WDW Planning

News

New Retailers and Restaurants Announced for Disney Springs

A slate of high profile, nationally recognized retailers is coming to Disney Springs including Lilly Pulitzer, PANDORA, and Tommy Bahama. A total of 13 new tenants was recently announced by Walt Disney World Resort, including eight retail stores and five new restaurants.

2015 Epcot Food & Wine Festival to Include Food Allergy-Friendly Culinary Demonstrations

For the first time ever, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will feature culinary demonstrations that are free of the top eight food allergens. These all-new Living With Food Allergies Culinary Demonstrations are part of the EpiPen On Location initiative from Mylan, the company that produces the EpiPen Auto-Injectors.

Next Phase in Disney Springs Transformation is the Town Center Area

As Downtown Disney continues to be transformed into Disney Springs, the next phase of the project is the Town Center. This new district is currently under construction in an area that was used for guest parking and will be home to many nationally-recognized retail shops, including large-scale retail stores.

Get a Behind-the-Scenes Glimpse of the Animal Kingdom Through the Backstage Tales

If you've ever wondered what happens backstage at Disney's Animal Kingdom you can find out thanks to the Backstage Tales tour. This tour gives guests the chance to see how Disney studies, cares for, and helps educate guests about the animals who call the theme park home.

Walt Disney World Resort’s PhotoPass Adds Attraction Videos and Animated Magic Shots

Everyone takes photos during their Walt Disney World vacation whether those photos are candid shots, selfies, or group pictures. And while taking your own pictures is easy guests can also take advantage of Disney's complimentary PhotoPass service.

New A Cappella Musical Group Takes the Stage in Epcot

There have been a few changes made to the entertainment lineup at Epcot in recent months and there's a new musical act that just debuted at the America Gardens Theater. The American Music Machine made its debut on April 29.

Walt Disney World Resort Testing Food Pre-Order at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

There's more technology testing happening at the Walt Disney World Resort, this time at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The latest test is happening at the Backlot Express and involves pre-ordering your food for the quick service spot. There's also a test of in-seat food delivery during Fantasmic! performances.

Disney’s Disability Access Service Card Goes Digital

Disney's Disability Access Service Card has gone digital. As of April 30 cast members will no longer be writing down return times for attractions but will now scan guests' tickets or MagicBands. This change has been instituted so that the disability accommodation can be integrated with My Disney Experience.

Castaway Cay Challenge Part of the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Events

Registration for the 2016 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend events has been open for just about two days and several races are already sold out. But if you're looking to add a little tropical fun to the Marathon Weekend, you can register for the Disney Castaway Cay Challenge 5K run.

Registration for 2016 Walt Disney World Marathon Opens at Noon on April 28

Lace up those running shoes and get ready. The registration for the 2016 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend races opens at 12 p.m. ET today, April 28. In the past few years the runDisney races have been selling out in near record time and it's likely that today won't be any different. So on your mark, get set, GO!

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

The Top 5 Things to Love about the Walt Disney World Resort

In celebration of Valentine's Day this year it seemed like a good idea to think about the things I love about Walt Disney World Resort. I've been visiting Disney World since 1974 when I was just a wee little one and over the years I've collected a rather extensive list of the things I love about my happy place.

New Nighttime Spectacular, Happily Ever After, Coming to the Magic Kingdom in May

The Magic Kingdom is getting ready to debut a brand new nighttime spectacular. The new show, Happily Ever After, will premiere on May 12 and features animation, fireworks, and more. The show will replace Wishes.

5 Reasons We Can’t Wait for the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

Go see Epcot in full bloom from March 1 to May 29, 2017, at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. This annual special event is full of color and fragrance like no other. Guests can become immersed in a manicured paradise of lush plants and flowers representing a broad range of styles and ideas. It's a breath of fresh air where exploration and discovery beckon you to come delight in the growing beauty.

Top 5 Things to Love about Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Several years ago I was lucky enough to spend a few days at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort (when it was still known and just the Polynesian) and I instantly fell in love. We're talking LOVE at first sight. In the years since that first stay I've returned several times for dining or drinks, and I'm still enamored by this resort.

When Size Matters: Tips For Choosing A Disney Resort Hotel Room

Square footage isn't something everyone has to worry about when picking a hotel room, but when you're spending a week living in one room with folks, it probably should be. I often hear "we won't be in our room very much" as a justification for staying at the Value Resorts. If you are traveling as adults alone, or have a single small child, this can work really well. However - as your kids grow, or if you are sharing a room with friends or family, nerves can fray when you don't have enough space.

Starry-eyed Sailings For You and Your Sweetheart At Walt Disney World

It's always nice to add a little something special to your Walt Disney World vacation, and the romance is strong when you book a specialty cruise from one of the many marinas on property. While this list is by no means exhaustive, we've got three of the most starry-eyed sailings that you and your sweetheart can embark on.

Italian Water Taxi at The Boathouse

Guest Review: Express Transportation At Walt Disney World Parks

Disney is offering a new service to get you quickly from park to park called Express Transportation. My husband and I had the chance to try it out over the weekend and loved it!

UPDATE 2018! Alas - Walt Disney World no longer offers Express Transportation service between Parks.

My Five Favorite Things About The Disney Cruise Line

I've been dreaming of going back to sea, as tends to happen this time of year. If like me you yearn to slow down and relax while soaking up some serious tropical sun, maybe it's time you take a Disney Cruise. Leaving from Port Canaveral (and other Ports around the world) the Disney Cruise Line offers an escape beyond compare, and I thought I would let you in on the five things that I love most.

Top 5 Things to Love about Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of our favorite Deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World. From the incredible views of the savannas, to the delicious dining options including Jiko, Sanaa, and Boma, there's so much to love about Animal Kingdom Lodge.

The Boathouse at Disney Springs Offers Lunch & Launch

The BOATHOUSE at Disney Spring is one of many fabulous eateries that are taking the shopping, dining, and entertainment complex to another level. The massive Boathouse complex holds three bars, several dining rooms that seat a total of 600 people, a museum quality collection of rare boats, a gift shop, and the launch for one of the most unique experiences anywhere - Vintage Amphicar Tours of Disney Springs.