Star Wars Weekends Returns To Disney World For 2013!
Star Wars Weekends is returning once more to the Walt Disney World Resort for 4 fun-filled weekends that casual fans and Jedi Masters alike will enjoy.
Starting on May 17, 2013 and continuing each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through June 9th Disney's Hollywood Studios will be transformed into a world filled with Star Wars characters, celebrities from the Star Wars movies, and special events that could only happen at Disney World.
Star Wars Celebrities
Here is your chance to see some of your favorite Star Wars celebrities in person. Each weekend has a different line up. Here is the current scheduled appearances for this year:
Each weekend the events will be hosted by James Arnold Taylor and Ashley Eckstein who lend their voices to Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka Tano in the Star Wars: The Clone Wars Series.
Weekend 1: May 17 to May 19, 2013
- Ray Park (Darth Maul – Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace)
- Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett – Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi)
- Dee Bradley Baker (voice of Captain Rex – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
Weekend 2: May 24 to May 25, 2013
- Ray Park (Darth Maul – Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace)
- Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok – Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi)
- Jim Cummings (voice of Hondo Ohnaka – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
- Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok – Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi)
- Tim Rose (Admiral Ackbar – Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi)
- Sam Witwer (voice of Darth Maul – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
- Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian – Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi)
- Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca – Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi)
- Tom Kane (voice of Yoda – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
Many of the above listed celebrities are Star Wars Weekends regulars like: Warwick Davis, Jeremy Bulloch, Ray Park, and Peter Mayhew.
Each weekend there are special talk show style shows that place, where the celebrities share some of their experiences while making the Star Wars movies or the Clone Wars series.
Photo Opportunities Galore
Have you ever wanted your picture taken with a Star Wars character? Well this is the place to do it. Throughout the weekends there is a long list of characters that are available for photos with the Disney World Guests. Here are some that are scheduled to be available and their expected locations:
Mickey Avenue
- Darth Vader
- Darth Maul
- Boba Fett
- Jango Fett
- Zam Wesell
- Aurra Sing
- Stormtroopers
- Tusken Raiders
- Gamorrean Guard
- Anakin Skywalker
- Commander Cody
- Captain Rex
- Ahsoka Tano
- Asajj Ventress
- Shaak Ti
- Kit Fisto
- Jawas
- Clone Troopers
- Queen Amidala
- Chewbacca
- Ewoks
- Cantina Band
- Leia
- Luke
- C-3PO
- R2-D2
- Jedi Mickey
- Leia Minnie
- Stormtrooper Donald
- Vader Goofy
Who doesn't want to have their picture taken with Chewbacca?
Hyperspace Hoopla
One event that has become a fan favorite is called Hyperspace Hoopla. This end of the day show brings your favorite Star Wars characters together and settles the battle of good versus evil with a no holds barred dance contest that is sure to delight and amaze. This event is pure fun and is not to be missed. You have not experienced Star Wars Weekends if you have not seen the Hyperspace Hoopla!
Disney World Special Event
Star Wars Weekends have become one of the most popular Disney World Special Events that are not to be missed. While others may favor the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, or the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival, you will find that Star Wars Weekends provides great fun for the entire family. If you have never been to one then you are really missing out!
FREE Dining At The Walt Disney World Resort Is Back For September 2013 Vacations!
The fan favorite Disney World Discount Promotion is back! It is time for FREE Dining again! Nothing warms the hearts of Disney World fans than knowing that they can enjoy the wonderful Disney Dining Plan for FREE when they book their Disney World Vacation Package.
Get a FREE dining plan when you purchase a non-discounted 5-night/6-day Magic Your Way room and ticket package at select Disney Resort hotels.
Offer valid for arrivals the following dates:
- September 2 through September 25, 2013
There are two versions of this promotion:
Book Your Resort Stay at:
- Select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts
- Select Disney Deluxe Resorts
- Select Disney Moderate Resorts
and receive the Disney Dining Plan for FREE for each member of your party for each night of your stay.
