Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

Nov 15 2017

Give The Gift Of Disney This Holiday Season

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the Disney lover in your family this holiday season, look no further than the GiveDisneyVacations.com website where you’ll be able to share the magic with your favorite Disney fan. Here’s everything you need to know courtesy of Disney!

Ready to put a little pixie dust in your gift-giving this holiday season or any time of year? Give the gift of Disney!

Just in time for the holiday shopping season, Disney has made it easier than ever to give magical Disney vacations, theme park tickets or special Disney experiences as gifts for those lucky friends and family on your gift list. The new GiveDisneyVacations.com website is the way to unwrap Disney memories that will last a lifetime. It takes the guesswork out of what to give. And there’s no worry about size, color or some assembly required.

It’s Easy to Gift an Entire Disney Vacation

For the first time ever, guests can select from a full portfolio of Disney destinations and experiences to gift — all in one, easy-to-navigate place. Guests can explore GiveDisneyVacations.com and open a dedicated feature page profiling each Disney destination available. From an unforgettable escape on an Adventures by Disney trip or a voyage aboard Disney Cruise Line, or a vacation at the sun-drenched beaches of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina Hawai’i to exciting Disney Vacation Club properties, the vacation gifting options are endless. Or gift them the experience of a lifetime with a visit to the enchanting world of magic and make-believe at the Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney Park Tickets and Gift Cards Offer More Gifting Options

The gift of Disney is the most magical gift of all. Big things – magical things – can come in small packages. GiveDisneyVacations.com offers guests a quick and easy option to gift just about any Disney experience with the purchase of Disney Gift Cards. Imagine the joy on Christmas morning, birthday, anniversary, graduation, new baby or any occasion gifting a Disney experience. Disney Gift Cards can be redeemed for practically all-things Disney including merchandise, theme park tickets, dining experiences, entertainment, resort stays and experiences onboard Disney Cruise Line ships. And with the convenience of email, it makes for a great last-minute gift idea, too.

Guests can simply choose a Card design, activate and give the gift of Disney magic. Cards themselves are like a Disney vacation in your pocket, colorfully designed in Disney themes from Mickey at Christmas to Minnie and Mickey for Valentine’s Day, Goofy to Donald, Pirates to Princesses.

Cards may be purchased in set amounts of $25 up to $150, plus denominations of $200, $300 and $500. The activated Card with amount specified can even be e-delivered to the gift recipient or for a memorable unwrapping moment sent via traditional mail, enclosed in a themed gift card holder. The Card ships free to any U.S. address, when standard shipping is selected.

Regardless if mailed or shared as an eGift, senders can pair the Card with a personalized message. And because the Disney Gift Card charges no fees and never expires, senders can gift friends and family worry-free and let the magic begin.

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 giving the gift of Disney this holiday season?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Nov 13 2017

Festive Holiday Shopping And New Family Traditions At Disney Springs

If you’ll be visiting Walt Disney World this holiday season, don’t miss out on all of the festivities going on at Disney Springs this year. Be sure to head over for a fun-filled day of shopping and dining in a jolly seasonal setting. Here’s everything you need to know courtesy of Disney!

This holiday season, the “bah-humbug” hassle of holiday shopping becomes a joyful family celebration at Disney Springs. Like nowhere else, the holidays come to life at this one-of-a-kind retail, dining and entertainment complex complete with sparkling holiday décor, unique gift-giving (and gift-getting) ideas, tantalizing treats, special entertainment and more.

Only at Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort can the entire family join together in the holiday shopping experience while also creating new family traditions and memories. There are more than 150 locations to explore. And around every corner, Disney Springs is wrapped and ready for the season with strolling carolers, living statues, themed stilt walkers and live music adding to the festive atmosphere.

Here’s a sampling of what’s new this holiday season:

  • An Even Bigger Christmas Tree Trail – To capture the spirit of the season, guests can stroll among an even bigger Christmas Tree Trail. Twenty-five custom decorated holiday trees, each dedicated to a popular Disney theme, will be on display including 10 new trees inspired by Disney classics like Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, Snow White and Dumbo.
  • Santa’s Chalet – Santa Claus is accepting Christmas wish lists and welcoming guests to his chalet newly located by the Christmas Tree Trail now through December 24.
  • Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt – Stitch returns to Disney Springs with an expanded scavenger hunt now featuring 16 stops, including a special stop at the even-bigger Christmas Tree Trail.
  • Meet & Greet with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear – This huggable eight-foot tall brand ambassador is available for holiday photos on the second floor of The Coca-Cola Store.
  • La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil – This gravity-defying, jaw-dropping show takes its final bow on December 31. Limited tickets are available by clicking here. Since its premiere, La Nouba has entertained more than 11 million guests and performed more than 8,600 shows. 

