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Dateline Disney - September-October 2008 In This Edition:
# Disney's Hollywood Studios: Night of Joy launches a new era at a new Disney
home
-------------------------------- LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The 26th Night of Joy at Walt Disney World Resort will have lots of "news" surrounding a lineup featuring a "Who's Who" of Christian music Sept. 5-6:
# Disney's Hollywood Studios will host the event for the first time A stellar 16-act lineup (with eight acts performing each night) will feature Artist of the Year tobyMac, Male Vocalist of the Year Chris Tomlin, Group of the Year Casting Crowns and New Artist of the Year Brandon Heath plus enduringly popular MercyMe and Rebecca St. James. Here's the complete talent lineup with show times and locations (subject to change): FRIDAY, SEPT. 5
Artist - Stage - Showtimes SATURDAY, SEPT. 6 Artist - Stage - Showtimes
Red - Lights, Motors, Action! - 7:15pm One-night advance tickets ($44.95) and two-night tickets ($75.95) can be purchased online at www.disneyworld.com/nightofjoy or by calling 407/W-DISNEY. Groups of 10 or more can go to www.nightofjoy.com or call 877/NITEJOY for ticket information. Guests attending Night of Joy can combine an evening of Christian music with the thrills of popular Disney's Hollywood Studios attractions plus a DJ dance party each evening. -------------------------------- Mickey and Minnie Planning to Show off New Costume-Party Look at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Dates Beginning Sept. 5 LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- When the Disney characters dress up for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this September and October, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be debuting a whole new look. Mickey has traded his scarecrow costume for stunning purple and orange eveningwear fit for a Halloween ball. Not to be outdone, Mickey's best girl, Minnie Mouse, exchanged her witch costume for a party dress to complement Mickey's attire. For Mickey, it's a top hat and purple tails. For Minnie, it's a party dress with a purple hat with an orange ribbon -- bright and colorful, befitting the fun on 25 evenings between Sept. 5 and Oct. 31 when Magic Kingdom hosts the popular after-hours party. Guests are invited to dress up as well for the 7 p.m.-midnight party which features two scheduled entertainment extravaganzas guests can see at no other time: the "Boo-to-You" Halloween parade and the bewitching "Happy HalloWishes" fireworks spectacular. There's trick-or-treating galore and also a chance to experience popular attractions throughout the evening. Parties are slated for Sept. 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 28, 30 and Oct. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31. To purchase advance tickets, guests can call 407/W-DISNEY or visit disneyworld.com/halloween. -------------------------------- Disney Vacation 'Know-It-Alls' Can Apply for 2009 Moms Panel Sept. 8-19 LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Disney Parks undertakes its search in September for a group of park-savvy parents to be named the 2009 Walt Disney World Moms Panel, following in the footsteps of the first-ever online Walt Disney World Moms Panel which has been fielding and answering thousands of vacation questions in 2008. The quest is for 16 parents who pride themselves on being Walt Disney World "know-it-alls" and have an undying passion to share their Disney knowledge with others at www.disneyworldmoms.com. From Sept. 8 through Sept. 19, interested applicants can visit www.disneyworldmoms.com/2009 to apply for the panel. The application process begins with a series of questions and three brief essays -- about their family, why they are a great Walt Disney World vacation planner and their favorite Disney vacationing tip. "The first-ever Disney Moms Panel has responded to more than 9,000 questions from vacation planners this year. They have offered our guests countless tips to plan a magical vacation at our resort," said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort. "We thank the 2008 panel for their contributions and look forward to working with a new group of parents." Since the launch of www.disneyworldmoms.com in January 2008, the current 12-person panel has responded to questions covering just about anything from how to sign up for a character dining experience to what items are allowed in the parks. -------------------------------- Bocuse d'Or USA Cook-Off Headlines Opening Weekend of 13th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Eight top U.S. chef teams will chop, sauté and display culinary masterpieces as they compete in the Bocuse d'Or USA semifinals Sept. 26-27 during the opening weekend of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort. The U.S. cook-off of the prestigious international cuisine contest will be staged before a live audience at the park's World Showplace. The winning team, to be selected by prominent chef judges, will be announced Sept. 27 at the reservation-only Bocuse d'Or Grand Gala. The country's