OR
Book your Resort Stay at:
- Select Disney Value Resorts
and receive the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan for each member of your party for each night of your stay.
Either way you can't lose!
Disney Dining Plan includes meals and snacks at over 100 select
Walt Disney World Resort restaurants. For each night of your vacation package,
each Guest in your party (ages 3 and up) receives:
Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan includes meals and snacks at over 50 select Walt Disney World Resort restaurants. For each night of your vacation package, each Guest in your party (ages 3 and up) receives:
Download complete details: 2013 Quick-Service Dining Plan Details
Important Information
- One Table-Service Meal
- 1 Quick-Service Meal
- 1 Snack
- 1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug
Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan includes meals and snacks at over 50 select Walt Disney World Resort restaurants. For each night of your vacation package, each Guest in your party (ages 3 and up) receives:
- 2 Quick-Service Meals
- 1 Snack
- 1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug
Download complete details: 2013 Quick-Service Dining Plan Details
Important Information
- MUST BE BOOKED BY JULY 31st, 2013
- Number of packages available at this rate is limited.
- Savings based on non-discounted price for the same package.
- Tickets are valid for one theme park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use.
Book Your Vacation Now!
To take advantage of this great deal and book your summer of 2013 Disney World Vacation contact Only WDWorld Travel today at:
- email: info@OnlyWDWorldTravel.com
- phone: 336-899-7943
Late Summer Discounts at Walt Disney World Resorts of Up to 30%
Late summer has become an even better time to visit the Walt Disney World Resort now that great discounts of up to 30% on fantastic Disney World Resort Hotel rooms are available!
Offer is valid for stays most nights:
- August 15 - September 28, 2013
Must book by July 31st!
Here are the details of the discounts available at each resort:
Disney Resort Hotels at 30% Discount
- Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Disney's Old Key West Resort
- Disney Boardwalk Villas
- Disney's Beach Club Villas
- Disney's Contemporary Resort
- Disney's Yacht Club Resort
- Disney's Beach Club Resort
- Disney's Boardwalk Inn
- Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - standard view
- Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Disney Resort Hotels at 25% Discount
- Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
- Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort
- Disney's Fort Wilderness Cabins
Disney Resort Hotels at 20% Discount
- Disney's Polynesian Resort
- Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney's All-Star Music Resort
- Disney's All-Star Sports Resort
- Disney's Pop Century Resort
Disney Resort Hotels at 15% Discount
- Disney's Art Of Animation Resort - Family Suites
Other important information:
- The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
- Length of stay requirements may apply.
- Savings based on the non-discounted price of the same room.
- Additional per adult charges may apply if more than 2 adults per room at Disney Value, Disney Moderate and Disney Deluxe Resorts
Book Your Vacation Now!
To take advantage of this great deal and book your late summer of 2013 Disney World Vacation contact Only WDWorld Travel today at:- email: info@OnlyWDWorldTravel.com
- phone: 336-899-7943
Try Star Tours At Disney's Hollywood Studios To Experience The World Of Star Wars
Hi, I'm Madison, a guest blogger here at Only WDWorld today to talk about Star Tours! I don't know about any of
you but, I am a Star Wars fanatic. So when I heard they revamped the old Star Tours ride of course I was excited.
Let's begin with Star Tours at the once
feared line. The wait here isn't too bad now that the "shiny penny
phase", as I like to call it, has worn off. There are a lot of cool things
added for you to look at as you meander through the forests on the moon of Endor
and, then into a galactic shuttle station. Some of the characters you should
spot in animatronic form are: Admiral Ackbar, C-3PO, and R2D2.
After that you
will make your way up some stairs past
Rex, the droid not the clone wars commander, who is relegated to reject status after being the Pilot of the previous version of Star Tours!
Finally you will board and now you
have a new captain: C3PO! Your flight is stopped by some storm troopers looking
for a rebel spy. The spy will be someone
on the ride with you. I, sadly, have never gotten picked for this honor. I'm still in the process of figuring out when
they take our picture. One time the rebel spy machine picked out a little boy whose face was painted like Darth Maul and I was like "What? Darth Maul's a rebel spy? Did I miss a Clone Wars season?"
