Category: Walt Disney World

Disney Dreamers Academy Application Deadline Approaching Soon

The Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence magazine helps 100 select high school students, ages 13-19, from across the United States jump-start their life goals and pursue their dreams. If you are interested in joining the program its time to get your applications in as the deadline is fast approaching.

Oct. 31, 2018, will be last day to apply for this annual outside-the-classroom mentoring program, which is scheduled for March 21-24, 2019, at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Disney Dreamers Academy turns the entire magical setting of Walt Disney World into a vibrant classroom. Students participate in a series of sessions and workshops designed to help them imagine bright futures, make exciting discoveries and learn how to put their goals into action. Disney Dreamers engage in a wide variety of experiences at Walt Disney World while working side by side with celebrities, community and industry leaders and Disney cast members.

For more than a decade, Disney Dreamers Academy has inspired young people from across the country by fueling their dreams and showing them a world of possibilities as they prepare for the future. Each year, students participate in hands-on, immersive career seminars in a wide range of disciplines found at Walt Disney World. Participants learn how to improve their communication skills, what it means to be a leader and networking strategies, among other skills. They are also inspired by celebrity speakers and other special guests who share their stories and provide insights on how to achieve their life goals.

The second decade of Disney Dreamers Academy is focused on challenging young people to relentlessly pursue their dreams through the “Be 100” campaign. This promotional push is inspired by the powerful impact Disney Dreamers Academy has made on graduates, who have gone on to become doctors, nurses, engineers, pilots, journalists and more. Some have started their own public relations firms, while others have worked with national political leaders.

Applicants must answer essay questions about their personal journeys and dreams for the future. Students are selected based on a combination of attributes, including strong character, positive attitude and determination to achieve their dreams. A parent or guardian accompanies each student on the trip.

This four-day, all-expenses-paid experience at Walt Disney World will continue to help change the lives of young people in 2019. For more information or to apply, visit DisneyDreamersAcademy.com.

October 2, 2018
This Day in History: Walt Disney World Resort Officially Opens – 1971

On October 1, 1971, the Walt Disney World Resort officially opened, including Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Resort. And 47 years later it’s still bringing magical memories to guests from all over the world.

The cost of admission to the Magic Kingdom in 1971 was $3.50 for adults and $1 for children, but that didn’t include ride tickets, including the pricey E-Ticket for the best rides. Those ran $0.90 for adults nearly 50 years ago.

The Resort officially opened its doors to guests on Oct. 1, 1971, however the official grand opening and dedication took place on Oct. 25, 1971. The dedication plaque was read aloud by Roy O. Disney with Mickey Mouse at his side.

“May Walt Disney World bring joy and inspiration and new knowledge to all who come to this happy place … a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn together.”

The official dedication parade, called Walt Disney World on Parade, traveled through Magic Kingdom Park that day. It included 5,000 performers lead by Mickey Mouse playing the world’s largest bass drum at the time. The pinnacle of the parade was a performance by a 1,076 piece ceremonial marching band.

On May 30, 1967, the first ground was broken for the construction of the Walt Disney World Resort. In 1969, Disney announced five “theme resorts” for the project’s first phase. Two opened along with Magic Kingdom on opening day – we know them today as Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

An early concept for Disney’s Polynesian Resort featured a 12-story tower, a bold design that might have looked more at home among the luxury hotels on Honolulu’s Waikiki Beach.

By about 1970, the site plan had evolved to a more architecturally authentic “village” layout, much of which remains today. Incredibly, construction began in February 1971, less than eight months before the first guests were scheduled to arrive.

Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Disney’s Contemporary Resort were designed by WED Enterprises (now Walt Disney Imagineering), the California architectural firm of Welton Becket & Associates and United States Steel Corp. Each was built with a unique process called “unitized modular construction.”

Take a look at this early photo of Disney’s Contemporary Resort:

Once the central elevator shaft went up, crews assembled 13 steel-trussed A-frames around it, forming a 150-foot-high skeleton. A few miles away, assembly-line workers built rooms for both resorts at a rate of around 40 per week. When finished, each was a free-standing unit complete with air conditioning, bathroom fixtures, sliding-glass doors and groovy decor.

After being trucked to the construction sites, the nearly nine-ton rooms were slid into the building frames by crane, like dresser drawers. Despite a widely believed legend, they were never meant to be removable for future refurbishments, though.

