WDW Planning

News

Parking Options at Downtown Disney as Construction Continues on Disney Springs Expansion

We told you a few months ago about the elimination of parking spaces at Downtown Disney due to the start of the construction for the Disney Springs expansion. As the construction continues we have a few parking suggestions to make your visit easier.

Largest Electric Car Rental Fleet in the Country Launches in Orlando with Walt Disney World Resort as a Partner

The next time you visit Orlando for a Walt Disney World vacation, maybe think about going green and renting an electric car.

The nation's largest electric car rental fleet is launching in Orlando as part of the Drive Electric Orlando program. And the Walt Disney World Resort is a partner in the program.

Jack Skellington and Sally Make Their Debut at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

The Pumpkin King has arrived.

Jack Skellington and his true love Sally, made their debut at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom.

The stars of Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas are holding court in the Town Square area of Main Street U.S.A. on the nights of the Halloween parties. Jack and Sally are frightfully fun as they interact with guests, as you can see in this video clip.

Interactive Glow with the Show Ear Hats to Debut at Walt Disney World Resort in October

If you've been to Walt Disney World, chances are you own at least one Mickey Mouse Ear Hat, and starting next month you can add an interactive, color-changing ear hat to your collection.

The Glow with the Show ear hats - which arrived at Disneyland in the summer of 2012 - are set to make their debut on October 15 during the 15th anniversary of Fantasmic! at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Venus Williams and Andy Roddick Set to Headline Mylan WTT Smash Hits Charity Tennis Event at Walt Disney World Resort

Two former number-one-in-the-world ranked tennis players - Venus Williams and Andy Roddick - will be headlining a charity night of tennis at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex this fall.

The event is the Mylan WTT Smash Hits presented by GEICO and it's co-hosted by Sir Elton John and Billie Jean King. This year's event is planned for Sunday, November 1 at the HP Field House and it locally hosted by Robert and Tricia Earl.

Marquee for Princess Fairytale Hall Unveiled at Magic Kingdom

This fall, Disney's princesses will have a brand new magical location where they can meet and greet their loyal subjects.

Recently, Disney Imagineers added the marquee to the front of Fairytale Hall, marking a milestone in the re-imagining of the location.

Meet Disney Legend and Author Marty Sklar at Book Events in Disneyland and Walt Disney World

Disney Legend and retired Imagineering executive Marty Sklar has authored a new book Dream It! Do It!: My Half-Century Creating Disney's Magic Kingdoms, detailing his half-century long Disney career including working as Walt's right-hand man and helping to open 9 of the 11 Disney parks around the world.

Dapper Day Events Celebrate Stepping Out in Style at Disney Parks

For the past couple of years there has been an unofficial yet very fashionable event happening at the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and Disneyland Paris. It's called Dapper Day and it's a chance for attendees to look their best while visiting the parks.

Those participating in Dapper Day are encouraged to dress in sophisticated fashion - from vintage to contemporary styles - and active or retired military are encouraged to wear their dress uniforms.

Walt Disney World Announces Complete Night of Joy Schedule

Next month's Night of Joy concert event will feature two legends of Contemporary Christian music - Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith - along with other popular artists.

The event takes place September 6 and 7 at the Magic Kingdom, and Disney has recently announced the schedule for both nights of the event. As always, the times, performers, and stages are subject to change.

The Night of Joy Lineup:

Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage

  • 7:40 p.m. - Steven Curtis Chapman/Michael W. Smith

Jack Skellington Coming to This Year’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns to the Magic Kingdom on September 10 and this year marks the debut of Jack Skellington and Sally from Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Guests will have a chance to meet The Pumpkin King and his true love in Town Square on Main Street U.S.A.

Also new to this year's party is the Monstrous Scream-O-Ween Ball dance in Tomorrowland hosted by Monsters, Inc. scarers Mike and Sulley at the Rockettower Plaza Stage.

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 Tips for a Magical Walt Disney World Summer Vacation

It's that time of year again when you're planning your summer vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort along with thousands of other families. There are a few things we can guarantee for a summer vacation at Disney: heat, humidity, crowds, and cranky people. While there's no escaping the crowds or the heat, summer is still a great time to visit.

10 Fun Facts About Star Tours – The Adventures Continue at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Have I mention that it's almost time for Star Wars Weekends? Yea - I might be a little bit excited. I thought this would be a great time to share 10 Fun Facts about Star Tours - The Adventure Continues. After all, it's home base for Disney Star Wars fanatics galaxy wide, just take it from the Ewoks partying in the trees.

Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party In The Magic Kingdom

Ever wonder what it would be like to watch the Wishes fireworks spectacular in the Magic Kingdom without the crowds? How about with a guaranteed seat and an all you care to eat dessert buffet? Well Iive got good news for you. The Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party gives you just that!

Enjoy a Citrus Swirl at the Sunshine Tree Terrace in the Magic Kingdom

Imagine the scene: it's a hot and steamy summer day at the Magic Kingdom and it feels like the soles of your shoes are melting into the pavement. You're wishing you had your own Olaf-style personal flurry to keep cool. And then you see it, an oasis off as you enter Adventureland. The Sunshine Tree Terrace, home of the famous Citrus Swirl.

Chocolate & Liquor Tasting On The Disney Dream

The enrichment series on the Disney Cruise Line is one of my favorite things about taking a Disney Cruise. Every time I show up for a class or seminar I know that I will come away with some new piece of knowledge to tickle my Disney loving heart. A couple of weeks ago I posted about the fun Mixology Class my daughter and I participated in, but we didn't stop there.

What It Took to Bring MyMagic+ and Magic Bands to the Walt Disney World Resort

It's a story filled with drama, intrigue, cast changes, and outrageous budgets. Think we're talking about the latest blockbuster film from Disney? Not even close. We're talking about the story behind MyMagic+ and Magic Bands and how the way we all experience Walt Disney World Resort has changed in the past few years.

Tried & True Advice For Starting To Plan Your First Walt Disney World Vacation

While many experienced Disney veterans can throw a trip together on short notice, getting the most bang for your buck takes forethought and planning. When is the best time to go? Where will you stay? How many Park days will you have? And where will you eat? If there are three basic things you need to know to start planning a Walt Disney World vacation, these are them.

Enjoy Authentic Italian Cuisine at Epcot’s Tutto Italia

Lately there seems to be an abundance of Italian restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort, especially with the opening of Trattoria al Forno last year. Basically if you're craving pasta you can get your fill at quite a few locations. Today we'll be visiting Tutto Italia located in Epcot's Italy pavilion.

The Magic Kingdom's Royal Majesty Makers

It's the little things that bring the Magic Kingdom to life, and Disney's penchant for adding streetmosphere performances has a way taking the great big magical theme and bringing down to a personal level. In Fantasyland, Guests are entertained with several daily shows by the festive and jovial Royal Majesty Makers.

14 Insider Tips for Touring Disney's Hollywood Studios

There have been a lot of closures happening and a lot of rumors swirling around Disney's Hollywood Studios Theme Park over the past year, but that shouldn't keep you from making the most of a fun day! This Park was built on the magic of movies and old Hollywood glamour, it's the perfect place to indulge your secret longings to be a Jedi, your love for classic animation. We've got 14 insider tips to make your day a perfect take.