The new ride varies greatly from the old model by the
fact that now there is more than one experience. There are lots of different
places can be sent and they are all very fun! Some of them include.... a
galactic battle, Tatooine for pod racing, the wookie planet, Hoth, and even Naboo! I really love this ride and I hope you guys like it too!
P.S. If
any of you are stuck in line for Star Tours and need something to entertain
yourself try decoding Arubish, official Star Wars galaxy language, on the departure screen once you get to the interior
part of the line.
When not riding Star Tours, or attending Star Wars Weekends, you can often find our guest blogger Madison hanging out with her two favorite Disney characters, Chip n' Dale!
Epcot Flower Power Concert Series Lineup for 2013
Disney World welcomes back to Epcot the Flower Power Concert Series again this spring. This free concert series accompanies the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival each weekend from March 8 - May 19, 2013.
This year one of the most highly anticipated groups performing is the Village People. You can catch them performing April 19-22 in the America Gardens Theater.
The Biggest Disney World Sign That You May Have Never Seen!
Hidden in plain sight in Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park at the Walt Disney World Resort is a full size billboard that most Disney World guests have probably never seen.
This billboard is a simulated Diggs County promotional message to promote tourism in this Dinosaur fixated county. You can find this massive sign in Dinoland at Disney's Animal Kingdom located beyond Chester & Hester's Dinosaur Treasures souvenir shop and across from the Primeval Whirl roller coaster.
It is a great example of the detailing created by the Disney Imagineers. It absolutely fits within the kitschy Dinoland that attempts to capture some of the feeling from the tourist attractions that sprung up along Route 66 during its heyday.
The really astute observers will notice that there is not just one full size billboard in this area, but actually three to be found!
The 2nd billboard is a sign denoting the parking lot for Chester & Hester's Dinorama. You may also notice that business must be good, because the price of parking has gone up!
The 3rd billboard really is hidden due to the growth of the foliage in the area. This is another Diggs Country tourist promotion with the catch phase "Where fossils are our way of life!"
So if you have never seen these larger than life signs, make sure that they are on your list to spot during your next Disney World Vacation! These are the details that make the experience so much more enjoyable.
Disney World Resort Discounts Up To 30% Off For Summer 2013!
It is time to think of Summer Vacations! With the latest discount from the Walt Disney World Resort, you may want to spend part of your summer with Mickey Mouse! Now you can receive discounts up to 30% off of the amazing Walt Disney World Resort hotels! There are even additional discounts available if you add at least 4 day Magic Your Way Tickets to your room reservations.
Here are the details that you need:
- Save up to 30% at select Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels for stays most nights 6/13/2013 - 8/14/2013.
- Book your vacation by 6/14/2013 to receive this offer.
- Discounts are off of the regular rack rate for the Disney World Resort hotel rooms. Package purchases are not required.
- Add a minimum of 4 day Magic Your Way Tickets to your room to make it a package and enjoy discounts on both your room and tickets!
Disney Resort Hotels at 30% Discount
- Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Disney's Old Key West Resort
- Disney Boardwalk Villas
- Disney's Beach Club Villas
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
- Disney's Polynesian Resort
- Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney's Contemporary Resort
- Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resort
- Disney's Boardwalk Inn
- Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - standard view
Disney Resort Hotels at 20% Discount
- Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
- Disney's Wilderness Lodge
- Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
- Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort
- Disney's Fort Wilderness Cabins
Disney Resort Hotels at 15% Discount
- Disney's All-Star Music Resort
- Disney's All-Star Sports Resort
- Disney's Pop Century Resort
- Disney's Art Of Animation Resort - Family Suites
Book Your Vacation Now!
To take advantage of this great deal and book your summer of 2013 Disney World Vacation contact Only WDWorld Travel today at:- email: info@OnlyWDWorldTravel.com
- phone: 336-899-7943
Great Tips For Your Disney World Spring Break Trip
Congratulations for planning a Walt Disney World Vacation during Spring Break! The weather is great and there is a world of fun to discover at Disney World. The downside is that you will not be alone. This is one of the most crowded times of the year to venture to Orlando, Florida to visit the Disney World Resort.
