Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

Fun Facts About Christmas at Disney World

Most people know how spectacular the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida becomes around Christmas time! Disney World becomes even more magical with all the special events and decorations, just for this joyous time of year! In honor of the first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party today and the beginning of the holiday season at Disney World, here are some fun facts about Christmas at Disney World:

  • The Walt Disney World Resort illuminates 8.5 million Christmas lights
  • The Walt Disney World Resort displays 1,300 wreaths, with the largest measuring 25 feet in diameter
  • The largest Christmas tree at the Walt Disney World Resort is 70 feet tall and features over 35,000 white lights
  • There are 15 miles of garland displayed throughout the Walt Disney World Resort
  • There are 30 different Disney characters that dress up in their holiday attire
  • The Walt Disney World Resort uses 300,000 yards of ribbon with their decorations (that is equal to running the route of the Walt Disney World Half-Marathon 13 times!)
  • 150 semi-trailers full of decoration are required to hold and bring all of the decorations
  • The Walt Disney World Resort displays 1,300 Christmas trees
  • There are 16 million light combinations featured at the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
  • The base of the Christmas tree at Magic Kingdom is 26 feet wide
  • 98% of the lighting used for Christmas decorations is LED
  • There is 100% chance of snow flurries at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom

Would you like to experience the magic of Walt Disney World at Christmas? It’s not too late to plan your vacation! Email spreadingmagic@gmail.com for more information! 

2014 Disney Land and Sea Packages Now Available

wdw and dcl

Disney has released a brand new land and sea package so you can now enjoy a Disney Cruise and a Walt Disney World® Resort stay – all in one vacation! You can experience Disney magic like never before with this unique package! In just one week, you can enjoy two exciting vacations where all of your dreams can come true!

This special Disney Land and Sea Package includes:
• 3-Night Disney Magic® sailings from January 17 – February 7, 2014
• 3-Night resort stay at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort (other Resorts are available but will affect the price per person)
• 3-Day Park Hopper® Theme Park Ticket
• Transfers between Orlando International Airport, Walt Disney World Resort, and Disney Cruise Line® terminal

These Vacation Packages start as low as $789 per person for a family of 4 (total package price $3,156).

This offer is available through December 31, 2013, but is subject to availability.

Additional Details:
• This offer is valid for most Disney Magic 3-Night sailings in a category 11B Stateroom from January 17 to February 7, 2014 and for most nights January 17 to February 10, 2014 at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort in a standard room
• Cruise fare excludes Government Taxes and Fees of approximately $63 per person (subject to change), Gratuities and Port Adventures
• Price based on 2 adults and 2 children ages 3-9
• Theme Park tickets must be used within 14 Days from first use

Plus, if you book this special vacation package with me, you will also receive a Disney Cruise Line character decal. Request a free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page or email spreadingmagic@gmail.com.

New Fantasyland Updates at the Walt Disney World Resort

new fantasyland logo

The New Fantasyland expansion is still underway at Magic Kingdom. Here are some New Fantasyland updates on the last two attractions to be added.

Princess Fairytale Hall:

  • Opens tomorrow, Wednesday, September 18th, 2013
  • Storyline is that Princess Fairytale Hall is a gift to Cinderella from the king for her and any visiting princesses to meet Fantasyland subjects
  • Design was based on the original Cinderella film and Cinderella Castle
  • Cinderella and Rapunzel will meet guests in Princess Fairytale Hall every day and a third princess will also be present (the third princess can change from day to day)
  • Storybook collection pays homage to all of the Disney princesses (Hint- look for the Snow White book that is open on a table to honor the former ride)
  • Cinderella’s famous glass slipper will be on display
  • FastPass and FastPass+ will be available, with FastPass machines located near Peter Pan’s Flight

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train:

  • Still no official date announceed for completion (other than 2014)
  • Began manually pushing a mine car through the ride yesterday
  • Ride height restriction will be 38″
  • Wheelchair/ECV guests will need to transfer to ride so a transfer accessible seat will be available in each coach
  • Seating for four guests per car (2+2)
  • Ride moves in and out of interior/exterior areas/scenes
  • Cars will swing independently
  • Storyline is from the seven dwarfs’ perspective
  • Cottage will not be a walk through area (just part of scenery)
  • The evil queen and Snow White  may make appearances and elements from the former Snow White ride may be integrated as well

Siera is a Disney travel specialist and would love to help you plan your next Disney World vacation so you can experience New Fantasyland first-hand! Request a free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page or email spreadingmagic@gmail.com! 

New Festival of the Lion King Theater Coming in 2014

The Festival of the Lion King is a Broadway-inspired live show celebrating Disney’s film, The Lion King. You can see The Festival of the Lion King daily at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. From the acrobatic antics of the Tumble Monkeys to Zawadi’s soaring vocals during the signature “Circle of Life,” the lively spirit of the show’s cast will keep you entertained throughout the entire live show. This has also made the “Festival of the Lion King” a guest favorite at Walt Disney World Resort for 15 years.

