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

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Speaker Series

Something I look forward to during every race weekend are the speakers at the Health & Fitness Expo. This year's Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend has a phenomenal line up of speakers that you won't want to miss! All presentations will take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, but keep in mind that the presentations will take place in HP Field House where packet pick-up is, not in the Josten's Center where it usually is. The Expo times are as follows:

The Beautiful Venetian Masks of Epcot's La Gemma Elegante

One of the most beautiful little shops located on the Piazza at Epcot's Italy has got to be the elegant little gem showcasing the art of the Venetian Mask. Brad's covered it here before in a stunning photo post. I wanted to take a closer look, and share some information about just what these exquisite pieces of functional artwork are.

The Magic Kingdom's Liberty Belle Riverboat

Located in Liberty Square at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom you can find one of the more unique vessels in the Disney Fleet. An authentic steam powered stern mounted paddle wheeler ferrying guests along the Rivers of America named the Liberty Bell.

Ticketed New Years Eve Events at Walt Disney World

If you are headed to Walt Disney World for New Year's Eve but don't want to fight the crowds on Main Street USA, there are many venues across property just waiting to celebrate with you! 2013 will be the year of Limited Time Magic and you'll have to act fast to catch many special fleeting moments of merriment that will surprise and delight Disney Parks guests with something new each week in 2013!

Splitsville Luxury Lanes Open at Downtown Disney

It's an exciting day at Downtown Disney with the grand opening of the Splitsville Bowling Alley. This upscale, retro boutique bowl is the largest of the chain featuring 30 lanes and 50,000 square feet of family entertainment.

New RFID Implementation and Testing at Walt Disney World

Over the past year Disney guests and fans have watched as bits and pieces of RFID technology have trickled out of Project NextGen for testing at Walt Disney World. As this billion dollar technology upgrade project moves forward, it seems we'll soon to be leaving behind mere product testing and entering into the first phases of operational use.

Disney Rewards Visas by Chase Offer Savings & Fun Rewards

The "Disney Rewards Visa Card" is a handy little credit card completely sprinkled with pixie dust, but it's not the only choice that Chase offers when you're looking for rewards with a little more magic. Right now you can earn a $100 Disney Gift card after you spend $500 within the first 3 months from opening a "Disney Premier Visa Card." Who doesn't like saving money on all things Disney?

5 Reasons You Should Run the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon

The Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon was held a few short weeks ago and in my opinion, it is the BEST runDisney event! Here are the top 5 reasons on why you need to run this race next year:

1. Great Weather.

Test Track Presented by Chevrolet

Epcot's all a buzz for the re-opening of the brand new Test Track Presented by Chevrolet. The pavilion opened originally with the park, in 1982, as GM's 'World of Motion' and then was redesigned as the thrilling 'GM Test Track' in 1998. Today, after months of closure (renovations began back in April) this Future World staple is back with a fresh coat of paint and a brand new sponsor.

Choosing The Right Shoes for Touring Walt Disney World

My Dogs are Barking! When I first heard this expression , I wondered how anyone would know their dogs were barking back at the house when they were miles away. Since then, I've learned that "dogs" refer to your feet and "barking" means they are tired. Considering that the average person will walk eight to ten miles a day while touring the Disney Parks, it won't be long till your dogs are barking. Shoe and sock selections can be very important on helping you maintain healthy feet.