leading chef candidates, each with one assistant, will prepare elaborate fish and meat platters to be judged on taste, presentation, creativity and technical precision. During the contest, park guests can enter and exit the cooking arena at their leisure. The finalist team will compete in January at the international contest in Lyon, France, founded by renowned French chef Paul Bocuse. The Epcot festival runs Sept. 26-Nov. 9 and features more than 25 international marketplaces showcasing the world's top "foodie" cities, from trendy Cork, Ireland, to exotic Marrakesh. Entrance to the Bocuse d'Or culinary contest, complimentary wine and beer seminars, culinary demonstrations, cultural exhibits, Eat to the Beat! concerts and all attractions and park entertainment are included in Epcot admission. A series of special festival events can be reserved and require separate admission, including: The Party for the Senses grand tasting events, Bocuse d'Or Grand Gala, Food and Wine Pairings at select Epcot restaurants, Epcot Wine Schools, Sweet Sundays and other special wine and culinary programs. Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) for information and to make reservations for special events and programs. Festival details are available at the Web site: www.disneyworld.com/food. -------------------------------- Eight Grammy Winners Included in Eat to the Beat! Lineup During Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Beginning Sept. 26 LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Eight Grammy-winning acts join 10 other stellar hit-makers to bring a rocking mix of classic tunes to Walt Disney World Resort during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival beginning Sept. 26. Eat to the Beat! concerts are scheduled three times daily through Nov. 9. From rock to jazz, funk to pop, 10 new Eat to the Beat! acts and eight returning bands take their turn on the America Gardens Theatre stage in 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. shows. The lineup (subject to change) includes:
Sept. 26-27 -- Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (NEW) -------------------------------- Oct. 12 Race for the Taste 10K at Walt Disney World Resort Offers Fulfillment for Runners with an Appetite for Competition LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The 9th annual Disney's Race for the Taste 10K takes place Oct. 12, giving competitors an opportunity to run and eat during the popular Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort. Runners will enjoy a ceremonial toast and fireworks display at the 7 a.m. start of the race at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, then embark on a 6.2-mile journey through Disney's Hollywood Studios and past Disney's Yacht Club and Beach Club resorts before passing through World Showcase at Epcot, the epicenter of the food and wine festival. At the finish line, runners -- along with ticketed friends and family members -- will have an opportunity to sample international cuisine from the Epcot festival at a post-race picnic. There will also be several Race for the Taste Kids' Races, including a Heelys' Race and Roll race (200m) for kids ages 8-14. Other kids' races include a 100-meter event (ages 1-3), a 200-meter race (ages 4-6), a 400-meter race (ages 7-9) and an 800-meter event (ages 9-11). Runners can register online at www.disneyraceforthetaste.com. Race-only registration is $55; race registration that includes a Disney theme park ticket is $92. Each participant who completes the race will receive a medal shaped like a chef's hat. Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in several categories, including top male, top female and wheelchair divisions. -------------------------------- Quick Service Dining Plan, Pirate-Themed Rooms New Choices for Walt Disney World Guests in 2009 LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Guests planning vacations to Walt Disney World Resort in 2009 can choose a new Quick Service dining plan that can save up to 20 percent on dining and -- Argh, mateys! -- new pirate-themed rooms at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. The new Magic Your Way plus Quick Service Dining is available for arrivals beginning Jan. 11, 2009. This package offers two quick service meals and two snacks for each night of a guest's stay plus a resort refillable drink mug for unlimited refills of non-alcoholic beverages at the guest's Disney resort hotel. The Disney Dining Plan is an option to vacation packages that include accommodations and Magic Your Way tickets. For guests with a passion for pirates, the accommodations in 2009 could be at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. The resort is extending the theme park experience to the hotel room by adding a pirate theme to 384 rooms within the Trinidad South Village area. Each Pirate Room will feature ship-themed beds, buccaneer accessories and swashbuckling décor. Additional information and arrangements are available online at www.disneyworld.com, by calling 407/W-DISNEY or by visiting a local travel agent. -------------------------------- T-Rex at Downtown Disney Will