Disney has announced that the “Festival of the Lion King” will soon be moving to an all-new theater at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The new theater will bring the “tribal celebration” home fittingly to the Africa section of the park, where Disney’s Animal Kingdom visitors will be able to continue enjoying the show for years to come.

The new “Festival of the Lion King” theater is scheduled to open sometime in 2014.

Be sure to check the Times Guide at the park each day for the most up to date times you can catch the Festival of the Lion King!

Siera is a Disney travel specialist and would love to help you plan your next Disney World vacation! Contact her at spreadingmagic@gmail.com for more information or request a free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page! 

AT&T is Now Disney’s Official Wireless Provider

AT&T and Disney Parks recently announced that they have reached an agreement to make AT&T Disney’s official wireless provider for both the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and the Disneyland Resort in California.

AT&T will have numerous marketing and branding opportunities, including sponsoring Disney-created soccer and runDisney events at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex as a result of this agreement.  In addition, Disney will partner with AT&T to educate their Cast Members and guests about “It Can Wait®,” AT&T’s new initiative to educate people about the dangers of texting while driving.  AT&T and Disney will also collaborate to enhance the experience for the growing number of Disney guests using smart phones and tablets during their vacations at both theme parks.  Cast Members will even use new mobile devices on AT&T’s network to help deliver Disney’s world-renowned guest service.

“This is a great combination,” Andy Geisse, chief executive officer for AT&T Business Solutions, said. “Bringing AT&T’s fastest and most reliable 4G LTE network and mobile connectivity to one of the most creative companies on earth is something we’re excited about. I’m confident Disney’s guests and Cast Members are going to be thrilled with the experience we deliver.”

“We are excited about the opportunity to work with AT&T,” said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, United States and France. “This alliance joins two companies that share a commitment to providing quality experiences, and we look forward to the collaboration as we continue to leverage technology to enhance the experience for our guests.”

Along with this agreement, AT&T is enhancing its network across the Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort by using a variety of technologies including:

  • More than 25 distributed antenna systems to improve the wireless capacity in areas with high mobile traffic
  • More than 350 small cells to extend the network’s connectivity
  • 10 cell sites across Walt Disney World Resort to offer wide-ranging mobile service to guests
  • More than 40 repeaters to further offer an even more consistent and reliable mobile experience

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an authorized Disney vacation planner. She would love to help you plan your next Disney Parks vacation. Request your free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page or email her at spreadingmagic@gmail.com for more information! 

New Magic Mirror at Downtown Disney

Have you heard about the new Magic Mirror at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida? The Magic Mirror can be found at the World of Disney store at Downtown Disney. Little girls love playing dress up and dreaming of their favorite Disney princess. Now, with the new Magic Mirror, your little princess can see herself as her favorite Disney princess.

On your next Disney World vacation, make sure you stop by the World of Disney store at Downtown Disney, in the Marketplace section. You can check out the latest interactive experience from Disney Theme Park Merchandise, the Magic Mirror.

Most Disney fans will remember the Magic Mirror from Walt Disney’s animated classic, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” However, this Magic Mirror is a little different than the Magic Mirror from Snow White since this one is only used for doing good and making Princesses’ dreams come true.

With the help of a little Disney magic, your little princess can virtually try on a collection of authentic Disney Princess gowns and accessories, and then watch herself transform into their favorite princess (or princesses) right before her very eyes.

So now you may be wondering, how does the Magic Mirror work? All you have to do is stand directly in front of the mirror and watch the magic unfold as the mirror comes to life.

Have you gotten to see and try the new Magic Mirror yet? What did you think?

Siera is a Disney travel specialist and would love to help you plan your next Disney World vacation. Contact her for more information or your free, no obligation quote at spreadingmagic@gmail.com! 

Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of July 2013

Are you planning a Disney vacation within the next few months? Would you like to know if your favorite attraction will be closed for refurbishment? Here is the Disney World refurbishment schedule as of July 2013.

Magic Kingdom:

  • Pirates of the Caribbean: 07/27/13 – 07/30/13
  • Enchanted Tiki Room: 07/31/13 – 08/28/13
  • Prince Charming Regal Carrousel: 08/01/13 – 08/21/13
  • Liberty Belle Riverboat: 08/05/13 – 08/09/13
  • Jungle Cruise: 08/19/13 – 09/30/13
  • Walt Disney World Railroad: 09/30/13 – 10/20/13
  • Peter Pan: 09/30/13 – 11/13/13

Epcot:

  • Fountainview Ice Cream Shop: 04/08/13 – Fall
  • Spaceship Earth: 08/21/13 – 08/28/13

Hollywood Studios:

  • Muppet Vision 3D: 08/06/13 – 09/02/13
  • Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground: 09/03/13 – 11/19/13

