Tag Archives: special events

7 Things to Know Before Your Walt Disney World Vacation

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  1. You will walk and be on your feet a lot. Walt Disney World is big and even getting from the transportation to the turnstiles will be a walk. Of course while in line you will also be on your feet.  The best help for this is to wear comfortable broken in shoes and socks and make sure to take breaks!  Check out Shannon’s article on prepping to walk.
  2. You cannot avoid the lines. You can use FastPass, but you will still be standing in lines for your FastPasses. You’ll definitely spend time waiting in the standby lines and if you need food, chances are good you will wait in line for a little bit there as well.  Just go in knowing that you will stand in some lines just about everywhere at Walt Disney World.
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  3. FastPass is free and easy to use. FastPass is included with your park ticket, so use them! And they are indeed easy to use.  You get to choose an initial 3 but after that you can make more, one at a time.  FastPass gives you a lot of flexibility to change plans on the go using the My Disney Experience app.

 

  1. There are a few ticket options. Choosing the best ticket option for your party can require some planning, but knowing what options are available are important. There is the base ticket which is 1 park per day, or the Park Hopper which allows you into multiple parks per day.  Then there is the Water Parks, Fun, and More ticket which allows you entrance into the two Disney water parks as well as mini golf, Disney Quest and other extras.  Knowing what you will use on a vacation can save you a lot of money.

 

  1. Check the park hours and know about special events. You will want to do some research on these events as they can have an effect on hours and closures. For instance starting in September and October Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and in November and December, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will cause the Magic Kingdom to close at 7pm.  This can really change your plans if the park closes much earlier than expected and you will be unable to see fireworks during your visit.  Other special event such as Food and Wine, and Flower and Garden can have an effect on crowds as well.

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  1. Don’t overlook attractions. It is easy to judge an attraction but a spin on the People Mover can be relaxing and fun. These smaller attractions can end up becoming favorites if you give them a chance.

 

  1. You can and should enjoy your resort. The resorts are so well themed, they have amazing pools and some cool amenities. Many resorts have multiple restaurants and bars so there are great places to get bite to eat or drink.    It is very tempting to spend all your time in the parks, but the resorts have great activities such as movies under the stars, campfires with s’mores, and fun games around the pool that you should make the time to check out.

 

 

 

Candlelight Processional 2015- Narrators Added

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Disney has just released additional names of narrators for this year’s Candlelight Processional at Epcot. From November 27 until December 30 you can catch a lovely retelling of the Christmas story with a full orchestra and choir at the American Gardens Theater in Epcot. Showtimes are at 5:00pm, 6:45pm, and 8:15pm nightly.

  • 11/27 – 11/29 — Gary Sinise
  • 11/30 – 12/3 — Neil Patrick Harris
  • 12/4 – 12/5 — Whoopi Goldberg
  • 12/6 – 12/8 — Joe Morton
  • 12/9 – 12/11 — Ana Gasteyer
  • 12/12 – 12/14 — Meredith Vieira
  • 12/15 – 12/17— America Ferrera
  • 12/18 – 12/20 — Chandra Wilson
  • 12/21 – 12/23 — Daniel Dae Kim
  • 12/24 – 12/26 — Edward James Olmos
  • 12/27 – 12/28 – Blair Underwood
  • 12/29 – 12/30 — Amy Grant

Disney does have a disclaimer that they are subject to change without notice to be sure to check before you arrive.

And you can also purchase Candlelight Processional Dining Packages for lunch and dinner where there is availability.

Who are you most looking forward to seeing?

Drinking Around the World: Part IV (Special Events)

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We completed our Drinking Around the World adventure with stops in each of the 11 permanent countries around the world showcase. Now, lets talk about a few different special events that can change the way we drink around the world.

Food & Wine Festival

Every year Disney hosts the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in the fall. An additional 35+ booths are set up around the world showcase for some different countries to display the food and drink of their homeland. With that many booths, a Drinking Around the World: F&W edition isn’t really possibly (or smart!) unless you have an extended stay or are lucky enough to live close to Walt Disney World.  There are far too many amazing drinks to name at the festival, but one “booth” of note is the Craft Beer Marketplace. Located inside the Odyssey Center there is plenty of space for relaxing in the air conditioning while trying craft beers from around the country. The most popular items at the Craft Beer Marketplace are the flights, each with 4 separate tasting sizes of beer allowing you to try more without buying full cups! Pretty smart. One thing that may make drinking around the world easier during Food & Wine is the new for 2015 Food and Wine Tasting Sampler. If you purchase this package you’ll receive 8 credits for a snack or beverage of your choice during food and wine. This package also comes with priority seating for an Eat to the Beat concert during the day you purchase. For $59 per person plus tax that’s not a bad deal!

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Flower & Garden

The Epcot International Flower & Garden festival is gaining on the Food & Wine Festival in terms of popularity! Hosted in the spring, there are 12+ booths featuring fresh food straight from the garden during this festival. From wine to sparking ciders, beer and more, there is plenty to drink at this festival as well. One drink that we here at Dole Whipped agrees will stand above the rest is The Dole Whip with rum (of course)! Available at the Pineapple Promenade booth there is an option to add macadamia nut flavored or coconut flavored rum floaters to your pineapple soft serve. Yum! One thing available at this festival (and also the Food & Wine) that makes drinking around the world a little easier on your budget is the wearable wristband gift card. If you load the card with the amount you’re able to spend on drinks you’ll keep yourself in check, and since you can wear it on your wrist you won’t have to dig around in your pockets for cash or credit cards either! It’s a win win.

Which event would you rather Drink Around the World at, Food & Wine or Flower & Garden?