Fear not, with a little planning and some helpful advice, you can tour like a pro and make sure that your Spring Break trip is spent enjoying the shows and attractions instead of standing in line.
Disney World Spring Break Vacation Advice
- The most important advice you will receive is to arrive at the parks approximately 30 minutes prior to opening. Even during the busiest seasons, you can still enjoy the parks with minimal lines during the first 2 hours that they are open each day. By arriving prior to the opening time, you maximize this initial slow time and experience the attractions that you have been waiting so long to see!
- Use Disney World's free FastPass system. Disney World allows each guest to reserve access to one of their most popular attractions at a time by using their FastPass system. It is free to use and will greatly reduce your time spent waiting in lines.
- From personal experience we target 20 minutes waiting in line as the threshold. We have gone entire weeks during the busiest part of Spring Break without having to wait longer than that for ANY attraction. To accomplish this you need to follow steps #1 & #2 above and have the discipline to skip attractions when they get lines longer than 20 minutes. This sometimes means making sure that you visit your must see attractions as soon as the park opens or make sure you get a FastPass for them.
- Plan on taking a break in the early afternoons. Shortly after lunch is when the parks get to be at their busiest. This is a good time to go back to your room to relax, enjoy the Resort Pools, or explore some Disney World Resort hotels that you haven't been to before (Disney's Grand Floridian, Disney's Wilderness Lodge, & Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge are all MUST see Disney World attractions in their own right!)
- Make sure that you make all Dining Reservations prior to arriving for your vacation. There is nothing more disheartening than seeing families being turned away from restaurants in the evening because there are no opening and they didn't make reservations. This is an absolute must if you have booked the Disney Dining Plan for your vacation.
- Remain flexible. Although you should have a plan for each day of your trip, don't be afraid to be flexible. Remember that your goal should be to have a great family vacation and that is more important than following your preplanned schedule to perfection.
- If all else fails go to Epcot. If things start to get too crowded, just head to Epcot. This Disney World theme park can handle the extra crowds and with the International Flower & Garden Festival there are many things to see and enjoy beside the normal attractions.
Use these tips to enjoy your Disney World Spring Break Vacation! Don't let the crowds get you down, because you now know how to handle them.
Disney Visa Cardholders Get Great Disney World Resort Discounts Up To 30%
There is no need to wait any longer to book your summer 2013 vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort if you are a Disney Visa Cardholder. Now you can receive discounts up to 30% off of the amazing Walt Disney World Resort hotels!
Here are the details that you need:
- Save up to 30% at select Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels for stays most nights 6/13/2013 - 8/14/2013.
- Book your vacation by 6/14/2013 to receive this offer.
- Discounts are off of the regular rack rate for the Disney World Resort hotel rooms. Package purchases are not required.
Disney Resort Hotels at 30% Discount
- Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Disney's Old Key West Resort
- Disney Boardwalk Villas
- Disney's Beach Club Villas
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
- Disney's Polynesian Resort
- Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney's Contemporary Resort
- Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resort
- Disney's Boardwalk Inn
- Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - standard view
Disney Resort Hotels at 20% Discount
- Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
- Disney's Wilderness Lodge
- Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
- Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort
- Disney's Fort Wilderness Cabins
Disney Resort Hotels at 15% Discount
- Disney's All-Star Music Resort
- Disney's All-Star Sports Resort
- Disney's Pop Century Resort
- Disney's Art Of Animation Resort - Family Suites
Book Your Vacation Now!
To take advantage of this great deal and book your summer of 2013 Disney World Vacation contact Only WDWorld Travel today at:
- email: info@OnlyWDWorldTravel.com
- phone: 336-899-7943
Disney's Princess Half Marathon 2013
The 5th running of Disney's Princess Half Marathon will occur at the Walt Disney World Resort on February 24, 2013. This wildly successful event may be largest women focused endurance race in teh country.
