WDW Planning

News

July Merchandise Events Announced for the Walt Disney World Resort

The Walt Disney World Resort recently announced the merchandise events for July including a release of new Precious Moments dolls, artist showcases, and a jewelry trunk show.

Track Completed for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at the Magic Kingdom

The last piece of track has been laid in place at the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster in New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom.

The coaster, which is set to open in 2014, is an, indoor-and-outdoor coaster with cars that sway from side-to-side. It takes guests on a journey through the mine where the Seven Dwarfs spent their days digging for gems, and will feature music and characters from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Night of Joy Planned for September at the Walt Disney World Resort

This fall's 31st Night of Joy will feature two legends in Contemporary Christian music - Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith. The award-winning artists will be performing their own individual sets and then will play together for the first time.

Other artists scheduled for the event include MercyMe - returning for their sixth consecutive Night of Joy - and 2012 Grammy nominee TobyMac, Francesca Battistelli(pictured), Skillet, and Newboys.

Details Announced for runDisney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World

Princesses, it's time to find your tiara. runDisney has recently announced details and prices for the 2014 Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World.

Race events include the Princess Half Marathon, the Royal Family 5K, the Enchanted 10K, the Glass Slipper Challenge, kids races, a pasta party, breakfast, and the Fit for a Princess Expo.

Celebrate Father’s Day with a Golf Getaway at the Swan and Dolphin Hotel

If you aren't sure what to get Dad for Father's Day this year, think about treating him to a golf getaway at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel.

A golf getaway includes an overnight stay at the Swan or Dolphin, a round of golf for two people, and transportation to and from the course. Rates for this Father's Day Golf Getaway start at $321 per room. Hotel guests will also receive preferred tee times at the Walt Disney World courses.

Autumn Brings Not-So-Scary Fun and Fairytale Princesses to the Magic Kingdom

Sure, summer is just beginning but it's never too early to think about fall at the Magic Kingdom, and this year promises to be a magical season.

Disney Quest Celebrates 15 Years at Downtown Disney

Disney Quest Indoor Interactive Theme Park in Downtown Disney is celebrating its 15th anniversary.

The building houses five stories of interactive fun and high tech adventure including Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold, Virtual Jungle Cruise, CyberSpace Mountain, Buzz Lightyear's Astroblasters, Animation Academy, Mighty Ducks Pinball Slam, Ride the Comix, and Aladdin's Magic Carpet Ride.

13 Reflections of Evil Trading Event Set for Friday, September 13

The 13: Reflections of Evil trading event is set to take place at the World Showcase in Epcot from September 13-15. The event promises several days of "chills, thrills, and all around frightful fun" for those in attendance.

Disney Parks Bingo Cards Add More Fun to Your Disney Vacation

We all know how much fun it is to visit the four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort, but what if there was a way to add just a little more fun to your visit? Well, now there is with Disney Theme Parks Bingo.

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 Magic Kingdom's Festival of Fantasy Parade

Over the years I haven't been known to be much of a parade fan. However, on my last trip to Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom I was absolutely blown away by my first viewing of the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade. Just a little over a year old (it debuted February 10th, 2014) this is a production on a grand scale and kicks off in the afternoon to continue the Disney tradition of classic parades in the Magic Kingdom.

Even More Reasons To Love Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

There are so many beautiful resorts at Walt Disney World, it can be hard to choose which one is right for your vacation, that's just one of the reasons our "5 Reasons" series is so popular with readers. In 2013 we published an article titled 5 Reasons To Love Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. I just returned from a fantastic stay at this resort and had to share with you why it's still on point.

Enjoy Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Sundaes and More at the Magic Kingdom’s Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

When you're craving something cold and sweet at the Magic Kingdom there are a few places you can visit for soft serve ice cream, Dole Whip, or even a Citrus Swirl. But sometimes you just really want a hand-scooped ice cream sundae to enjoy while watching the fireworks over Cinderella Castle. That's when you stop by the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street U.S.A.

Indulge in Sweet Smelling Luxury With Florida Bath Co. At Disney Springs

Now that the Village Causeway is open in Downtown Disney, guests are beginning to get a better feel for the genesis of Disney Springs. This attractive pedestrian bridge not only offers a convenient and scenic bypass around the Marketplace, but offers guests a little bit of shopping while they stroll. There are four home-grown kiosks placed here that offer Florida local products for
sojourner to enjoy.

The Ultimate Marvel Movie Marathon Celebrates Avengers: Age of Ultron at Downtown Disney's AMC

We are almost two months away to the beginning of Marvel's super-packed Phase 3, and Avengers excitement is building very, very quickly. The Avengers: Age of Ultron will see the end of the very long Phase 2 build-up and Phase 3 will begin with Antman in releasing on June 17th of 2015. But with all that is coming in Phase 3, what we really care about is the new Avengers movie.

Top 10 Things to Do at Walt Disney World Resort without a Theme Park Ticket

There are so many things to do in the theme parks during your Walt Disney World vacation that it's easy to forget about all the fun things you can do outside the parks. Planning non-theme park fun is easy and it might even save you some money since you don't need a park ticket to have a magical time.

Do's and Don'ts of Meeting Disney Characters

Walt Disney World is a magical vacation destination where kids of every age can suspend belief and interact with their most childish fantasies. Character Meet and Greets offer Guests the opportunity to get up close with their favorite Disney Characters and live the dream. At every Park your find locations to interact with some of the favorites from Disney classic movies throughout the year. We've got some simple Do's and Don't for making the most of your Character interactions.

Find an Out-of-this-World Hot Dog at The Lunching Pad in the Magic Kingdom

There are certain quick service spots at Walt Disney World Resort that are always a good place to stop, whether it's just for an ice cold drink or a quick meal or snack. The Lunching Pad located in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom is one of those spots. The menu seems basic but if you look closely you'll find some really delicious treats.

Tips For Visiting Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival

Spring at the Walt Disney World Resort is bursting with color and new life, especially at Epcot - where lush gardens, inspired flavors and lively entertainment fill the days and nights of the 75-day Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Running from March 4-May 17, 2015 the festival is included in the price of your Epcot Park Admission, so be sure to take advantage of the extra fun.

Stop by Pinocchio’s Village Haus for a Good Meal and a Great View

Pinocchio's Village Haus at the Magic Kingdom is one of those almost hidden gems at Walt Disney World. We all know it exists, since it does sit right next to it's a small world and is pretty much in the center of Fantasyland. But it seems like it's one of those places that we often walk past but rarely walk in to dine, even though it is consistently good when we do eat there.