Excitement Of Upcoming Disney World Vacation
Disney World Vacation Experience
The excitement of the upcoming trip involves a combination of getting a chance to relive the favorite attractions, restaurants, and activities from previous Disney World Vacations mixed with the excitement of experiencing new (or at least new to you) Disney World attractions.
Disney World Vacations can be broken up into 4 categories:
- The Resorts
- The Parks
- The Food
- The Magic
Disney World Resorts
No matter which Disney World Resort you stay at (there are currently over 20 to choose from) it provides a special vacation experience. Part of the fun is choosing from staying at a favorite Disney World Resort or trying one you have never visited before.
Often I will split my vacation stay amongst two different resorts in order to be able to try new resorts and revisit old favorites. For my upcoming trip, my family will start out at Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort and later move to the Boardwalk Villas. This will be our first stay at the relatively new Bay Lake Tower and the excitement of staying at a Resort that is linked to the Magic Kingdom by monorail is a special treat.
No matter which Disney World Resort you choose, there is something special about staying on property and enjoying even more Disney Magic after you leave the Parks.
No matter which Disney World Resort you choose, there is something special about staying on property and enjoying even more Disney Magic after you leave the Parks.
Disney World Parks
With four theme parks to be enjoyed at Disney World, there are always new attractions and shows to see. The newest attraction is Star Tours - The Adventure Continues which is a major overhaul of one of Disney's Hollywood Studios longest running attractions and a fan favorite.
At the Magic Kingdom the special The Magic, The Memories, and You! presentation (pictured above) prior to the Wishes Fireworks show is an incredible use of new projection technology that is certain to amaze your entire family.
Most vacations are never long enough to experience every attraction and show at all four Disney World Theme Parks so there is a great opportunity to make each vacation unique. Combine visits to your old favorites with attractions that you have never experienced, or it has been a long time since you have seen them. You can also get a different experience by riding an attraction at night versus the day time. Many classic rides become whole new experiences at night.
Disney World Food
Don't overlook the great Disney World Restaurants and dining experiences during your vacation. With approximately 100 table service restaurants within the Walt Disney World Resort, there are no shortages of places to try. They range from Dinner Shows like the Hoop Dee Doo Revue, to Character Dining Experiences like Chef Mickey's, Fine Dining at The Flying Fish, Casual Dining at Beaches & Cream, and Buffets like the Biergarten in Epcot Germany. There are restaurants to handle all sizes of families, occasions, and eating preferences. Many of the Disney World Restaurants are practically attractions themselves with incredible theming to go along with the great cuisine.
Even the Quick Service Dining locations provide opportunities to eat more than just burgers and pizza. This is not your typical theme park fare. The prices may not be cheap, but you can get good food and have a wide variety of choices.
Disney World has so many signature food items that many Disney World Guests crave their favorites long before their return. Items like the Dole Whip, Butterfinger Cupcake, Mickey Head Ice Cream Bar, Tonga Toast, and Le Cellier Filet with Mushroom Risotto drive people crazy in anticipation.
Disney World has so many signature food items that many Disney World Guests crave their favorites long before their return. Items like the Dole Whip, Butterfinger Cupcake, Mickey Head Ice Cream Bar, Tonga Toast, and Le Cellier Filet with Mushroom Risotto drive people crazy in anticipation.
Disney World Magic
The Disney World Magic is the unexpected that you come to expect at Disney World. Often the Disney Magic is created by the wonderful Disney Cast Members. Pictured above is a Disney World Cast Member who has "painted" Mickey Mouse with water on the sidewalk in Epcot and now has asked a young Disney World Guest to help put on the finishing touches.
The Magic is everywhere at Disney World and you never know where you will find it, or what will create that special memory that your family will talk about for years to come.
The Magic is everywhere at Disney World and you never know where you will find it, or what will create that special memory that your family will talk about for years to come.
Can't Wait For Disney World
With so much to look forward to, it is no wonder that people get excited! A Disney World Vacation is unlike any other. It provides a family friendly setting that even appeals to adults on vacation. It is a place to fill your day with activities or just slow down relax and enjoy your time away. The choice is up to you.
Count down the days on the calendar until your next Disney World Vacation. Hopefully you will not have to wait too much longer!
Count down the days on the calendar until your next Disney World Vacation. Hopefully you will not have to wait too much longer!