Here are some numbers for the 2013 version of Disney's Princess Half Marathon:
- 23,866 runners
- 22,525 female runners
- oldest runner will be 96
- youngest runner will be 14
- 837 international runners including runners from 34 different countries
Good Luck to all who will be running in this fantastic runDisney event that starts in the Epcot parking lot, runs to and through the Magic Kingdom, continues back to and inside Epcot then back out again for the Finish Line! 13.1 miles of Disney World fun to certainly be proud of!!!
Signs Of Disney World: Phineas and Ferb Agent P's World Showcase Adventure
The Walt Disney World Resort has been trying hard to make their guest's vacation experience more interactive and individualized. This is being accomplished through a series of interactive attractions, queues, and activities. One such interactive activity can be found in Epcot's World Showcase.
The world of Disney's Phineas and Ferb comes to Epcot in the form of Agent P's World Showcase Adventure. This interactive activity teams up Disney World guests with Perry the Platypus's alter ego, Agent P, in a fun filled adventure that takes them to various lands of the World Showcase to explore it like they never have before.
This sign is your call to join the fun and start your own adventure!
Signs of Disney World: Mariachi Cobre At Epcot
When you are wandering through the World Showcase in Epcot, one of the signs that you have entered the Mexico Pavilion are the sounds of Mariachi Cobre, the Disney World strolling mariachi band.
This set of posters plastered on a wall in Epcot are a great example of the creative genius of the Disney Imagineering staff to incorporate this detailing almost subliminally into the background. Check out not one, but three different signs incorporated together.
Disney World Dining: Biergarten Restaurant
In a pavilion that does not feature a traditional attraction, the Biergarten Restaurant is the main attraction here with live entertainment to enjoy while you dine.
The restaurant is designed to make you feel like you are outside enjoying the Oktoberfest. The tables are large, which makes it the best location to dine at with large parties. If you are a small party, you may be seated with another. The atmosphere is fun and friendly, so do not worry about being seated with another family at your table.
The Biergarten Restaurant serves both Lunch and Dinner with a very similar menu for both. If you are not using the Disney Dining Plan, you may want to consider visiting here during lunch hours, saving over $10 per adult. You will enjoy all your German favorites and see the same entertainment that you would see at dinner. The meal is an all you care to eat buffet for both meals.
At the buffet, you will see a wide array of options including salads, meats, breads, sides, & desserts. A special treat is the cheese soup, which compares very closely to the more famous one served at Le Cellier. German cuisine favorites are: Schnitzel, Spaetzle. Red Cabbage, Sauerkraut, and German Sausages. There is also a carving station served freshly carved meats.
SUMMARY
The Biergarten Restaurant in Epcot's German Pavilion is a great restaurant for the entire family. The atmosphere is fun for all ages with lively entertainment. It is also one of the best restaurants in all of Disney World for large families. This is not the restaurant for a quite romantic date night, the restaurant is noisy and has the joyous feel of Oktoberfest.
This restaurant is certainly recommended for you to try during your next Disney World Vacation. Although making reservations ahead of time is strongly recommended, this is one restaurant that can accommodate a large number of people and can usually fit you in.
Epcot's Boulangerie Patisserie Has New Location & Expanded Menu
Disney World Guests have long enjoyed the treats that could be found in the France Pavilion of Epcot's World Showcase at a bakery called Boulangerie Patisserie.
Visitors to Epcot will now notice that the location for these french sweets has changed. They have moved down the street, so to speak, to a bigger location.
Co-located with the gift shop at the exit to Impressions de France, the new Boulangerie Patisserie now has a large indoor seatings area and a much expanded counter area to order from.
Above are pictured the various menu boards so that you can see the full listing of available food items, dessert treats, and drinks that are now available.
If you have always been a fan of the Boulangerie Patisserie and thought it was your special secret tucked away in the back of the France Pavilion, your secret is now out. The good news is that the new version is larger and better than ever. Enjoy and if you can't make up your mind, try the Napoleon!
