WDW Planning

News

Disney Springs Extends Weekend Hours Starting October 9th, 2020

While I was in Walt Disney World last month the place that I took the most comfort was at Disney Springs. Despite the masks, temperature checks, and social distance guidelines being in place the sprawling shopping, dining, and entertainment complex gave me the greatest feeling of "normalcy." There I found that music played, crowds bustled, and restaurants welcomed guests to (current) capacity.

Magic Kingdom Holiday Merriment Reimagined In 2020

A reimagined holiday celebration will take place at Walt Disney World this year with running between November 27th and December 30th, 2020. Seasonal shows, decor, activities, treats, and merchandise will be sure to delight the senses of guests during this festive time in the Magic Kingdom and beyond.

Highlights From The EPCOT International Festival Of The Holidays Arrive In 2020

A reimagined holiday celebration will take place at Walt Disney World with select highlights from the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays running between November 27th and December 30th, 2020. Seasonal shows, activities, treats, and merchandise will be sure to delight the senses.

Some November Walt Disney World Park Hours Updates

If there is one thing we can count on at Disney right now, it's that everything is subject to change. Back in September operating hours at all four Disney World parks were reduced. It's not surprising with kids going back to school ini some form or another, September is typically a slower month. That being said, when the November calendar was revealed, it first appeared that these shortened hours would continue.

Disney Springs Closes Early Due To Curfew And A Message From Disney Leaders

Civil unrest occurring across the nation has prompted action from Disney as Orlando and Orange County institute a curfew following nights of rioting over the death of George Floyd. Disney Springs will be closing early until further notice to allow guests and cast members the ability to make it home in time. Disney Company leadership CEO Bob Chapek, Chairman of Disney Bob Iger, and Senior Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer of The Walt Disney Company Latondra Newton also released a joint statement to Cast Members regarding this time of civil unrest.

BREAKING NEWS Walt Disney World Extends Closures

This evening, after the stock market closed, the @DisneyParksNews twitter account released a statement that the Walt Disney World and Disneyland closures would be extended until further notice and Disney cast members (not including operating partners) would be paid through April 18, 2020.

Details Revealed For Reflections - A Disney Lakeside Lodge

Amongst the plethora of news that came out of Disney's D23 Expo last weekend Bob Chapek, Chairman of Parks, Experiences and Products for the Walt Disney Company gave guests an all too brief look at the next Deluxe Resort and Disney Vacation Club property to be built at Walt Disney World - Reflections - A Disney Lakeside Lodge.

An Exciting New Stories For The Disney Cruise Line

Bob Chapek took the stage at D23 Expo to share his thoughts about the exciting projects coming to the Disney Cruise Line. He told the massive audience gathered before the D23 stage and shared his belief that every Disney moment a guest has should bring their favorite stories to life in thrilling ways. The Disney Cruise Line is reaching for that vision with new ships, and a brand new port destination that is pure magic.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Opening Date

Details are trickling out about the highly anticipated Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios as part of the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge expansion. Read on to discover why this new attraction is seriously ambitious, and worth every moment of anticipation as it readies to open on December 5th, 2019.

Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway Opening in 2020

At Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney Imagineers are getting ready to open Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway in 2020! You'll be invited to the Chinese Theatre where Mickey and Minnie will be hosting the premier of their newest film "Perfect Picnic." The theater serves as the magic portal through which guests will step from the human world directly into the cartoon world for one Goofy adventure aboard Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway.

When it comes to Disney World, trip planning is huge undertaking. In fact, many a first visit to Disney World is marred by a lack of planning. While it might be tempting to think that it's "just a theme park," and that you can show up and have a blast by winging it, the size and complexity of the resort is daunting even for experts. These articles will help you make the most of your Disney trip, and might even introduce you to some activities and attractions you haven't heard about!

Articles

Staying Safe In the High Summer Heat

Summer is here and the temperatures are already breaking records all across the country. The combination of high heat, the beautiful Florida sun, and a vigorous theme park touring strategy can make for disaster if we don't take care. Be sure not to let your Walt Disney World vacation turn into a family emergency due to heat illness. Know the signs and symptoms, have a plan to get out of the heat and sun to cool down.

Enoteca Castello in Epcot's Italy Pavilion

A couple weeks go, we talked about a great stop Epcot wine walk Les Vins de France, where you can find some classic French vintages. However France isn't the only famous wine growing country around World Showcase, and the Italy Pavilion's Enoteca Castello is home to some dazzling choices from Banfi distributors.

Packing Light for Walt Disney World

With airlines charging higher and higher fees for luggage, many travelers are doing everything they can to pack light when heading off on vacation. If you can pack into carry on bags, you can often save a considerable amount of money. Casual is almost always appropriate for a WDW vacation and with a little planning you can create great outfits with minimal luggage.

Adventure on the Jungle Cruise

Over the years I have enjoyed many attractions and several have been my "favorite", but if there's one that always keeps me coming back for more, it's a relaxing cruise down the major rivers of Asia, Africa and South America. Just climb aboard one of the 15 ride vehicles like the Amazon Annie and you'll embark on one of Disney's most classic journeys. The magic of the Jungle Cruise.

Buses, Boats, and Monorails: Disney Transportation iPhone Application

Navigation the transportation system at Walt Disney World can be a skill in it's self to learn. With such a vast property it's not just getting from attraction to attraction that you need to be familiar with, but how to get from your hotel to the park, and then on to another park, hotel or even shopping.

Escape the Weather at Disney World

Florida weather can be unpredictable, one minute its sunny and the next its pouring down rain. Unfortunately, Disney World is no exception so you should be prepared with an "in case of rain" plan! We've compiled a list of places to escape the weather at Disney World for you.

Eat while it Rains! Grabbing a bit to eat while its raining is a great way to stay dry, kill time, and enjoy some of the delicious eats available in the parks!

Restaurants and Lounges with a Magic Kingdom Fireworks View

Watching Wishes from the comfort of one of Disney's elegant restaurants or lounges outside of the Park is a relaxing and comfortable way to view the Magic Kingdom fireworks. With the music piped into each of these locations, you don't miss a moment of the magic. Climate control and a great cocktail make the experience even better.

Card Trading Tips for Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom is a fun, interactive game that Walt Disney World guests can play while while spending time in the Magic Kingdom. Sorcerers Spell Cards are given out in small packs at the Firehouse Recruiting Station, and guests may obtain one pack a day, per park ticket. With these cards, guests are directed to head out into the park and fight evil.

runDisney: Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge

During the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, runDisney holds Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge. This is for runners who don't feel like the marathon is enough for them and want to run 39.3 miles in two days. Goofy is the perfect name for this!

My Favorite Disney's Animal Kingdom Parade Spot

We polled our Facebook Fans to find our where their favorite spot to watch the Parade in Animal Kingdom was, and though there were a few responses there's an overwhelming number of people who just don't make a special stop to watch this parade. With that in mind, I'm going to share with you my favorite spot to watch this parade and why I think it's worthwhile!