Former Hollywood Landmark - Carthay Circle Theater Is Recreated At Disney World
Carthay Circle Theater
The original Carthay Circle Theater resided at 6316 San Vicente Boulevard and opened in 1926. It became one of the most famous movie theaters in Los Angeles during Hollywood's Golden Age.
On December 21, 1937 the Carthay Circle Theater became tied to Disney forever. That was the day that Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs premiered to a star studded audience. Little did the assembled celebrities know at the time, but the first feature length animated film by Walt Disney was to create a phenomena that was previously unheard of taking mere cartoons into the forefront of Hollywood Entertainment.
Within the Disney World version of the Carthay Circle Theater you can discover several pictures that were taken during the momentous premiere of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs.
Walt Disney And Lillian At The Premier Of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs.
Celebrities wait in line outside the theater with Costumed Dwarfs At The Premier.
Pioneer Of Fantasound
The other noted Disney premier to be held at the Carthay Circle Theater was Fantasia in 1940. Not only was Fantasia a film that was many years ahead of its time, but the Carthay Circle Theater became one of two theaters in the country to install special "Fantasound" Equipment so that the audience could enjoy the movie in stereo sound. This was the pre-cursor to the advanced sound systems that movie goers take for granted today.
Carthay Circle Theater - Only At Disney's Hollywood Studios Today
Unfortunately today you can only find the Carthay Circle Theater at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This retail location is the only testament to the original besides pictures, since the Hollywood original was demolished in 1969 after being considered obsolete.
When you visit Disney's Hollywood Studios take note that this Sunset Boulevard Landmark is a re-creation of a Hollywood Legend that played a prime role in Disney company history. Take the time to go inside and check out the pictures of the original and soak up some of that Hollywood atmosphere.
Meet Angelica From Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 At Disney World
At the Magic Kingdom you will be able to encounter Angelica for yourself near the Pirates Of The Caribbean attraction. Check out this Disney Parks Video showing the Disney World Guest reaction to seeing Angelica at the Magic Kingdom.
Don't forget to check out Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 for yourself. The latest installment of this incredible series is certainly worthy of seeing in the movie theaters.
Visit Norway Without Leaving Disney World
A Disney World Vacation is filled with adventures to many different lands, some real, while others only live through the power of imagination. One very real land that you can explore is the Norway Pavilion as part of the Epcot World Showcase. Here you can experience a taste of Norwegian architecture, cuisine, culture, and history without leaving the comforts of Disney World in Florida.
Norway Disney World Style
Many Disney World guests have never visited Norway first hand, so they depend upon the Disney Imagineers to create a land that tells the story of Norway through the buildings and landscaping that permeates the Norway Pavilion.
Norway's History - Stave Church
One of the the most recognizable landmarks when you visit Epcot Norway is their re-creation of a Stave Church. The Stave Churches ( Stavkirke ) once numbered over 1,000 in Norway with their roots going back to 1100 AD when almost every town and village had one. Now only about 28 are still in existence. The Epcot version is a re-creation of the Stave church in Borgund, Norway built in 1180.
Norway's People - Greta Waitz
One of Norway's most loved athletes has been memorialized at the Epcot Norway Pavilion. Greta Waitz, the champion Marathon runner who won 9 New York City Marathons is remembered with a statue. The statue has been a part of the Norway Pavilion for many years, but Greta passed away earlier this year due to cancer.
The area where you will find the statue is also popular due to the grass roof found above the outdoor eating pavilion. The landscaping helps deliver the rural Norwegian feel to the area.
Akershus Castle
In a tribute to the real 14th century castle called Akershus in Norway overlooking the harbor in Oslo, Epcot has built their own version that also serves as a restaurant of the same name. Here you can feast on Norwegian cuisine and see a variety of Disney Princesses within the Royal Banquet Hall of Akershus.
Kringla - Bakeri og Cafe
If you are not up for a full Norwegian feast, you can certainly make room for some Norwegian baked treats at Kringla - Bakeri og Cafe. Here you will enjoy the aromas of some wonderful baked goods like the famous School Bread, Kringla Sweet Pretzel, Cloudhorn, Blood Orange Custard, or Rice Cream.
The Puffin's Roost
There are plenty of opportunities to purchase authentic Norwegian clothing, perfume, and other items at The Puffin's Roost. You can also get your picture taken in front of the large wooden Trolls or dress like a Viking for a memorable picture.
Norwegian Architecture
Along with the centuries old Stave Church and Akershus Castle you also have shops and buildings that are more reminiscent of more recent Norway. The Disney Imagineers have done a great job to make the transitions and have them seamlessly fit together in one cohesive village.
