Category Archives: Disney World

Top Three Tips for Making the Most of a Rainy Day at Disney World

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Summer days at Walt Disney World Resort can be beautifully sunny, but they can also be filled with humidity and lots of rain! Here are three tips to help you make the most of a rainy day at Disney World!

  1. Find and enjoy the many indoor attractions and shows. Some of the best choices include “it’s a small world,” Pirates of the Caribbean, and Mickey’s PhilharMagic at Magic Kingdom Park; Soarin’, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, and World Showcase Pavilions at Epcot; Star Wars Launch Bay, Star Tours, and Toy Story Mania at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; and the amazing shows “The Festival of the Lion King” and “Finding Nemo – The Musical” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
  2. Be sure to pack clothing that is appropriate for all types of weather. It is usually hot and humid so you need clothes that are light but also that can dry easily in case you get caught in the afternoon downpour. You also need comfortable shoes and socks! Brings extra pairs of socks because your feet will be the first thing to get soaked during a summer downpour. Wet socks are not fun! Also, you will want to bring rain jackets or ponchos and even umbrellas to stay dry. Trust me, they’re much cheaper to pack and bring with you than to purchase in the parks. However, if you do forget any rain gear, you can always buy what you need at the stores in the resorts and the parks.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

3. Find indoor character greeting locations where your family can take photos and ask for autographs where they are allowed. You can find Mickey Mouse and Tinker Bell at Tony’s Town Square in Magic Kingdom Park; Mickey and Minnie at the Outpost at Disney’s Animal Kingdom; Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy at the Epcot Character Spot; and BB-8 and Kylo Ren at Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

What are your favorite things to do during a rainy day at Disney World? Be sure to share your favorites with us in the comments below!

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

New Sunset Seasons Greeting and More for 2017 Holidays at Hollywood Studios

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The holiday season returns to the Walt Disney World Resort on November 9 – and this year, it’ll be more magical than ever before at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with the addition of a new nighttime experience, new stunning decorations, the return of “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” and more.

Disney’s newest holiday nighttime experience – Sunset Seasons Greetings – will feature spectacular projections of Mickey, Minnie and other beloved Disney characters sharing their favorite Christmas stories as a snowy Sunset Boulevard twinkles with holiday decorations. Billboards will come to life and the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel will transform into a pile of Christmas gifts, a gingerbread house and a frozen winter wonderland throughout the night. A summer-loving snowman might even make an appearance.

This season, you’ll also notice enhanced holiday decor around Echo Lake at the park. Colorful garlands and a giant Christmas tree centered on the water will make Echo Lake the merriest of places this holiday season. Even its famous Dinosaur will be dressed for the occasion with a dino-Santa hat.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

And the hit holiday show, “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” is also returning and sending Disney animated characters on a spirited yuletide adventure to get Santa back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve. As many of you know, “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” combines state-of-the-art projections, fireworks, special effects and Christmas music to create a dazzling, one-of-a-kind holiday experience for guests – capped by a special message from Santa himself.

Santa Claus will return to the Once Upon a Time shop on November 9 through December 24 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as well. Santa Goofy will step in after Old Saint Nick he returns to the North Pole December 25 – 31.

Are you excited to experience the new Sunset Seasons Greeting at Hollywood Studios?

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

The Reimagined Roaring Fork at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Is Now Open

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The rustic Roaring Fork at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is open again, one of those spots favored by vacationers looking for a creative, quick bite that’s above average. Located in the main building with patio seating near Copper Creek Springs pool area, it’s a convenient stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner, with spacious seating inside – or get your food to go and head outdoors as the weather cools.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Breakfast is served 6-11 a.m., and while there’s plenty of grab n’ go options such as fresh fruit, pastries and sandwiches, the new Banana Foster’s French Toast and 10-hour Pulled Pork Cheese Grits with a poached egg are worthy of a leisurely start to the day. The popular Breakfast Flatbread returns, this one with sausage gravy, ham, eggs and Cheddar.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

For the first time, Roaring Fork is offering specialty beverages like the Gold Rush Latte (vanilla latte with caramel) previously featured in Territory Lounge, and now on the daily breakfast menu.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Lunch and dinner is served from 11 a.m.-midnight, and the big winner on the new menu is Chef Michael Bersell’s Brisket Burger with cheddar, cranberry barbecue sauce, cast-iron onions and frisée served on a sweet brioche bun. Or try the Grilled Chicken on Focaccia with roasted peppers and fresh mozzarella. A Gourmet Grilled Cheese features cheddar, arugula, tomato and onion jam on multi-grain bread.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Flatbreads are back with two new options: Fennel Sausage and Pepperoni with caramelized onion and goat cheese, or an Asiago Grilled Chicken topped with peppers and onions.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Fans of the popular Wilderness Salad with chicken, walnuts, apples and cheddar will still find both in the grab ‘n go area – or they can be made to order.

Roaring Fork is open daily from 6:00 – 12:00 a.m..

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays Scheduled to Start November 19, 2017

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays (previously known as “Holidays Around the World”) will return to Epcot from November 19 through December 30. What can you expect this season? The return of the guest-favorite Candlelight Processional, new Holiday Kitchens, entertainment additions and more.