To help learn the hotel business, Disney leased the Hilton Inn South in Orlando, Fla., which opened in May 1970, and used the 140-room hotel as a kind of living laboratory, developing everything from training manuals to restaurant menus later used in its own resorts.

The remaining “Phase One” resorts, inspired by Asian, Venetian and Persian motifs, never made it off Imagineers’ drawing boards. Four decades later, they remain tantalizing examples of what might have been.

Today, Walt Disney World is the most visited vacation resort in the world, with an average annual attendance of over 52 million. The resort is the flagship destination of Disney’s worldwide corporate enterprise, and has become a popular staple in American culture. Magic Kingdom’s 50th and Epcot’s 40th birthdays are right around the corner and you can expect the celebrations will be bigger than ever before.

October 1, 2018

Disney Announces New Play, Stay, Dine Offer at Disney World For 2019

Kick off 2019 by getting the most value and excitement out of your Disney vacation! Disney has announced a new Play, Stay, Dine Offer now for 2019 and now more than ever is the time to book a getaway at your favorite Walt Disney World Resort hotel

With this offer, a family of 4 can play, stay, dine and save up to $500 on a 5-night/6-day room, Magic Your Way ticket and dining plan package at a select Disney Resort hotel most nights January 1 through March 9, 2019.

View sample rates based on a 5-night stay in a standard room or studio with 6-day Magic Your Way base tickets for a family of 4—based on 2 adults, 1 junior (ages 10 to 17) and 1 child (ages 3 to 9)—within the chart below.

Select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

Save Up to $500 USD
Arrivals most nights 1/1/19 – 3/9/19

	Sample 5-Night/6-Day Package Savings	Includes
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows – Studios Only	Save up to $500 USD	Room, Multi-Day Base Ticket and the Disney Dining Plan
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins – Villas only

Select Disney Deluxe Resorts

Save Up to $600 USD
Arrivals most nights 1/1/19 – 3/9/19

	Sample 5-Night/6-Day Package Savings	Includes
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa	Save up to $600 USD	Room, Multi-Day Base Ticket and the Disney Dining Plan
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge	Save up to $500 USD
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Select Disney Moderate Resorts

Save Up to $500 USD
Arrivals most nights 1/1/19 – 3/9/19

	Sample 5-Night/6-Day Package Savings	Includes
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort	Save up to $500 USD	Room, Multi-Day Base Ticket and the Disney Dining Plan
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Select Disney Value Resorts

Save Up to $300 USD
Arrivals most nights 1/1/19 – 3/9/19

	Sample 5-Night/6-Day Package Savings	Includes
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort	Save up to $300 USD	Room, Mulit-Day Base Ticket and the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Family Suites Only
Disney’s Pop Century Resort

The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same package. Everyone in the same room must be on the same package. Base tickets are valid at one park per day and all tickets and options must be used within 14 days of first use. First use must occur on or before December 31, 2019. Some table-service restaurants may have limited or no availability at time of package purchase.

If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!

September 29, 2018

New Dooney & Bourke Collection Featuring Villains-Inspired Mickey Ear Hats Debuts This Month

Today, Disney announced that the Villains Ear Hat Collection by Dooney & Bourke will officially debut at Ever After at Disney Springs later on Saturday, Sept. 29.

Dooney & Bourke recently released a collection that features attraction-inspired Mickey Ear Hats, but with Halloween upon us this villainous new collection couldn’t be better timed!

The Villain Ear Hat Collection by Dooney & Bourke includes a tote and wristlet. Featuring an allover pattern of various Disney Villains embodied as ear hats, this collection is the epitome of evil elegance!

Ever After will be open on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. The Villain Ear Hat Collection by Dooney & Bourke will also be available at Uptown Jewelers at Magic Kingdom Park. Purchase of these items is limited to 2 per guest, while supplies last.

September 28, 2018
V.I.Passholder Event Gives First Access To New Halloween Merchandise TOMORROW
Disney is Introducing the first ever V.I.PASSHOLDER pop-up merchandise event – just in time for you to get in the Halloween spirit and prepare for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!

Back in July we told you about the new exclusive V.I.Passholder Nights which will give Annual Passholders exclusive access to Magic Kingdom or Epcot for two hours after each parks closes and now it seems that they are adding a few more perks!