Take Guests on a Dining Adventure to a Prehistoric Time when Restaurant Debuts in October LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Walt Disney World guests will go on an adventure back in time to dine among the dinosaurs when T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover opens it doors by late October at Downtown Disney. T-Rex, developed by Schussler Creative, Inc., and operated by Landry's Restaurants, Inc., features dining and retail in a 30,000-square-foot, 600-seat interactive prehistoric environment. The concept is built around water, fire and ice: Guests will be greeted with life-size animatronic dinosaurs that live among cascading waterfalls, bubbling geysers, a fossil dig site and much more. Schussler Creative Chairman Steve Schussler, the founder of Rainforest Café and T-Rex restaurants, depicts the experience as "edutainment," noting that this "treat for all five senses" includes artifacts such as fossils -- all carefully labeled -- that are hundreds of millions of years old, carefully crafted animatronic dinosaurs, and even a meteorite found in Argentina. A full-size skeleton replica of Argentinosaurus, one of the largest of the dinosaurs and copied from a museum specimen about 125 feet in length, looms over the entrance, joined by a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton. The theme carries over to the menu, which features items with names such as Caesarsaurus (Caesar salad), Raptor Ribs (Asian BBQ ribs), Pterodactyl Wings (Buffalo chicken wings), Triassic Tortellini (tri-colored cheese tortellini) and Gigantosaurus Burger (think really big hamburger!). Menu choices range from starters (appetizers, salads and soups) to pastas, burgers and sandwiches to a broad selection of entrees plus desserts. Some favorites include rotisserie chicken, fried shrimp, steaks and ribs, tarragon chicken salad sandwich, Cobb salad and "Chocolate Extinction." Guests will be able to make reservations by calling 407/WDW-DINE. -------------------------------- Disney Cruise Line Recognized as a Top Cruise Experience by Readers of Travel + Leisure Magazine CELEBRATION, Fla. -- Disney Cruise Line continues to receive top honors in the cruise industry, most recently being recognized in Travel + Leisure magazine's "2008 World's Best" awards. The annual "World's Best" list, which recognizes the best in travel for cities, hotels, islands, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, safari outfitters and car-rental agencies, ranked Disney Cruise Line No. 3 in the "Large-Ship" cruise line category. The ranking was determined by readers asked to rate cruise lines on cabins, food, service, itineraries, destinations, activities and value. "We are delighted to be recognized in the Travel + Leisure "2008 World's Best" awards as one of the top three large-ship cruise lines and the highest ranked cruise line catering to the family market," said Tom McAlpin, president of Disney Cruise Line. "This recognition further enhances our position as the best cruise line for an unparalleled family vacation and motivates us to continue to elevate the Disney Cruise Line experience even higher." Disney Cruise Line has received nearly 50 distinguished awards and honors since first setting sail in 1998. These awards have included all aspects of the operation from dining and entertainment to youth activities and spa facilities. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500. Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at 888/325-2500 or visit www.disneytravelagents.com. -------------------------------- Nominations Open Throughout September for 2009 Disney's Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Teens from across the country with big dreams and aspirations can be nominated during September to be part of the Disney's Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey class of 2009. One hundred high school students will be selected from among those nominated to participate in the academy Feb. 12-15, 2009, at Walt Disney World Resort. An event created to inspire and enrich high school students, Disney's Dreamers Academy will include workshops with Disney cast members and executives, sessions with entertainment celebrities and professional athletes, and time to enjoy the Disney theme parks -- where participants can see, first-hand, the results of people who turned their dreams into careers as "Disney dreamers." The student participants will learn about careers in everything from culinary arts to animation, set design and show production to the business of sports and more. During the inaugural Disney's Dreamers Academy in January 2008, some of the guest speakers were Chef Jeff Henderson, National Football League Hall of Famer Kellen Winslow, pop/R&B recording artists Fantasia and Keyshia Cole, ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith and, of course, syndicated radio personality Steve Harvey. The Disney's Dreamers Academy class of 2009 will be made up of teens nominated betweenSept. 1 and Sept. 30, 2008. Young dreamers -- who must be enrolled in high school for the 2008-09 term -- can be nominated by anyone, including parents, guardians, teachers, church members, social organizations -- even themselves. Although a high GPA is not required, students must exhibit a desire to learn, perhaps needing only additional motivational support to excel. Nomination forms can be found at www.steveharvey.com/disneysdreamersacademy. A select panel of judges including Steve Harvey, community leaders and Disney representatives will choose the 100 finalists. The Disney's Dreamers Academy class of 2009 will be announced in November 2008. (Source: Press Release, 08/18/08)