First up, the Candlelight Processional, a highlight of a holiday visit for many guests, features a retelling of the traditional Christmas story by a celebrity narrator and music from a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir. This year the show will welcome a few new narrators to the season’s lineup, including Matt Bomer, CCH Pounder and Pat Sajak. Returning favorites Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg and Jaci Velasquez are also scheduled to appear. The Candlelight Processional is performed three times each evening, 5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre from Nov. 24-Dec. 30. Candlelight dinner packages can be reserved now by visiting Disneyworld.com/holiday.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Guests can also enjoy entertainment throughout World Showcase, with each pavilion’s holiday traditions coming to life for guests through the sharing of joyful music and time-honored traditions. New this year is the group Mostly Kosher, who will perform holiday classics celebrating Hanukkah in the America Pavilion. Returning favorites also include JOYFUL! A Gospel Celebration of the Season and Canadian Holiday Voyageurs.

In addition to more entertainment, the park will also feature a total of 15 Holiday Kitchens this year, serving up more holiday cookies and other sweet seasonal treats than ever before. Stop into the Odyssey for snowflake sugar cookies and warm apple fritters with cinnamon ice cream, or head to the Canada pavilion for Maple Buche de Noel.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Guests can also finish their holiday visit at Epcot by watching “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” fireworks, which will feature a special holiday finale.

What are you looking forward to experiencing most this holiday season at Epcot during the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays? Tell us in the comments section below.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Star Wars Galactic Nights 2017 Returns December 16 at Hollywood Studios

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Attention Star Wars fans – the special event, Star Wars: Galactic Nights 2017, which sold out last April, will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on December 16, 2017.

Held after park hours from 7 p.m.-midnight, the event will be filled with out-of-this-world entertainment that celebrates the entire Star Wars saga.

Among many thrills in store, guests can expect to enjoy Star Wars entertainment, special photo opportunities, event-exclusive merchandise and F&B, character greetings, a look at the ongoing Star Wars expansion coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and much more.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Here’s a look at other event offerings:

  • Star Wars Entertainment – Both Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks and the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show will be enhanced with special saga elements.
  • Sneak Peeks at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – The Epic Theater will play host to a special one-night-only panel discussion about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the 14-acre Star Wars expansion that’s set to open in 2019 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
  • Special Photo Ops – Throughout the park, guests can step into immersive and iconic scenes from their favorite Star Wars films in a series of incredibly detailed photo locations, including new backdrops inspired by Star Wars Rebels and more.
  • Character Encounters – Be on the lookout for Star Wars characters like Ewoks, AWR Troopers and roaming droids; Jedi Knights teaching younglings in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple; rocketing to the stars aboard Star Tours – The Adventures Continue; and more.
  • Exclusive F&B and Merchandise – Even more specialty Star Wars-themed food and beverage and merchandise will be available.
  • Enjoy park attractions – Select attractions will be open to all guests. At embarkation points to Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, guests may come face-to-face with Stormtroopers on the lookout for a Rebel spy.

Star Wars: Galactic Nights 2017 access and activities will be exclusive to event ticket holders. Last spring’s event sold out, so booking early is strongly suggested. Tickets are priced at $129 adults, $124 ages 3-9. Discount available for Passholders by booking online or calling 407-WDW-PASS and for Disney Vacation Club Members by calling Member Services at 1-800-800-9800 or online, as well. Tickets are now on sale at Disneyworld.com/GalacticNights or by calling 407-W-DISNEY (407 934-7639).

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Enjoy Spooky Fun at Return to Sleepy Hollow at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Are you one of the many guests that are entranced with the appearance of the Headless Horseman at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park? Many party attendees – myself included – line up early with their smartphones at the ready, just to snap a pic as the Horseman and his mysterious dark steed clip-clop down Main Street, U.S.A., before “Mickey’s Boo To You” parade.

If you’re a brave soul who can’t get enough of the Horseman, the “Return to Sleepy Hollow” offering at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground may be your perfect idea of fall fun.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The “Return to Sleepy Hollow” offering includes a group viewing of the 1949 Disney animated classic film “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” inside the resort’s historic Tri-Circle-D Ranch stables. While the stables are usually open to guests year-round, on nights like these they should watch for galloping ghosts and be ready for an up close and personal encounter with the Headless Horseman.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The Return to Sleepy Hollow offering will take place at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground: September 29-October 2, October 5-9, 12-16, 19-23 and 26-31, at 8 and 10 p.m.

The experience can be reserved by calling 407-WDW-TOUR. General seating costs $22 per person, while premium seating, which includes a priority photo opportunity with the Headless Horseman and a Halloween treat bag, costs $38 per person. Guests in both seatings, age 3 and older, will also receive an exclusive limited edition pin. Guests age 2 and younger receive complimentary admission with their families, but are asked to sit in a parent’s lap.

Space is extremely limited for this offering. Race to book now!