On Friday, September 28 at Magic Kingdom, Passholders get first access to purchase new Halloween merchandise before the park opens. Take a look below at all this special AP event will offer!

At this Halloween Spooktacular shopping event, you can:
- Get early access to Main Street U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM and be among the first to purchase the newest releases of Halloween merchandise at Emporium.
- Receive a complimentary beverage and a haunted treat.
- Visit with some of your favorite characters, decked out in their Halloween best.
Merchandise that will be available includes:
- Villain Ear Hat Collection by Dooney & Bourke: Show off your wicked style with the Villain Ear Hat Collection by Dooney & Bourke, including a tote, crossbody purse and wristlet. Featuring an allover pattern of various Disney Villains embodied as Ear Hats, this collection is the epitome of evil elegance. Created especially for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Purchase of these items is limited to 2 per Guest.
- Limited Release Haunted Mansion Hitchhiking Ghost Plush Set: Happy haunts materialize with this limited release collectible plush set. This item features individual plush of Ezra, Phineas and Gus all beautifully packaged in a Madame Leota tombstone-shaped box. A perfect addition for all cold-blooded collectors!
- Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas: Add a little spookiness to the holiday season with merchandise celebrating the 25th anniversary of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Registration is not required, but you will need a valid annual pass and photo ID required at check-in. Don’t for get your AP discount. A 20% Passholder merchandise discount is applicable for purchases during this event.

Merchandise is available while supplies last so don’t be late! Magic Kingdom attractions open at 9:00 AM.
September 27, 2018
Play Disney Parks’ App Has New Spooky Experiences For Halloween Time

Disney Parks have recently undergone their annual Halloween makeover and the new Play Disney Parks app has gotten the Halloween treatment as well.

Halloween spirits have cast a spell on the new app, giving it a frightfully fun look for the Halloween season along with some new treats and tunes! Special themed gameboards feature playful pumpkins and spooky surprises across Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort for guests to discover on the app, now through October 31.

Look closely at the Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park maps and you just might spot Jack Skellington and Zero or Oogie Boogie! And these festive Play Disney Parks app gameboards are now available for download, allowing you to enjoy these ghoulish designs on your desktop and mobile device!

Don’t miss a chance to collect all-new achievements on your next visit to Disney parks! Guests at the Disneyland Resort can earn new ride achievements at Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy and Haunted Mansion Holiday for a limited time throughout the Halloween season. Visitors to Walt Disney World Resort can also find a special Halloween achievement at the Haunted Mansion!

And what’s Halloween without some terror-iffic tunes? Guests have been enjoying special Apple Music playlists since Play Disney Parks’ official debut in June, and now our ghostly friends have curated brand new playlists to bring the Halloween festivities to life. Guests visiting Sandy Claws at Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland park can access Apple Music from within the app to listen to a devilishly delightful “Disney Villains” playlist, while visitors at the Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom Park may find a “Halloween Trick or Treat Tunes” playlist featuring classic Halloween songs like “Grim Grinning Ghosts” and newer favorites like “Everybody Scream, Everybody Howl” from the hit Disney Junior series “Vampirina.”

Apple Music subscribers will be able to add these eerily exciting new playlists direct to their Apple Music library. Many new users can sign up for a free three-month trial within the app and listen to the playlists in full!

Be sure to read the terms of use before you download a wallpaper, and download the Play Disney Parks app from the App store or Google Play to check out these all-new Halloween experiences – before they vanish!

September 25, 2018
Walt Disney World Introduces New Date-Based Pricing System For Tickets

Walt Disney World announced on Monday that it’s launching a new date-based pricing system for theme park tickets. Beginning Oct. 16, guests will be able to access our Disney’s new online vacation-planning destination and purchase tickets priced by the date of visit.

When guests are ready to purchase tickets online, they may use an interactive online calendar, which displays different prices based on the dates guests choose to visit and states tickets will need to be used during a specific time period. The calendar also allows guests to quickly see the lowest-priced days within a month. For example, prices may be lower during off-peak travel periods.

These changes are designed to simplify the booking experience, give guests an enhanced way to purchase theme park tickets and help them more easily plan the Disney vacation of their dreams.

The new online vacation-planning destination features park offering overviews, travel tips from Disney Parks Moms Panelists and customized suggestions based on each guest’s personal preferences – helping guests make more informed decisions.