Maelstrom - The Thrill Ride
Although thrill ride is probably stretching it, Maelstrom is the closest that you will get to a Thrill Ride in Epcot's World Showcase. This water based ride takes you on a journey from Norway's Viking roots through it's Legends of Trolls to it's present day life on the sea with Oil Drilling and Fishing. The ride has one semi-thrilling drop and audio-animatronic characters to keep the ride fun. The drop is slightly more exciting than the one on Pirates Of The Caribbean, but not like Splash Mountain. The end of the ride gives guests and chance to watch a brief film to learn more about Norway.
Norway's Viking Roots
Throughout the Epcot version of Norway you will see reminders of the countries Viking Roots, whether it would be the remnants of the 10th Century Dragon-Headed Norse Ship, the Viking Statue in front of the Stave Church or the references within Maelstrom.
Norway - The People
One of the best ways to experience Norway at Epcot is to talk to the Cast Members that are all natives of Norway, working usually for 1 year a Epcot. They are interesting to converse with and that is a great way to learn more about this Scandinavian Country. It is especially a great opportunity for children to learn about a country that they may have not visited in person.
Experience Norway - Disney World Style
Even a short visit to the Norway Pavilion in Epcot can provide the opportunity to come away with a better understanding of the history, culture, architecture, and cuisine of Norway. There is so much detail that there are new things to discover during each visit to Epcot.
Fate Brings Changes To Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room
Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room was a landmark achievement when it first opened in Disneyland in 1963. This attraction became the first to utilize audio-animatronic characters. This pre-dated Disney's work with the well known Abraham Lincoln figure that made it's mark at the 1964-65 New York World's Fair.
In what was to originally be a dinner show attraction, it was decided during the design phase to drop the dining aspect and turn the show into it's own attraction for Disneyland.
When Disney World was built The Enchanted Tiki Room had to be part of the new Magic Kingdom. As an opening day attraction on October 1, 1971 it was almost identical to the Disneyland version, but received the name: Tropical Serenade.
This family friendly attraction included 88 singing audio-animatronic birds along with animated tikis, flowers, masks, and drummers.
In 1998, the Disney Imagineers attempted to "plus" the attraction by adding characters from then recent Disney Movies Aladdin and The Lion King. It was renamed The Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management to reflect the changes to the show.
The pre-show was also updated to set the stage for the show inside by having two bird agents argue about their bird being the big new star of the show.
Zazu from The Lion King
Iago from Aladdin voiced by Gilbert Gottfried.
The changes in the show really counted on the audience being familiar with the characters of Zazu and Iago. As time went on the show became dated and the shows became less and less crowded. Disney lost the "timeless" factor that makes many of their classic attractions fan favorites year after year.
After the fire the Disney Imagineers took the opportunity to listen to the Disney World fans and bring about changes to the show closer to the original version.
Current plans call for the new "old" show to return to the Magic Kingdom on August 15, 2011. It will be called The Enchanted Tiki Room. We are looking forward to the return of this "timeless" classic that relies less on current movie characters and more on good family entertainment.
Disney World Resort Rooms Fit For A Princess (Or A Pirate)
Disney World Royal Guest Rooms
Starting in March 2012 there will be 512 Royal Guest Rooms available at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort that will indulge your own Royal Family. This Disney Moderate Resort is creating these special rooms because Princess Tiana ("The Princess and The Frog") has invited some of her fellow Disney Princesses, like Belle ("Beauty and the Beast"), Jasmine ("Aladdin") and more for a vacation getaway and not just any room will do.
As pictured above, each room will include beds with ornate headboards featuring fiber-optic special effects, and gold and crystal accents. Guests also can enjoy artwork and special mementos left by Tiana’s royal friends. This will certainly delight the Princess (or Prince) in your family while still fitting into your vacation budget.
Great Theming At Disney Moderate Resort Pricing
Typically the Pirate Themed Room ($184 per night in Value Season) will cost only $30 more per night over a normal Caribbean Beach Resort Room. This is a great way to add a really special element to your vacation and still save hundreds of dollars versus staying at one of Disney's Deluxe Resorts.
Disney Dining Plan? Three Disney World Restaurants You Must Try!
Three Disney Dining Plan Deals
Each of the three restaurants that are featured provide excellent Disney Dining Plan deals. That means that eating at these restaurants and paying cash would be more expensive than your typical Disney World Restaurant, but they still only require the use of one Disney Dining Plan Table Service Credit to eat there.
These restaurants all have special elements that you will not find in local restaurants in your area. They provide menus with interesting cuisine, excellent theming, and two out of the three also provide special entertainment.
Using the Disney Dining Plan is an excellent way to experience these three excellent Disney World Restaurants and still keep to your budget. They will make your Disney World Vacation experience even more memorable.
Situated within the Norway Pavilion of Epcot's World Showcase is the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. Inside this medieval, royal eating establishment you will be treated to Norwegian cuisine, and you will also have one of the best opportunities to meet Disney Princesses anywhere in Disney World.
The meal is often referred to as the Princess Storybook Dining. It is available for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, but Dinner would be the best use of your Disney Dining Plan Table Service Credit. Normally the dinner would cost $46.85 per adult and $25.55 per child. This includes the entire meal, non-alcoholic beverage, dessert and one photo package per group taken with one of the Disney Princesses when you arrive.
Typically you will encounter a number of Disney Princesses during your meal that will make appearances at your table and pose for pictures with your party. You may see: Aurora, Snow White, Belle, Mulan, Jasmine, and others.
If you (or your children) are a fan of Disney Princesses this is the place to be!
The dinner is also special at the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. From the official Akershus menu: "Everyone’s Royal Feast begins with a"Taste of Norway"This magnificent feast includes sliced deli meats, seafood, and a grand selection of prepared salads and cheeses."
The entrees include: Pan Seared Salmon, Oven-roasted Chicken Breast, Norwegian Meatballs, Mushroom Stuffed Pasta, Grilled Pork Tenderloin, and Seared Herb dusted Beef Tips. Each with a Norwegian flair. Each table also receives the Royal Chef's Dessert Plate with Chocolate Mousse, Norwegian Rice Cream, and pastries served family style.
For an incredible dining and entertainment experience alone you should try eating at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, the fact that you can get all of this for one Disney Dining Plan Table Service Credit makes it a must for those using the Disney Dining Plan.
Boma features African inspired cuisine to match the setting of the resort. As a guest you will be treated to a buffet that has a variety of tastes to sample that will be unlike any restaurant that you would typically encounter.
It starts with a selection of African Breads. Then there are a selection of salads and fruits to temp your palate. Boma is especially known for the soups that are available. There usually are several to choose from and they are wonderful. There are also a number of African vegetable dishes.
The entree items include: Durban Spiced Roasted Chicken, Malabu Pepper Steak, Wood Roasted meats, Bobotie (Lamb and beef quiche with onions, raisins, and bread), Chicken Pepper Pot, Curried Coconut Seafood Stew, Couscous Marrakesh & Grilled Seafood.
It is all topped off with a dessert bar that includes the world famous Zebra Domes and Simba Paw Prints that must be tried.
If you were paying out of pocket to eat here the Adult meal would cost $39.40 and Children would be $19.16. Again this makes a very good use of your Disney Dining Plan Table Service Credit.
Eating dinner at Boma makes for a wonderful evening that is an escape, even within Disney World. You are immersed within this beautiful African setting and can enjoy the surroundings of the resort and then partake in the exotic tastes of the buffet. There are food choices for even the picky eater, but this is really a chance to explore and experience new flavors. This is an absolute must for anyone that has never had the chance to visit Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and a reason to return for those that have visited.
Last, but certainly not least is dining at Restaurant Marrakesh. Hidden deep within the Morocco Pavillion in Epcot's World Showcase, Restaurant Marrakesh transports you to Morocco to experience its flavors and culture.
Eating here is much more than just a meal, it is truly an experience. You will not only get to sample authentic Moroccan cuisine, you will also be entertained. Each evening there is live music and a belly dancer performing at different intervals.
From the Official Restaurant Marrakesh Menu: you will find many interesting tastes to consider. The entree choices include: Couscous (the national Moroccan dish) with your choice of Beef, Chicken, Lamb, or vegetables; Shish kebab; Roast lamb Meshoui (traditional roasted lamb shank in natural juice with couscous), lemon Chicken, Chicken kebabs, North Atlantic Salmon, Mogador Fish Tangine (marinated fish with olives, lemon confit, potatoes, green peppers and chermula sauce), or Moroccan Sampler platters providing a taste of several different dishes.
These dishes normally cost from $24.95 to $36.95, plus with the Disney Dining Plan you will also receive your choice of non-alcoholic beverage and Dessert. This makes the normal Adult "meal" cost around $35 - $45 + tax. Again this is a great use for the Disney Dining Plan Table Service Dining Credit.
This underrated restaurant is a great Disney Dining Experience. You will enjoy the atmosphere and get a chance to sample authentic Moroccan cuisine in a beautiful setting while enjoying the Moroccan entertainment.
Use The Disney Dining Plan To Its Fullest
Take our advice and try these three fantastic Disney World Dining experiences when you are using the Disney Dining Plan. They can be very expensive when you are not on the Disney Dining Plan, so sometimes people tend to shy away and miss these great dining opportunities. Use the Disney Dining Plan to its fullest and don't miss out on these overlooked gems.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets Are Available Now
2011 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Schedule
- Tuesday, November 8, 2011
- Wednesday, November 9, 2011
- Friday, November 11, 2011
- Sunday, November 13, 2011
- Tuesday, November 15, 2011
- Friday, November 18, 2011
- Sunday, November 27, 2011
- Tuesday, November 29, 2011
- Wednesday, November 30, 2011
- Friday, December 2, 2011
- Sunday, December 4, 2011
- Tuesday, December 6, 2011
- Wednesday, December 7, 2011
- Friday, December 9, 2011
- Sunday, December 11, 2011
- Tuesday, December 13, 2011
- Wednesday, December 14, 2011
- Friday, December 16, 2011
- Sunday, December 18, 2011
Special Disney World Event
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is an event that is fun for the entire family. From the beautiful decorations to the special Christmas Parade and Fireworks display, it is a night your family will not soon forget. For detailed pricing and to purchase tickets online visit: Disney World Website.
2011 Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets Available Now
2011 Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Schedule
- Tuesday, September 13, 2011
- Friday, September 16, 2011
- Tuesday, September 20, 2011
- Friday, September 23, 2011
- Tuesday, September 27, 2011
- Friday, September 30, 2011
- Sunday, October 2, 2011
- Thursday, October 6, 2011
- Friday, October 7, 2011
- Monday, October 10, 2011
- Tuesday, October 11, 2011
- Friday, October 13, 2011
- Sunday, October 16, 2011
- Tuesday, October 18, 2011
- Thursday, October 20, 2011
- Friday, October 21, 2011
- Sunday, October 23, 2011
- Tuesday, October 25, 2011
- Thursday, October 27, 2011
- Friday, October 28, 2011
- Sunday, October 30, 2011
- Monday, October 31, 2011
- Tuesday, November 1, 2011
You can purchase tickets at the Disney World Website.
FREE Disney Dining Plan Offer For Fall 2011
FREE Disney Dining Plan Offer Details
This offer is good for stays at a Disney World Resort Hotel for most nights between August 28 and September 24, 2011. When you purchase the New Memories Vacation Package for 5-nights/6-days that includes room, theme park tickets, and a 20-page Disney's Photpass Photo Book you receive a Disney Dining Plan for FREE. There are two offers available depending upon which Disney World Resort Hotel you wish to stay at.
(Offer 1) FREE Disney Dining Plan
To receive the original Disney Dining Plan for FREE, book your Disney Vacation Package including a stay at one of the Walt Disney Resort's Moderate, Deluxe, or Deluxe Villa Resort Hotels.
Disney Dining Plan:
Choose meals and snacks at over 100 select Walt Disney World restaurants, including some with Character Dining. Each day during your package stay, each person over 3 years of age will receive:
- 1 Table-Service Meal
- 1 Quick-Service Meal
- 1 Snack
(Offer 2) FREE Disney Quick Service Dining Plan
To receive the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan for FREE, book your Disney Vacation Package including a stay at one of the Walt Disney Resort's Value Resorts including: Disney's All-Star Sports, Disney's All-Star Music, Disney's All-Star Movies, or Disney's Pop Century Resorts.
Disney Quick Service Dining Plan:
Choose Quick-Service meals and snacks at over 50 select Walt Disney World restaurants. Each day during your package stay, each person over 3 years of age will receive:
- 2 Quick-Service Meals
- 2 Snacks
- One Resort Refillable Drink Mug (refillable only at your Walt Disney World Resort Hotel)
Note: Number of room allocated for these offers is limited. Tickets are for one theme park per day and must be used within 14 day of first use. Some table service restaurants may have limited or no availability at time of package purchase.