Dateline Disney - July-August 2008 In This Edition: # Disney's Hollywood Studios: Toy Story Mania! scores topping 300,000 in first month; 'Prince Caspian' comes to life in new soundstage attraction # Epcot: Tribute bands rock during Sounds Like Summer concert series; crab-catching TV stars from 'Deadliest Catch' appear at Norway pavilion # Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex: Tampa Bay Bucs return for NFL Training Camp and guests invited to view practices # Disney Resort Hotels: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa celebrates 20th anniversary with a step into the future -------------------------------- Guests Score Big on Toy Story Mania! During First Month of Attraction's Operation at Disney's Hollywood Studios LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The points are piling up and the spring-action shooters are getting a workout during the first month of operation at Toy Story Mania! -- the new 4-D attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios. An arcade-style tally at the ride's conclusion heralds the high scores of the day as guests try their best to beat the top totals. During the first month of daily operation, daily high scores regularly topped 200,000+ points, while all-time highs have reached the 300,000+ point range. In Toy Story Mania!, guests don 3-D glasses and enter a wild and wooly 4-D world of Woody, Buzz and other favorite "Toy Story" characters. Inspired by the Disney-Pixar films "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2," Toy Story Mania! raises the bar for interactive ride-game attractions. As vehicles move among midway-style game booths, guests aim for 3-D, animated targets using their own on-board spring-action shooters. Players pair up and sit side-by-side, scoring points in a friendly competition that delivers an ever-changing variety of targets and surprises. As they play, guests can actually see the "virtual objects" they've launched -- everything from pies, plastic eggs and pointed darts ... to baseballs, rings and suction-cup darts -- leave their spring-action shooters and hit (or miss) the targets. And thanks to the 4-D special effects technology, they may sense objects popping out of the 3-D scenes and whirring past them. Disneyland Resort in California also welcomed Toy Story Mania! when the attraction debuted June 17 at Disney's California Adventure theme park. -------------------------------- Tampa Bay Bucs Return to Disney for NFL Training Camp LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will come back for their seventh NFL training camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, from July 26-Aug. 14. The team's daily practices are free and open to the public, with the schedule often incorporating two-a-day sessions in the morning and afternoon. Featuring one of the league's most animated head coaches, the Jon Gruden-led Bucs seek to build on their winning ways from 2007 with a collection of established stars such as quarterback Jeff Garcia, linebacker Derrick Brooks and cornerback Ronde Barber. The 2008 season will also see the return of Warrick Dunn back into the Buccaneer fold. The diminutive, big-play tailback spent his first five seasons with Tampa Bay, totaling more than 6,500 yards of offense and 26 touchdowns. A fertile breeding ground for success, the Buccaneers have produced three division titles and one Super Bowl championship since first arriving at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in 2002. Fans once again will be allowed the unique access to witness the daily workouts and drills that NFL players undertake in preparation for the rigorous regular season, along with routine autograph opportunities following practice. -------------------------------- 'Sounds Like Summer' Brings Tribute Bands to Epcot Through Aug. 10 LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Timeless tunes performed by tribute bands have guests groovin' at Epcot America Gardens Theatre during the return of the Sounds Like Summer concert series. The series, which began June 9 and runs through Aug. 10, features a lineup of 'tribute' bands covering famous tunes that have been performed by some of the greatest artists from around the globe. Concerts are included in Epcot admission. The lineup of acts for July and August (talent subject to change) includes: # June 30-July 10: Bjorn Again (A Tribute to ABBA) # July 11-20: Slippery When Wet (A Tribute to Bon Jovi) # July 21-27: 52nd Street (A Tribute to Billy Joel) # July 28-Aug. 3: Captain Fantastic (A Tribute to Elton John) # Aug. 4-10: The Sounds of The Supremes (A Tribute