Under the new plan, prices will vary based on the particular day. Single-day tickets will range from $109 to $129, depending on how popular the day is expected to be. Disney states that this will help them “better distribute attendance throughout the year.” The prices are preset for each day and will not change, the company says.

September 25, 2018
VIDEO: Trump Re-Election Banner Hung In Magic Kingdom By Trump Supporter

When you’re in Disney World, politics is the last thing you want to think about. Most people go there to unwind, escape and unplug, but one man this weekend took it upon himself to make a political statement on Main Street U.S.A in the Magic Kingdom at Disney World.

Dion Cini, a New York man, snuck in a very large Tump Re-Election banner and hung it over the railing of the train station near the entrance to the park. According to Cini, there were hundreds of people taking pictures. “take pictures baby,” Cini shouted to onlookers. “Did you get pictures, he asks a guest. “Good I expect them to go viral tonight.”

The banner reads, ‘Re-Elect Trump’ and ‘Keep America Great 2020.’ He claims the first time he has done this in Disney World and you can see him rolling out the banner in the video below:

UPDATE: The Video has been removed from his Facebook Profile, but we were able to find it posted elsewhere on the internet.

Trying to be a discrete as possible, Cini tells a man helping him to “Put it down, don’t let people see this.” Then when he feels the timing is right, he unveils the banner, telling his helper, who appears to be a random nearby guest that he just asked for help, “Throw it over and up” he says. “High as you can.”

“I have a feeling security’s coming soon,” said Cini. Moments later security approached. In all, the banner was hanging for about 60 seconds before Cini was asked to take it down. Pictures of the incident aren’t exactly viral yet, but you can find a few posted on social media like the one below.

@realDonaldTrump Guests hung this in Magic Kingdom today #MAGA pic.twitter.com/L11RyaKqd6

— rhonda thompson (@rhondaplus5) September 23, 2018

We spoke with Cini about his display and found out that the mouse hasn’t been his only target. He has done it in many places including, Yankee Stadium, multiple broadway shows and all around Manhattan. When asked why he did it, “Viral advertising for my president.” he replied.

Though he said security only asked him to take it down, he still made a quick exit and started actively hiding from them. He even made a pit stop in the restroom to change hats as he exited the park, claiming at the end of the video that, “we’ll pick it up again tonight, were going to do it one more time.”

To those who might say Magic Kingdom isn’t the right forum for this type for message, Cini says, “Disney does not have a monopoly on political viewpoints. Should I have done it somewhere else? After all that’s their Flagship product.” he said. “I support my President and the liberal left does not have a monopoly on embedding their political viewpoints into our daily lives.”

He said that the last time he did this at Disney World, security escorted him out of the park, yet he still keeps coming back. It seems they aren’t much of a deterrent for him. “I’ve done this so many times,” he states.

It’s unknown if he will make another attempt later or ever. According to our sources, the man was banned for 60 days and his annual pass was revoked. This has till not yet been confirmed by Disney and when we asked Cini about it, he stated he knew nothing about it and said, “Will find out in a few hours.”

September 23, 2018
Joy Through the World! Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort Return Nov. 8

Before we know it the Halloween decorations will vanish just as quickly as they materialized. Starting November 8, you will be able to celebrate all the holiday magic at Walt Disney World Resort and this my most favorite time of the year begins!

The whimsy and magic that comes with Christmas at Walt Disney World is like no other! From the Candle Light Processional in Epcot to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, there is something for all ages. Even the Walt Disney World resorts get into the holiday spirit with resort themed Christmas trees and in select resorts larger than life gingerbread displays.

On select nights in the Magic Kingdom you and your family can experience snow on Main Street, U.S.A. during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. During this event you can enjoy hot cocoa, snickerdoodles, and a variety of complimentary treats while you listen to the joyful sounds that transform the Magic Kingdom. There are special meet and greets with limited time characters including one very busy Santa Claus, you might even get a glimpse of Sandy Claws. Mickey invites you to join him in front of Cinderella’s castle for the night time firework spectacular Holiday Wishes! Followed by Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade featuring your beloved Disney Characters and the world famous Toy Soldiers!

Tickets for this exclusive event start at $94.00(usd).

Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays is just what everyone needs to get into the Holiday spirit. Make sure to visit each country’s storyteller that will whisk you away to their homeland with stories of how they celebrate the Yuletide holiday. Plan a stop at each country’s Festival booth for a sweet treat and strong drink in celebration of their holiday traditions.

