Dog Dash, the family-style coaster coming to Toy Story Land. The all-new Audio-Animatronics figure will appear in the last scene of the coaster singing “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” in that great (and unexpected) voice of his. Wheezy will be accompanied by his toy friends: Mike the tape recorder, who’s provided him with a microphone, and Mr. Spell, who “texts” funny commentary.

After a day of play in Andy’s backyard, guests can relive their memories with fun merchandise created especially for Toy Story Land. Headbands are crowned by three-eyed space aliens or Slinky Dog. Slinky Dog also inspires a toy with light-up rings; he can even strrreetch around the waist or shoulders and double as a fashion accessory. Kids get bragging rights with commemorative “I Played There” t-shirts that let the world know they were among the first guests to Toy Story Land. These and other playful items will be available in merchandise locations found in Toy Story Land and at select shops in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

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:

Are you excited to visit Toy Story Land this summer?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!