to The Supremes) -------------------------------- Crab-Catching Stars of TV's 'Deadliest Catch' Slated to Appear at Epcot LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Norway pavilion at Epcot will host Sig Hansen -- one of the featured stars on the popular reality series on The Discovery Channel, "The Deadliest Catch" -- for an in-park appearance July 10-13, 2008. Hansen will appear inside The Puffin's Roost, the pavilion's merchandise location, each day. He will be joined by his brothers, Edgar and Norman Hansen, who also appear on the show. A fourth-generation Norwegian fisherman, Sig Hansen is the captain of the Northwestern, one of the crab-catching vessels on "The Deadliest Catch." He, Edgar and Norman own and operate the Northwestern. Based in Seattle, Wash., the Hansens have fished together for nearly 20 years. The Hansens' crab-catching skills on the television show also have inspired "Deadliest Catch: Alaskan Storm," a video game for the Xbox 360 system. In addition to signing autographs and posing for photos, the Hansens will have Northwestern merchandise for sale during their Epcot appearance. -------------------------------- Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Celebrates Two Decades LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- On July 1, 1988, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa opened its doors and invited Walt Disney World guests to rediscover a bygone era of elegance and luxury among the gabled roofs and Victorian balustrades of a turn-of-the-century seaside resort. In the two decades that followed, approximately 15 million guests have enjoyed the splendor of its 867 deluxe accommodations and the gracious hospitality of its cast members. Countless others have been enchanted by the creative cuisine of its incomparable restaurants, including Narcoossee's, Cítricos and Victoria & Albert's, a consecutive recipient of the annual AAA Five-Diamond Award since 2000. Disney's flagship resort is celebrating its 20th anniversary with plenty of "grand" new magic for Grand Floridian guests, including extensive renovations completed in late 2007 that upgraded its guest rooms with sophisticated new furnishings, carpet, drapes, bedspreads, flat-screen televisions and more. Also new is the latest yacht to bear the Grand 1 name, a 52-foot Sea Ray pleasure craft available for chartered cruises across the tranquil waters of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake, and a floating view of nighttime fireworks spectaculars above Magic Kingdom. Coming soon is an opulent marble floor to be showcased throughout the hotel's main lobby and mezzanine. Designed by the creative minds of Walt Disney Imagineering, the lavish enhancement will add another magical touch to a destination resort created as a fantasy image of Florida's past. For rates and availability of Grand Floridian rooms and suites, guests may call 407/W-DISNEY or visit disneyworld.com. -------------------------------- 'Journey Into Narnia: Prince Caspian' Comes to Life In New Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Some of the characters from the timeless fantasy "The Chronicles of Narnia" come to life in a new experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park. "Journey Into Narnia: Prince Caspian," an all-new soundstage experience (opening in late June), offers an in-depth and unique look into the making of "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian," the hit motion picture released in May 2008 by Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media Films. The journey begins at the attraction queue where guests can test their knowledge of the "Narnia" stories. Next, guests will have an option of participating in a meet and greet with Prince Caspian himself. Or, fans have the option to head directly into the new movie attraction "Journey Into Narnia: Prince Caspian." The soundstage experience features a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film with narration from director Andrew Adamson. Guests also can view authentic props from the movie set and costumes worn by the actors and actresses in the film. (Source: Press Release, 06/17/08)
Walt Disney World Rehab Schedule:
"You’ve waited. You’ve dreamed. You’ve planned. Your perfect
Orlando vacation is now only weeks away. To help you get ready, here are
some tips from Orlando insiders on how to maximize your days at our
world-famous theme parks."
Disney Reservation Center is now open until 10 PM.
Lyn writes: "Is there any way to tell far enough in advance if it's going to be Pop Warner week in Disney World? We recently went December 3-11 and the crowds were insane! You couldn't move in the parks - or the stores in Downtown Disney. It was like going in July only the weather was better. We definitely do not want to repeat that. We like going during the holidays because the crowds are usually lighter and the decorations are fabulous! Thanks so much for all your work." Looks like the championship games take place around December 11. So you would have to stay clear of WDW that week to avoid the largest crowds. Here's their calendar. Glad to be of service.