One-Stop Holiday Shopping

From top-name brands and one-of-a-kind retailers to Disney-inspired merchandise, there’s something for everyone – and every stocking – at Disney Springs.

Trendsetters will find unique apparel and gift items at UNIQLO, Under Armour Brand House, Marketplace Co-Op, PANDORA, Sephora and Sugarboo & Co. Disney fans can select from a cornucopia of choices at The LEGO Store, Star Wars Galactic Outpost and World of Disney, the world’s largest Disney merchandise store featuring more than 50,000 different items.

For Star Wars fans on the list, tickets are now on sale for the highly anticipated hyper-reality experience, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, debuting at Disney Springs on December 16.

For up-to-date information on Black Friday specials and other offers throughout the holiday season, please click here. 

Indulgent Treats and Family Feasts

Holidays are all about gathering around a table with family and friends. Kids of all ages will love indulging their sweet tooth at Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop. Busy shoppers can take a break and enjoy a satisfying meal at Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza or D-Luxe Burger.

For those large gatherings when no one wants to cook, families and friends can treat each other to a night out at one of Disney Springs’ signature restaurants. Menus feature everything from steak and seafood to home-style favorites, many created by celebrity and award-winning chefs. New offerings since last holiday season include Paddlefish, Planet Hollywood Observatory and Polite Pig. Call 407-WDW-DINE for dining information and reservations.

Transporation and Parking

Complimentary self-parking is available at all Disney Springs garages and surface lots. Walt Disney World Resort guests enjoy complimentary transportation between their Disney Resort hotels and Disney Springs.

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 heading to Disney Springs this holiday season?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Nov 12 2017

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up November 12, 2017

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for November 12, 2017!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

ChristmasTip Of The Week

If you will be attending one of the hard ticket events in Magic Kingdom such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, keep in mind that your ticket will allow entry to the park as early as 4pm. To make the most of your party time, get some rest in the afternoon so that you will be able to stay all the way until the end. Also, by eating an early dinner before you arrive, you can spend your time on one-of-a-kind party experiences rather than at a meal.

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Disney Did You Know

There are 1,300 decorated trees throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

Walt DisneyWalt’s Words

“I would rather entertain and hope that people learned something than educate people and hope they were entertained.”

Christmas Magic YOUR BandFeatured 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

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 holiday and planning information plus all of the latest Disney World news!

Have a wonderful week!

Nov 10 2017

New Holiday Offerings Bring A Flurry Of Fun To Disney’s Hollywood Studios

If you are one of the lucky ones that is fortunate enough to be spending some time in Walt Disney World this holiday season, don’t miss out on all of the festivities at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Be sure to head over for an evening to enjoy the delightful Flurry of Fun. Here’s everything you need to know courtesy of Disney!

A flurry of fun will greet Guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios this holiday season. Festivities will include an immersive new nighttime experience that wraps all of Sunset Boulevard in holiday magic with jolly decorations, merry treats and beloved characters sharing their love for the holidays.

It’s all part of the holiday happenings that will take place from now to December 31. Guests will also enjoy returning seasonal fun throughout the park, including the popular “Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam!” nighttime projection and fireworks show and special holiday meals and dessert parties.  Of course, Santa will be there too!