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

2017 Party for the Senses at Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

New entertainment, new seating, two cool themed evenings – there’s lots that’s new for the 2017 Party for the Senses, the sensational evening of food, live entertainment and elegant fun at World ShowPlace in Epcot World Showcase. And it’s the 35th anniversary of Epcot, another reason to celebrate during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

If you’ve never been, Party for the Senses is a culinary extravaganza with dozens of tasting stations with wine pairings and craft cocktails and beers. While food plays a leading role, the incredible talent line-up on the stage provides the backbeat for an unforgettable evening.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Here are six things you’ll need to know:

1. Start your evening early: when you buy your ticket for Party for the Senses, you also get reserved seating for the 5:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. performances of the East to the Beat concert series at America Gardens Theatre – so enjoy the live music, then stroll over to World ShowPlace for the party from 7:30-10 p.m. (Note: Epcot admission is required.)

2. There are three levels of seating this year, and every guest has a seat: Wine View Loungeincludes early admission (at 7:15 p.m.); a private reserved table in the lounge, artisanal cheeses and a specialty cocktail, with transportation to and from the Epcot main entrance. Reserved Seating is a private table on the main floor. Guaranteed Seating is with other guests on the main floor. All three have limited availability, so a reservation is a good idea.

3. This year’s dates: Sept. 23, Oct. 7, Oct. 14, Oct. 21 and Nov. 11.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

4. Two themed evenings worth considering: Sept. 23 will feature the chefs from Disney Springs – look for everything from Mexican (Frontera Cocina) to Asian (Morimoto Asia) to seafood (The BOATHOUSE and Paddlefish) to Southern (Homecomin’ by Art Smith) … the list goes on, and it’s great fun to interact with the chefs at each of their tasting stations. Then on Oct. 21, chefs from Disney parks around the globe will come together to create an evening of international tastes – this has been a super-popular event the last couple of years. Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disneyland, Shanghai Disney, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani and Disney Cruise Line chefs will join our Walt Disney World chefs to showcase the best of their cuisine.

5. Wow entertainment: the music takes this year’s event over the top. For the very special Disney Springs’ night on Sept. 23, popular entertainers from Disney Springs’ venues will take the stage, including the House of Blues Gospel Choir, Raglan Road musicians and Irish dancers, jugglers Nate and Aaron, magician Meraux Dantes, flamenco guitarist Nicholas Marks and more. Oct. 7 is John Pizzarelli, an American jazz guitarist and vocalist; Oct. 14, Femmes of Rock, a “hard rock” violin act with video, lights, choreography and comedy in a high-energy show; Oct. 21, Grace Kelly, American musician, singer, entertainer, songwriter, and Nov. 11, Vintage Vinyl Band (a big hit last year), an Orlando band that takes today’s pop hits and retrofits them into jazz, swing, Motown and doo-wop.

6. Make your reservations early: book online or call 407-939-3378 for Guaranteed Seating; call 407-939-3378 for Wine View Lounge or Reserved Seating.

See you on the promenade at the 2017 Party for the Senses!

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month 2017 Includes Disney World Restaurants

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month 2017 Includes Disney World Restaurants

As part of the one of the most-anticipated dining events in Central Florida, for the first time, select Walt Disney World restaurants are part of Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month 2017 that kicked off August 25 and runs through October 1.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Magical Dining Month 2017 celebrates Orlando’s amazing culinary scene and gives us a chance to showcase the talent of Disney chefs with special prix fixe dinners. Participating Walt Disney World Resort hotel restaurants include:

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Magical Dining Month 2017 menus feature three courses for $35 per person, including appetizer, entrée and dessert and cannot be combined with other offers, packages or discounts. One dollar from each meal supports Freedom Ride and BASE Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

To view all participating restaurant’s menus, go to Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month 2017, select an area and restaurant, then click on the fork.

To make a reservation for the Disney restaurants, visit www.disneyworld.com/dine or call 407-WDW-DINE. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Fantasmic Dessert and VIP Viewing Experience Now Available at Hollywood Studios

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

There’s a sweet new way to take in the spectacular sights and sounds of Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios—the new Fantasmic Dessert and VIP Viewing Experience package. The Fantasmic Dessert and VIP Viewing Experience is a great way to enjoy a reserved seat for the nighttime show and even have a delectable snack waiting for you.

Guests will check-in and pick up a delicious snack box, which features a mix of sweet and savory items, at the Fantasmic! theater prior to show time. A special light-up credential will allow Fantasmic! Dessert & VIP Viewing Experience guests to enter the special reserved viewing area.

The adult box features chocolate-covered strawberries, cheesecake, a chocolate cupcake, apple crisp, California trail mix and cheese and crackers. Kids will enjoy chocolate pudding with crushed chocolate cookies and gummy worms, confetti popcorn, grapes and a vanilla cake bite which features the star of Fantasmic! — Sorcerer Mickey. Guests will also receive a bottle of water and a specialty alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage in a light-up keepsake Fantasmic! cup.

The Fantasmic Dessert and VIP Viewing Experience is another great offering from the Enchanting Extras Collection, which allows guests to enhance their Walt Disney World Resort vacation. The Fantasmic dessert and VIP viewing experience cost is $39 for adults and $19 for children ages 3-9. Reservations can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dining or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote.