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

Top 10 Tips for Making the Most Out of a Visit to Epcot

Everyone tours the Walt Disney World theme parks in their own way. Some people swear by rope drop, while others prefer to arrive later and avoid the early morning crowds. And everyone has their "must do" and "must see" rides and attractions at each park.

Today we're going to share our top tips for Epcot. We'll be talking about FastPasses, dining, characters, and special events you might want to consider when making travel plans to Epcot.

Walt Disney World Resort Raises Price of Parking at Theme Parks

Disney guests can add parking to the list of price increases at the Walt Disney World Resort.

The price of parking at the four theme parks was recently increased by $2. This takes the price for cars to $17, while campers are $18 and buses or tractor-trailers now cost $21 to park.

Guests at a Walt Disney World hotel receive complimentary parking at the theme parks. Annual and premium passholders and Disney Premiere passholders also park for free.

5 Reasons To Love Disney's Yacht Club Resort

It's no secret that Disney's Beach Club is one of the most popular deluxe resorts on Disney property, but have you spent any time at its adjacent sister resort, Disney's Yacht Club? This beautiful grand New England-style yacht club is nestled along the shore of Crescent Lake and if one of my favorites. Check out these 5 Reasons to Love Disney's Yacht Club Resort.

Actor Mark Hamill To Appear at 2014 Star Wars Weekends

As Star Wars fans begin to gear up for the fun of the 2014 Star Wars Weekends at Walt Disney World, another incredible announcement comes out by those fine folks at Disneyparks Blog!

From Wine to Beer Steins to Teddy Bears: A Shopping Tour of Epcot’s Germany Pavilion

There's so much to love about Epcot's Germany Pavilion, from the beer to the bratwurst to the deliciousness that is Karamelle-Kuche. But did you know the pavilion is also a great place to stop and shop?

Grab your pocketbooks and let's take a stroll around the shops of the Germany Pavilion.

Just outside the pavilion you'll find a small, outdoor kiosk called Glaskunst. This shop specializes in glassware and steins, some with engravings. It's a fun little shop and if you're looking for a personalized gift, this is a good place to find it.

The Story of Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

If you have ever wondered why there is a large, green dinosaur at the edge of Echo Lake at Disney's Hollywood Studios, we have the inside scoop.

The dinosaur's name is Gertie and while it's a great place to find soft serve ice cream and other snacks at the park, there's also historical significance attached to Gertie.

Step into Mom’s Kitchen at the 50’s Prime Time Café in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

There's no shortage of great places to eat when you're visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios, but one of our favorites is the 50's Prime Time Cafe.

This table service location is a true blast-from-the-past. The restaurant is themed to look just like Mom's kitchen. Or what mom's kitchen would have looked like back in the 1950s. From the moment you step in the restaurant and find yourself waiting in "Dad's Living Room" or when you're seated in one of the many "kitchens" you are surrounded by kitchy awesomeness.

Take a Shopping Trip Around the World in Epcot’s World Showcase Pavilions

When you're in search of a unique souvenir during your vacation at Walt Disney World, one of the best places to look is in Epcot's World Showcase. You will find an abundance of authentic trinkets in each of the pavilions.

Let's start with a couple fun souvenirs for the younger travelers in your group.

The 2014 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Includes New Floral Display Inspired by ‘Muppets Most Wanted’

Spring has officially sprung at Epcot now that the 2014 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is open.

This year's festival features topiaries including Classic Disney Couples, Beauty & the Beast, Mike & Sulley's Monstrous Garden, Mater's Parts, Plants & Play Garden, and one with Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto.

There is also a display between Germany and Italy inspired by the soon-to-be-released film Muppets Most Wanted. The topiary features Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy.

Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios Are Bigger Than Ever In 2014

As the excitement for a new Star Wars franchise, new Star wars stories, and new Star Wars games begins to grow, Walt Disney World is taking their yearly celebration one step further. This year, in the guise of a Rebel Alliance recruiting program, the event known as Star Wars Weekends has added a fifth weekend to its already growing influence.