Disney’s All Star Sports Resort:

  • End Zone Food Court – transportation from the porte cochere will be provided to Disney’s All-Star Music Resort and Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort where Guests can dine at the Intermission Food Court or World Premier Food Court: 08/05/13 – 12/20/13
  • Arcade – closed during this time frame as it will be used as a temporary Food Court with “Grab & Go” items: 07/29/13 – 12/20/13

Disney’s Contemporary Resort:

  • California Grill: 02/02/13- TBD

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort:

  • Grandstand Pool: 08/25/13 – 09/14/13

Golf Courses:

  • Disney’s Palm Golf Course: 06/12/13 – mid-November

Siera is a Disney travel specialist with Destinations in Florida, an authorized Disney vacation planner. She would love to help you plan your next Disney World vacation. Best of all, her services are completely free to you! Contact her at spreadingmagic@gmail.com or request your free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page! 

New Looks and Packages at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Pirates League

Aspiring pirates, mermaids and princesses can now experience an even more pixie dust and piratical fun with Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and The Pirates League’s new packages that have been added to their line-up of already magical makeovers!

You can visit the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique inside Fantasyland at Disneyland park in California and the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney Marketplace at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida to check out the new makeover now available. Inspired by Disney Junior’s Sofia the First, young girls can learn what it’s like to not only look like a princess, but to have the heart of a princess, too. The Sofia the First transformation includes “Sofia the First” hair styling, shimmering makeup, nail polish, and an assortment of delicate accessories including a crown and hair bow.

Ahoy ye mateys! If savvy swashbuckling is more your style, then you can head over to the Pirates League at the Magic Kingdom. The Pirates League has added a “Mermaid Deluxe Package” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates Deluxe Package” to its offerings. These deluxe style packages will include your favorite elements from the ever-popular “Mermaid” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” packages (which will still be available), but with a few new additions!

The Mermaid Deluxe Package includes Luminous Mermaid Make-up and make-up palette, Mermaid Hairstyle with Color Changing Hair Clip, Distinctive Mermaid Necklace, Nail Polish, Mermaid Sash, plus a special mermaid costume T-shirt and tutu!

“The Jake and the Never Land Pirates” Deluxe Package includes a Jake Bandana with faux hair, sword and sheath, The Pirates League Bag, a unique pirate coin necklace, and a Jake and the Never Land Pirates costume T-shirt to complete the look!

Be sure to book your appointment at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or Pirates League as early as possible as space is limited. For the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, children must be between 3-12 years of age and accompanied by an adult.

When you book your next vacation with me, I can make your reservations for you!

Siera is a Disney travel specialist and would love to help you plan your next Disney vacation! Contact her at spreadingmagic@gmail.com. 

Robin Hood and Chicken Little Return to Disney World This Week

As part of Disney’s year-long Limited Time Magic promotion, Disney’s long lost friends Robin Hood and Chicken Little return to Disney World this week.

During Long-Lost Friends week (July 15 through 21, 2013), rarely seen Disney characters will be returning to the spotlight at Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A. You will have the opportunity to get up-close and personal with some long lost Disney friends, just for this week. Plus, you will be sure to enjoy photo opportunities with the characters chosen in an online poll.

After Disney fans voted for their favorite long lost characters, the following characters were chosen by fans to return, just for this Limited Time Magic celebration:

  • From “Robin Hood”: Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, Sheriff of Nottingham and Prince John
  • From “Chicken Little”: Chicken Little and Abby Mallard
  • From “Song of the South”: Brer Bear and Brer Fox

Which long-lost Disney friend would you most like to see?

Siera is a Disney travel specialist and would love to help you plan your next magical Disney vacation, whether you are going to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, the Disneyland Resort in California, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, or Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, in Hawaii! Contact her at spreadingmagic@gmail.com! 

Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade is Coming Spring 2014

Disney is always looking to improve their guests experience and add new attractions to keep visitors coming back! The Walt Disney World Resort will be welcoming a new parade, The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, to the Magic Kingdom in the spring of 2014.

Parades are one of the special events you can see every day at one of the four Walt Disney World theme parks. The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade is coming spring 2014 and will be replacing the current Celebrate a Dream Come True parade at Magic Kingdom.

The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will be a celebration of New Fantasyland, the largest expansion in park history. The magic will take place down Main Street, U.S.A. According to the Disney Parks blog, you can look forward to “fantastic and innovative new parade floats, vibrant costumes, and an original soundtrack that will feature beloved songs from favorite Disney films, plus a parade theme song.”

Disney has announced that the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will highlight the stories from the popular films of “The Little Mermaid,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “Dumbo,” “Pinocchio,” “Peter Pan,” “Tangled,” “Brave,” and more!

What do you think of the new Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade?

Would you like to plan your next Disney World vacation to see the new Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade? Email Siera at spreadingmagic@gmail.com for more information!