WDW Planning

News

Walt Disney World Resort Announces Increases in Price for Annual and Seasonal Passes

Annual and Seasonal Passholders at the Walt Disney World Resort will be paying more money to renew their passes. Disney announced price increases and new levels for passes for Florida residents and out-of-state Passholders, while eliminating a $329 seasonal pass.

Walt Disney World Resort Announces New Discounts for Active and Retired U.S. Military Personnel

The Walt Disney World Resort recently announced new discounts for active and retired U.S. military personnel, including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reservists. The discounts are good through December 16, 2016.

Downtown Disney Officially Becomes Disney Springs

It's official. Downtown Disney is no more as the shopping, dining, and entertainment district is now Disney Springs. The name change became official on September 29. Construction continues at Disney Springs with more shops and restaurants planned before the project is completed in 2016.

Jedi Training Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Closing for a Refurbishment

The Jedi Training Academy at Disney's Hollywood Studios is reportedly closing on October 4 for a brief refurbishment. The popular attraction is scheduled to reopen later this year with a new name: Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple.

Reservations Now Available for the Merry & Bright Dessert Party and the Merry & Bright Dinner Reception

We told you yesterday that this is the last year for The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights and as part of the final season Disney has announced two new special events: the Merry & Bright Dessert Party and the Merry & Bright Dinner Reception.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights to Celebrate Final Season at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney's Hollywood Studios is set to undergo a major renovation with the addition of Toy Story Land and Star Wars Land over the next couple of years. The park has seen several attractions close in recent months and The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights was recently added to that list.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Starts Today at the Magic Kingdom!

It's time to celebrate Halloween at the Magic Kingdom as today is the first Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party of the year! This year's party includes the all-new Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular plus long-time favorites Happy HalloWishes and the Boo-To-You Parade.

‘Holidays at Disney Springs’ to Include Family Favorites and New Holiday Fun

The holiday season at the Walt Disney World Resort will include the newly-named 'Holidays at Disney Springs.' As Downtown Disney's transformation to Disney Springs continues, guests will have a chance to experience favorite holiday events and even some new additions.

Ferrytale Wishes Dessert and Fireworks Cruise Coming to the Walt Disney World Resort

There's a brand new dessert party for guests at the Walt Disney World Resort and it takes place on one of the iconic Disney ferryboats. The all-new Ferrytale Wishes Dessert and Fireworks Cruise starts October 5 and runs through December 18.

New Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card to Debut at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

This year's Mickeys Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins September 15 and guests attending the party will have a chance to pick up an all-new, holiday-themed Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card. This year's card is Minnie Mouse's Costume Chaos card.

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

10 Reasons Fall Is My Favorite Time Of Year To Visit Walt Disney World

One of the most frequent questions I get asked when discussing Walt Disney World travel with people, is what time of year is best to travel. While my answer is always dependent on the interests of those inquiring, I also make mention of when I like to travel. Year after year Fall continues to be one of my favorite times of year to visit Walt Disney World, here are ten reasons why.

Disney Springs: Good Food, a Lot of Shops, and the Springs

It's been a little more than a year since Disney Springs celebrated its grand reopening as a revamped and renovated eating, shopping, and entertainment complex. Gone are the days of Downtown Disney as the entire area has been reimagined for guests. We spent an afternoon there on our recent Disney World vacation left with mixed feelings about the updated area.

Our Favorite Costumes From Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party So Far

Congratulations you're going to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. Now - What will you wear!? Most of the year, adults are excluded from the costume fun at Walt Disney World, Disney's hard ticket Halloween Party is the exception that people plan for all year long. Take a look at some of our Instagram favorites so far.

Tips For Riding Out A Hurricane At Walt Disney World

We know that when you're on vacation it's not always possible to get out of the path of danger. Walt Disney World Resort has been a NOAA "StormReady" community since 2006, and has its own emergency operations centers, 24-hour warning capabilities, and amateur radio club. However resources can become overwhelmed when situations become dire. If you have time to prepare for your family before the storm hits, you should. For our readers gearing up to ride out a hurricane at Walt Disney World, here are a few tips to help you hunker down in your hotel.

Keeping Cool on Your Walt Disney World Vacation

I've visited Disney World during every month of the year, and with a few exceptions it's usually quite warm. There are a few really nice months when you might need a jacket in the morning or evening (January, February, November, December) but since we are talking about Florida, you need to be prepared for warm weather.

Top Tips For A Terrific Experience At Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

This weekend saw the kick off of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom. While some may be moaning that it's way too early for Halloween (I may or may not be in that crowd) there's no questioning that this is one of Walt Disney World most popular events of the year. If you haven't attended yet, you should consider adding it on to your fall trip.

A Visit to Pandora - The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Pandora - The World of Avatar opened earlier this year at Disney's Animal Kingdom after several years of anticipation. The land, inspired by James Cameron's film Avatar, was the biggest expansion at Animal Kingdom and one that would transform the park into a nighttime destination. As a fan of the film I couldn't wait to step into Pandora on my recent visit.

Five Things to Love about Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort

Have you ever walked through the front doors of a Walt Disney World Resort hotel and instantly fallen in love? It's happened to me a few time (Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge, I'm looking at you). Last week it happened again when I stepped into Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort. We're talking LOVE at first sight.

Talking About Tigers At Disney’s Animal Kingdom

On of the most unique features of Disney's Animal Kingdom is the fact that the animals on display are real. This exceptional theme park not only provides thrill seeking fun, but has a deeper purpose through the Disney Conservation Fund to preserve Walt Disney's legacy of love for the natural world and its resources. Disney's Animal Kingdom takes guest on a worldwide journey, placing them in stunning regional terrains right along side incredible wildlife where they are encouraged to share commitment to wildlife, people and the planet we all rely on.

A New Spin On An Old Favorite Mission:SPACE

When looking for a thrill at Epcot many guests head straight for Mission: SPACE. Since 2003 this exciting attraction has been launching guests into space for a thrilling, authentic, NASA-style Mission. Currently there are two different voyages for "trainees" ready to take on the X-2 Deep Space Shuttle flight to Mars; the Orange Team which experiences a 2.5 g-force inducing spin, or the Green Team which is a much more mild version of the experience.