Melissa writes: "I’m really anxious to make the dining reservations because each year that we go to Disney my daughter misses out on dining at Cinderella’s Castle for breakfast. I am determined to make sure that I get her there for our upcoming trip; but I don’t want to make reservations without knowing the schedule. We’re not utilizing the hopper tickets so my plan is to visit theme parks on the days that they’ll be open up to three hours after closing. So my question is, do you know if Disney will be releasing their schedule for May anytime soon? Thanks!" For Disney's extra magic hours schedule click here.
EXTRA MAGIC HOURS WDW Resort guests, including those staying at the Swan and Dolphin hotel and the Hilton at Downtown Disney can spend an hour in the morning or hours in the evening at the theme parks during Extra Magic Hours. Guests will need to show their Key to the World card. Here's the schedule, which is subject to change:
Sunday - Disney-MGM Studios (evening)
Magic Kingdom:
Epcot:
Disney-MGM Studios:
Animal Kingdom:
ATTRACTIONS AVAILABLE FOR EVENING EXTRA MAGIC HOURS
Magic Kingdom:
Epcot:
Disney-MGM Studios:
Animal Kingdom:
Patrick writes: "John, I am a recent subscriber to your Affordable Guide, and I have found it very helpful in my early planning process. The one thing I cannot seem to find anywhere on the net (including your info) are precise attendance figures for the theme parks per day. I have found numerous sites that talk about the busier months, but no indication of what crowd sizes are for specific days. Have you ever come across such information?" Disney keeps those figures private. The best we can do is avoid the busier seasons and the days marked for Extra Magic Hour. Mondays are the busiest at the Magic Kingdom. Water parks are filled quickly on hot humid days. The water parks and Downtown Disney are busiest during weekends. Weekends are busiest for golfers. All bets are off when Disney runs deals and special events.
Anne writes: "My family and I are planning a week long trip to Disney in August. Could you tell us when and where we can see the fireworks and parades during that time? If you have any other planning tips for visiting in August, we'd sure appreciate them." The Magic Kingdom and MGM have a parade every afternoon. Magic Kingdom has the Mainstreet Electrical Parade twice nightly and a nightly fireworks display. Epcot has a nightly performance of its Illuminations fireworks show: Reflections of Earth. MGM provides plenty of fireworks at its nightly Fantasmic Show. When you arrive, Disney will give you a schedule of all these events. As for tips, keep cool. August is extremely hot. The heat index is often over 100 degrees! Go into the parks early. Leave around noon. Return during the evening when the sun is not directly overhead.
Ruth writes: "We will be there from November 8 - 13. Do you have any particular hints for this time of year? Also, do you recommend A) Hitting the early entry parks at the early opening time and staying all day or leaving around noon... OR B) Hitting the parks the day AFTER its early opening time for resort guests?" Crowds should be highly manageable. Relax and take your time. We never go to the park that opens early. We like to sleep in and hit the parks after 10 AM and stay all day, taking time off to eat dinner. Avoid the park that is offering early entrance or leave as soon as the park opens to the general public.
Patti writes: "John, thanks for all your hard work keeping us "Disney Freaks" satisfied with news and tips from Disney! How did you get started with this? Second: do you or Beth know when the Food and Wine festival is this year? If I haven't moved to FL by then, I am planning another Disney vacation for the end of Oct the beginning of Nov. Thanks for your help!" For our story :), click here.