As the sun sets the choir warms up! The world famous Candlelight Processional is the retelling of the Christmas story narrated by a new celebrity every few days. This 50 piece orchestra begins on November 22nd and runs through December 31st! It is a must see that will remind you what the season is truly about.

At Hollywood Studios one of the newest holiday attractions is the Sunset Seasons Greetings. This turns the Hollywood Tower of Terror into a winter wonderland. With snow and your favorite Christmas carols, let the Disney Magic get you in the Holiday mood!

Don’t forget to head over to Toy Story Land where the yet to be revealed “Holiday Cheer” will turn Andy’s backyard into a winter wonderland. End the night with Jingle Bell Jingle Bam! A night time spectacular that mixes fire works with state of the art projections and lasers!

New this year at Disney’s Animal Kingdom you and the character from UP! can learn about Diwali, India’s festival of lights starting November 8th running through January 1st.

The Holiday season at Walt Disney World is a can’t miss. There are so many special touches and fine details that you will only get at Disney. Visit this winter and you will see why it’s my most favorite time of the year!

September 23, 2018
19 Magical New and Limited-Time Experiences Coming to Walt Disney World Resort in 2019

It’s never hard to find a reason to go to Walt Disney World and in 2019 there will be more to see, do, taste and experience in the parks next year than ever before!

Here’s a list of 19 new and limited-time experiences to look forward to in next year at Walt Disney World Resort!

1. In honor of the true originals, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration will bring new music, dancing and all sorts of other fun to Magic Kingdom Park.

2. For starters, the new “Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party” at Magic Kingdom Park will invite you to dance with Mickey, Minnie and their pals in front of Cinderella Castle. Shake it along with live singers belting out new arrangements of classic “Mickey Mouse Club” songs.

3. The Dapper Dans and other entertainers on Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom Park will sing songs in honor of Mickey and Minnie.

4. Look for special Mickey- and Minnie-themed merchandise and food at Magic Kingdom Park to make this party complete.

5. And this is a Surprise Celebration, after all, so you can expect more Limited-Time Magic entertainment and other experiences to pop up periodically around Magic Kingdom Park.

6. The Incredibles are coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as Pixar Place will transform into a Municiberg city block.

7. At the end of the block, a party will be held in honor of Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible and Frozone to celebrate their Super deeds.

8. Meet the one and only Edna Mode – the greatest super suit designer! She will set up a special location on Pixar Place showcasing some of her best creations (no capes!).

9. Also on Pixar Place, look for clues to the whereabouts of the youngest Incredible, the mischievous and multi-powered Jack-Jack.

10. Elsewhere at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a door to the monster world will open inside Walt Disney Presents, where you’ll have a chance to meet Mike and Sulley from Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.

11. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Walt Disney Pictures’ “The Lion King” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom along with Timon and Rafiki in the “Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party” on Discovery Island. Let your inner animal roam free on the dance floor in this raucous party!

12. Also at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, have fun posing in front of special three-dimensional photo opportunities re-creating scenes from the animated classic.

13. The Epcot International Festival of the Arts is back! This year’s special event takes place Jan. 18 – Feb.25, allowing you to indulge in world-class culinary, visual and performing arts.

14. The Disney on Broadway Concert Series is expanding to seven days a week during the Festival of the Arts, so you’ll have even more opportunities to experience some Disney musical magic live on stage.

And later in the year…

15. Welcome spring’s arrival with the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, returning March 6 – June 3 with its wide selection of delectable bites at outdoor kitchens and dozens of Disney-themed topiaries blooming around the park.

16. Even better, this year’s Garden Rocks Concert Series expands, as well, to seven days a week during the Flower & Garden Festival, which means a total of 270 concerts over the course of the 90-day event.

17. Ka-Chow! Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy rolls into Disney’s Hollywood Studios in spring 2019. In this new show experience, you’ll come face to face with Lightning and learn from his years of experience on the track.

18. Outside the Racing Academy, you’ll get to meet Lightning McQueen’s speedy pal, Cruz Ramirez.

And finally…

19. If you haven’t visited Walt Disney World Resort recently, then there’s even more for you to explore and experience. Become an honorary toy at Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, travel to the bioluminescent planet of Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom or wish a fond farewell to “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” – the nighttime spectacular at Epcot– before its conclusion scheduled for the second half of 2019.

If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!

September 21, 2018