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

The Fireworks Photography Field Guide

I love taking pictures while I'm in Walt Disney World, there are so many interesting sites to see, it's almost impossible to capture them in the ever-changing Disney Parks environment. I do fairly well at taking pictures by day, but when the night comes it's a whole different story. Before each vacation I try to read the camera's little manual so that I remember what settings I have available, but armed with my little point and shoot in the dark I frequently forget what I'm supposed to do.

Power Up: New Tech Merchandise Available at Disney Shops

Extra batteries and chargers are staple items to add to your tech bag before leaving on vacation. In my bag you'll find a variety of chargers to keep me going throughout my day of heavy touring. For my usage of heavy tweeting and texting during vacations, my iPhone battery will last me until about mid-day. After that it's time to plug in and power up to both keep in touch with the rest of our party, and share the fun with my Twitter stream. In the past if you forgot your spare battery you were just plain out of luck, but now if you forget, now Disney's got your back.

Walt Disney World Guest Assistance Cards

**UPDATE**

The Guest Assistance Card Program in this article is being replaced on October 9th, 2013. Please visit our page about the new Disability Access Service Card for the most current information.

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Fountains of Imagination

There are spots scattered around Disney Parks and resorts that not only provide their section of the park with themed atmosphere, but also have the effect of bringing people together. The most beloved of these places may be the jumping fountains outside of the Imagination Pavilion.

Disney Design Group Artist Showcase with Alex Maher

One of the things that I love most about Disney is the great access that they offer fans to the artists who create the works that we love. In March of 2012 Disney Design Group's Artist Alex Maher will make a very special appearance on Friday, March 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, March 31 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace.

3 Great Jogging Trails at Walt Disney World Resort

Jogging trails are offered for guests to use throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Most of the Disney Hotels have "Winding paths through serene wilderness and scenic trails alongside sprawling lakes and rivers," offer some of the most charming and tranquil views of the property. If you plan on using the resort's jogging trails during your stay, please ask for maps and information at the front desk of your resort hotel. I thought that I'd share a couple of the ones that I've walked.

Spring Training at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

For its 15th consecutive year, the Atlanta Braves will be returning to Walt Disney World's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. With 18 homes games against some of the MLB's top teams, catching a game during your visit at Walt Disney World could be a fun time for you and your family!

Carriage Rides at Disney World

Looking to add a little extra magic to your next Disney vacation? Why not try a carriage ride? Guests can enjoy carriage rides at the Fort Wilderness Resort and the Port Orleans Riverside Resort.

Magical Family Reunions at Walt Disney World

At a loss for what to do for your next family reunion? What could be more fun than having it at Disney World?

Fantasmic! A Disney Hollywood Studios Nighttime Spectacular

When the sun goes down at Walt Disney World it doesn't have to be time to head home. My family loves to spend nighttime in the parks and explore all of the magical details of Disney after dark. Fans know that some of the most spectacular shows and effects that Disney has created to entertain the masses happen at the end of the night. Fan favorites include "Wishes" Magic Kingdom Fireworks, Epcot's "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth", and my favorite at Disney's Hollywood Studios "Fantasmic!"