Shellie writes: "John, I was wondering if Disney (and the other Orlando area parks) has the Gay and Lesbian days the same time every year. I mean around the beginning of June." Gay week is usually the first week in June. This year: June 2-7. Beth, our travel agent, writes: "As I've told many of my clients, it isn't my job to pass judgment on anyone's lifestyle, but it IS my job to make note of any activity out of the ordinary - whatever that may be - that could effect the ability of my client and their family to enjoy their vacation. Gay Days is one of those things I feel obligated to tell people about, but I've admittedly NOT started mentioning it until today because I totally forgot about it... It's not like Disney sanctions it, or brings it to our attention or anything. A cast member mentioned it to me, so I did some investigating and discovered that this year's festivities begin with a short cruise on May 30 and then there are events going on at various locations around Orlando for the entire first week of June. There are "official" hotels of the event, but they are Downtown Disney hotels. Many of the events and activities take place in Pleasure Island. The one thing that people should be aware of is that there is a designated day for each of the theme parks. On those days there will be an unusually large number of people who are clearly identified ( by their t-shirts if nothing else) as being homosexual. I was, in fact, in the Magic Kingdom one year on the designated Magic Kingdom "gay" day and I can honestly say that I didn't really notice anything at all that I felt was inappropriate - although there were an awful lot of people wearing the same shirt (a detail my 4-year-old picked up on) and the attendees are perhaps a bit more relaxed in their behavior with each other than they might normally be in public. Again, nothing inappropriate, but rather actions that you'd expect to see between couples having a great time on vacation together. And that's the thing - they are just people there to enjoy themselves and relax, just like everyone else. The major difference is that they are also there as part of a group that is not hiding who they are. In short, if you're planning to attend Disney the first week of June then you might want to take a look at the calendar. If two guys holding hands as they stroll down Main Street is something that you're not comfortable with or don't want to explain to your kids then avoid the park that the group has designated for each day, or change the dates that you're going to Disney. And if you're borderline about it, then remember that if your young child is anything like mine, he/she will not even notice that there are other people in the parks, let alone what they're doing. If your child is older, this might be a great opportunity for you to have an important talk with your son or daughter."
Chris writes: "As always, enjoy your updates. I just happened to stumble upon a web-site devoted to providing construction updates, etc. for (looks like) every amusement park in the US and then some. Some of the information is rumors, but other information, such as ride closing dates (for maintenance, etc.) would be very beneficial for someone planning a trip."
Jay writes: "You were a big help to me last year when I was making plans to propose at WDW. I wound up going to dinner @ Narcoosee's & then sitting on the beach at the Polynesian. It was Grad nite & the fireworks for that were scheduled to go off @ 12:30 am. As soon as they began @ 12:30 I got down on one knee and proposed, with the fireworks right behind me. It was great. We're leaving in 2 weeks for our honeymoon at the GF... We'd like to relive last year's proposal, but I'm not sure what time the fireworks are scheduled for. WDW could only tell me it will be 11:30 pm, 12 midnight, or 12:30a m but they couldn't confirm which. Do you have any suggestions on how I could attain this info?" Disney presents its fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom during the busier times when crowds are heavy and the park stays open later. You can find Disney's park hours here. You can also call 407/939-4636.
Sandy writes: "Is early entry for "all" or only for Disney site guests and can you tell me the times for the specific parks?" Early entry or "Extra Magic Hour" is for resort guests only.
Sarah writes: "Are there certain days that are less crowded in certain parks?"
Extra Magic Hour days permit guests staying on Disney
property, at the Swan and Dolphin resorts, and the Hilton at Lake Buena Vista
to enter a designated park one hour early according to the following
schedule:
Consequently, the parks are the most crowded on their Extra Magic Hour days. Avoiding those parks on those days will help you avoid the biggest crowds. Attractions open during the Extra magic Hour: Magic Kingdom: Astro Orbiter, Tomorrowland Transit Authority, Tomorrowland Indy Speedway, Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, Space Mountain, Snow White's Scary Adventures, Peter Pan's Flight, Main Street Vehicles, Mad Tea Party, It's a Small World, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Cinderella's Golden Carrousel, and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin.
Epcot: Spaceship Earth, Test Track and Universe of Energy Disney-MGM Studios: Jim Henson's Muppet Vision 3-D, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Star Tours and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Kevin and Amy write: "My husband has a conference at Swan and Dolphin next year from June 1-4. I know that in the past the gay community meets in Disney around that time. Do you know... when that will be? I'm concerned about explaining alternate lifestyles to a 6 and 8 year old. Our son is high-functioning autistic and can't always keep those questions and comments to himself; I'm concerned that he might hurt someone's feelings without even trying. Thanks for the help." The first week in June is traditionally Gay Week.
