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

Animal Kingdom’s Wildlife Tracking Center Renamed the Science Center

What was once known as the Wildlife Tracking Center at Disney's Animal Kingdom has recently been renovated and had a name change. The area is now called the Science Center.

The Science Center is home to the park's Science Operations team.

The 2014 Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights [Video]

It started back in 1986 when a little girl named Breezy asked her Dad if they could string a few Christmas lights at their Little Rock, Arkansas home. That display grew and grew each year until 1995, when the display was shut down by court order. After national attention was brought to the case, the Walt Disney Company stepped in and offered up residential street on the Studios Backlot Tour where it was an instant hit. Eventually, as the focus of the Backlot Tour changed the holiday lights were moved to the Streets of America.

Add Animated Magic Shots to Memory Maker Photos at Walt Disney World Resort

Guests using the Memory Maker at the Walt Disney World Resort can add a little more Disney magic to their vacation photos with the all-new Animated Magic Shot enhancement.

With Animated Magic Shot the Memory Maker photos can become a video with an animated addition like Sven from Frozen or Sully from Monsters Inc.

The Best Spots to Take a Break at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

When you're touring any of the theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort there are many reasons to take a break. Maybe you're feet are weary, or the crowds are unbearable, or the heat is relentless, or the rain is pouring down. Whatever the reason it's always a good idea to plan a break (or two or three) into your touring plan no matter what park you're visiting.

All-new Holiday Décor Coming to Downtown Disney Marketplace

The holiday season at the Downtown Disney Marketplace will be a bit merrier as all-new holiday decorations will be decking the halls of the outdoor shopping area.

200,000 Sparkling Lights Create A Frozen Holiday Wish [Video]

One of the most spectacular holiday traditions at Walt Disney World is the transformation of Cinderella Castle into a glittering icy palace. As we've mentioned before, this year Queen Elsa of Arendell takes center stage on a Castle forecourt platform that's been bedecked in garlands, ribbons and bows. She uses her frozen fractally powers after dark to turn the iconic Cinderella Castle into a stunning centerpiece for the holidays.

5 Fantastic Afternoon Breaks At Walt Disney World

Most Disney families dream of spending their holidays at the Disney Parks, but longer Park hours and high crowd levels can make touring more hectic fun. It's important to schedule in some relaxation time where you can get away from the fray and take care of yourself before going back out into thrills. For my family that means a mid-afternoon break is a must, read on for five great ideas how to relax and refresh while at Walt Disney World.

Top 10 Spots to Take a Break When Touring Epcot

There's no denying that touring Epcot can be a losing battle for even the most seasoned Walt Disney World traveler. It's a huge theme park and even if you arrive with the most amazing touring plan in the World, you are still destined to get tired at some point during the day.

It's a Magical Holiday With The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2014 e-Book

The holiday season has begun and it's the most wonderful time of the year. Disney decks the halls like no one else, but with huge crowds, high costs, and special events around every corner - a very merry trip to Walt Disney World can quickly turn the uninitiated into a grinch.

Downtown Disney Parking Garage to Open November 20

Parking at Downtown Disney might be a bit easier by the end of this month.

The first new parking garage built as part of the Disney Springs transformation is scheduled to open on November 20, just in time for the holiday crowds.