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

Holidays Around the World: The Storytellers Of Epcot's World Showcase

For all of the deserved hype that the Osborne Lights, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, and Candlelight Processional get during the holidays, there is one neglected bit of yuletide delight hiding in Walt Disney World. The storytellers at Holidays Around the World in EPCOT are phenomenal! It can be difficult to catch every presentation and it is not possible to see the storytellers sequentially, but making the effort is worth it.

Charming Store In A Quiet Village: Bonjour! Village Gifts at the Magic Kingdom

When New Fantasyland opened in the Magic Kingdom it didn't just add attractions and dining to the Enchanted Forest, Disney Imagineers also included fun new spots to shop. Fans of Belle and the Beast will be delighted with the array of merchandise to be found at Bonjour! Village Gifts.

Epcot’s China Pavilion Offers a Serene Spot for Weary World Showcase Travelers

Recently we talked about the peaceful feeling one has when stopping in the Japan Pavilion at Epcot, and the same can be said about the China Pavilion. Like its counterpart across the lagoon, this is another pavilion that has a lot to offer to guests.

The China Pavilion is located between Norway and Germany and is one of the original pavilions that opened on Epcot's first day in 1982.

Glow With The Show During The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

Once again the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is thrilling guests at Disney's Hollywood Studios with a winter light display beyond compare. This massive light display features millions of energy-efficient LED dancing lights, animated displays and amazing 3-D effects all perfectly synchronized to cheerful holiday tunes. The rich tradition takes place on the Streets of America, dazzling guests from Nov. 8, 2013 to Jan. 5, 2014.

5 Reasons to Love Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Disney's Pop Century Resort is a fan favorite for guests who stay at Walt Disney World's Value Resorts. The bright and colorful decor at this family and budget friendly hotel lets you know from the moment you step off the Magical Express that you're in for some serious fun. In no particular order, here are 5 great reasons to love this hotel!

Christmas Time at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

It's the most magical time of the year, and guests of the Walt Disney World Resort know where to find Christmas with a little extra sparkle. The Magic Kingdom is full of holiday cheer and merriment.

Finding a Spot of Calm and Serenity in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion

As one tours the World Showcase at Epcot, it's easy to get caught up in the waves of people and even if you have a concrete plan, sometimes the hustle and bustle of the day takes a toll. Suddenly you find yourself a weary world traveler in need of a quiet spot to rest.

The Japan Pavilion is that perfect quiet spot. I will admit that up until very recently this was one pavilion that I usually passed by, unless the kids wanted to visit the Mitsukoshi Department Store. I never stopped and just took in the beauty of the pavilion.

Sensational Holiday Sips At Prost! In Epcot's Germany

Our friends over at the Disney Food Blog made a fantastic post earlier this week about all the fun things going on at Epcot this Holiday Season. Holidays Around the World is in full swing and this year Disney has added some special treats, that will make foodies extra Merry! So grab one of the special a holiday passports (new this year) and head off around the world on a cultural winter festival of discovery.

Epcot's Candlelight Processional is Pitch Perfect

Given the hundreds of musicians who pile onstage at Epcot's American Gardens Theater to help the guest narrator to bring the story of the first Christmas to life, it is amazing that there was not a single sour note during the performance.

Take Some Time to Explore Epcot's Italy Pavilion

The Italy Pavilion has always been a favorite place to spend some time exploring during any trip to Epcot. Perhaps it's because the pavilion is as close as I'm getting to Venice any time soon.

The pavilion is, after all, modeled after St. Mark's Square in Venice, complete with a replica of Venice's fourteenth century Doge's Palace and the Campanile di San Marco (the bell tower of St. Mark).