Mary writes: "We were thinking about going to Disney the last week in August and first week in September. How crowded can we expect the parks to be?" The parks will not be very crowded since the children will have returned to school by then. Disney's value rates kick in the last week in August.
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WDW Entertainment Schedule: To access Walt Disney World's entertainment schedule, click here.
Teresa is the guide for the "travel with kids" section at About.com and she writes: "So, first a question: unfortunately we're limited to school vacations as my kids can't miss any more school days except at the end of June. What would you recommend: last week of June, plus early July? or last week of August, early September? I'd really appreciate your advice! I'm planning a 10 or 11 day trip -- do you think that's adequate time?" The end of June/early July will be much more crowded than the end of August. However, August is an oven in Florida and we try to get there no later than mid-July because of the heat. As with all things Disney, there's a trade off involved. It is so hot in August, you have to be out of the parks by noon and come back when the sun begins to set. On the plus side, you can enjoy the time out of the parks at the pool, shopping or eating. Yes, 10-11 days is enough time. Teresa sends us many visitors from her site at About.com. We appreciate her recommendation. To visit Teresa's site, click here.
Claudia writes: "Can you tell me if it is really crowded the first week of April and if so what is the best time go." The third week of March through the third week of April is WDW's most crowded time! The best time to go is the second week of January through the first week of February, the week after Labor Day until Thanksgiving, or the week after Thanksgiving through the week before Xmas.
A reader writes: "I am trying to decide when is the best time to go to Disney.... my choices are anytime in July or August of next year. I have to switch our "timeshare" a year in advance so that I can have a place to stay but I just don't know when the best time would be." That's an easy one. Go in July before the 15th. Starts to really heat up after the second week in July. Avoid July 4 unless you like crowds and want to enjoy the fireworks. We've been there in August and it was like an oven with high humidity! Hard to describe such heat!
Duane and Dot write: "are there any little known facts i should know about wdw in dec.? ... enjoy your newsletter look forward to your book." December is wonderful. Christmas decorations are everywhere. Christmas tree lighting ceremonies take place at each park until Christmas eve. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is held on certain evenings at the Magic Kingdom. Epcot has the beautiful candlelight processional and the dazzling Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights is a sight to behold at MGM. Crowds are sparse until the week of Christmas. The Magic Kingdom and MGM close early except for Christmas week.
David writes: "We are finally taking the plunge and going to WDW in November of this year, and we have an ongoing discussion - are the water parks all closed down in November, or do any of them operate all year 'round?" Typhoon Lagoon is usually closed in November and December for refurbishing. Blizzard Beach is usually closed in January and February. For schedules, call 407/939-4636.
Ruth writes: "Thank you for all your helpful information and tips. We are going back to WDW in November, 2000 and are really looking forward to our trip. Do you have any particular tips for that time of year?" We love WDW at Thanksgiving. All the Christmas decorations are up and the crowds are very manageable. If you go before Thanksgiving, you won't see the Christmas decorations, the parks close very early, and the parade in the Magic Kingdom only runs on weekends.
Glenna writes: "Are there certain days of the week or weeks of the month which are less busy/crowded in the summer?"
Walt Disney World is most crowded from June through Labor Day. Extra Magic
Hour days are the most crowded:
Of course, July 4th week is packed. We were among 50,000 in the Magic Kingdom on one July 4th!
Gina writes: "I recently purchased your affordable Disney book. I'm loving what I've read so far. Thanks for the tips. However, I have a question that maybe you can answer or suggest to me. One of our vacation days at Disneyworld (5 days at the parks total), is a Saturday (April 8). Since you've been there many times, which park would be the best to cover overall on a weekend day? The least crowded on a weekend, you know of? Where we could cover the majority or all of it in one day? Excluding Magic Kingdom that is. I know you could only suggest since crowds are not always predictable. But I'd like to know your opinion of what to do. Thanks" Visit Epcot on Saturday or Sunday; MGM on Saturday. Glad you like the book!
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