  • NEW! Sunset Seasons Greetings – This new holiday experience features spectacular projections of Mickey, Minnie and other beloved Disney characters sharing their favorite Christmas stories as a snowy Sunset Boulevard twinkles with stunning holiday decorations. Holiday magic brings billboards to life and transforms the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel into scenes of the season – a giant pile of Christmas gifts, a gingerbread house and a frozen winter wonderland! A frosty summer-loving snowman might even make an appearance to share his holiday wish! This fantastic and heartwarming experience runs continuously throughout the night.
  • NEW! Enhanced holiday décor around Echo Lake – Extra-large ornaments, colorful garlands and a giant Christmas tree centered on the water will make Echo Lake the merriest of places this holiday season. Even Dinosaur Gertie will be dressed for the occasion with a dino-sized Santa hat.
  • “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” Returns – The hit holiday show returns sending beloved Disney animated characters on a spirited yuletide adventure to get Santa back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve. “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” combines state-of-the-art projections, fireworks, special effects and Christmas music to create a dazzling, one-of-a-kind holiday experience for guests – capped by a special message from Santa himself.
  • “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” Dessert Party – Guests can wrap up their jolly holiday evenings with reserved viewing of the “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” nighttime spectacular. The nightly party includes holiday-inspired snacks, delicious desserts, wine, beer, and specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. A surprise Disney character will also join the fun, posing for pictures and signing autographs. This fun-filled special event is offered now through December 30, 2017. Book online by clicking here or by calling 407-WDW-DINE. 
  • A new friend joins the cast of ‘For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration’ – Holiday fun continues at the Hyperion Theater as Anna, Elsa and Kristoff welcome Olaf to this popular sing-along celebration. Just for the holidays, the show will include, all-new songs from Disney’s new animated short “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure.” 
  • Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood and Vine – Meet Minnie, Mickey, Daisy, Donald and Goofy for lunch and dinner celebrations centered on seasonal deliciousness. From now through January 7, the mouse-with-the-mostest will deck the halls for a banquet filled with holiday cheer and the joy of the season! To make a reservation, check availability and book online by clicking here or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
  • Santa Claus returns to the Once Upon a Time shop now through December 24 – The beautiful and vintage setting of the Once Upon a Time shop recalls bygone days of Santa’s visits to great department stores across the country. Santa will be at the shop daily to greet guests and listen to holiday wishes. Santa Goofy will step in December 25 – December 31 after Old Saint Nick returns to the North Pole.

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 heading to Hollywood Studios this holiday season?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Nov 8 2017

Celebrate The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year With Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Christmas

Even as the snow is falling outside my window here in Colorado, it’s hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner. One of my favorite things about the holiday season is getting into the spirit at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This festive event is held every year on select nights in November and December at Magic Kingdom. I’m counting the days until I’ll be attending later this month, and if you plan on joining in the fun or if you just wish you were, here’s everything you need to know courtesy of Disney!

It’s a Christmas party like no other, with joyful music, a shimmering Cinderella Castle, characters in their festive finery and Magic Kingdom Park decked out and even more magical for merry-making guests of all ages.

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with Mickey, Santa and plenty of Disney friends at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The special holiday festivities feature live entertainment, dazzling fireworks, a cheery parade and more. The party becomes even merrier with complimentary treats and hot cocoa, plus a magical snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party features enchanting entertainment, including:

  • Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration: Mickey and his pals invite some of their friends over for an unforgettable Christmas party filled with music, dancing, color and fun on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage! The celebration features medleys of delightful holiday songs both classic and contemporary, along with special effects, magical projections and beloved Disney characters including Woody and Jessie from “Toy Story,” Fantasyland friends such as Peter Pan and Snow White.
  • A Frozen Holiday Wish: Arendelle royalty and their lovable snowman visit Magic Kingdom Park to help everyone feel the wintry chill in the air and love in their hearts. “A Frozen Holiday Wish,” presented on the Castle Forecourt Stage, features Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff. As a gift to the kingdom, Elsa lets it go and uses her icy powers to transform Cinderella Castle into a sparkling palace of ice. This glowing spectacle will be broadcast live on November 9 on the Disney Parks Blog, for all those who wish to be among the first to see Queen Elsa’s magic kicking off the holiday season at Magic Kingdom park.
  • Holiday Wishes Fireworks– Celebrate the Spirit of the Season: This holiday nighttime spectacular lights up the skies above Cinderella Castle with breathtaking fireworks and beloved music.
  • ChristmasMickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade: It’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride down Main Street, U.S.A. in “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.” Santa Claus, gingerbread men, elves, reindeer and other friends from the North Pole join Mickey and his pals for the happiest holiday parade.
  • Club Tinsel, located inside Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café in Tomorrowland, becomes the coolest place to get down with a DJ and some North Pole pals in the cheeriest dance party this side of Santa’s Workshop!
  • “A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas” – Buzz Lightyear, Mike Wazowski and Stitch join host Haley Comet for an intergalactic musical revue on the Rockettower Plaza Stage. The show is full of modern twists on classic holiday songs and the coolest dance numbers in town!
  • Santa Claus is coming to town! – When he’s not appearing in “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade,” Santa drops in on the Town Square Courtyard near City Hall over on Main Street, U.S.A, where Guests can whisper their fondest wishes to him.

The special party – complete with cookies, cocoa and snow flurries – begins at 7pm, after regular park hours.

Dates for this year:
November 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 26 and 28
December 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21 and 22

For more information and to purchase tickets for this after-hours spectacular, 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:

Have you been to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!