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Disney World

Disney World Planning

Rain at Disney World – 4 Reasons it’s a GOOD Thing!

by Jamie Rumph June 1, 2018

written by Jamie Rumph

Rain at Disney World – 4 Reasons it’s a GOOD Thing!

1. Cooler Temperatures

Weather forecast on Rain at Disney world day

Rain at Disney World is a good thing!??Why? Because Florida is HOT! And that’s just February through April. The summer, well it’s downright sweltering! But Summer also happens to be the rainy season.

When the rain at Disney World moves in the temperatures cool off. And I promise you’ll be happy about it. Plus most days it won’t rain at Disney World all day. The majority of our rainy days are quick afternoon showers that move in and out quickly. They’re torrential in size but they tend to move out quickly!

2. Lower Crowds

It’s true when the rain at Disney World shows up people run for cover and sometimes straight out of the park! If you can deal with the rain you’ll enjoy much shorter wait times and more space to yourself in this magical world of Disney!

3. Rainy Day Character Calvacade

Disney is all about safety! Safety first! (See my Keys to the Kingdom Tour post to see what I’m talking about) What this means is on rainy afternoons the Festival of Fantasy Parade will not take place. Costumed characters and characters on stilts wouldn’t be safe dancing and possibly slipping on rainy streets. Also having characters stand high above everything else probably isn’t a great idea for lightning strikes. But it’s show business at Disney World and the show must go on! And since Disney thinks of every little detail they have a rainy day solution.

The Rainy Day Calvacade. A parade that marches along the parade route complete with yellow rain jackets and galoshes! Some guests even feel like they’ve hit the jackpot when this happens! After all, it’s not something you can plan for at 180 days out!

4. Better Pictures

Rain at Disney World family photo

There are several reasons rainy day photos are best.

First, lower crowds mean fewer photobombers. Even guests that don’t photobomb you on purpose sometimes show up in your photos in strange places. For instance, see the photo of the old man appearing to be slapping my butt in this pic. He wasn’t and I didn’t even know he was there until well after the fact.

Which brings me to say, check your photos before you leave the park! You don’t want to have planned the perfect vacation, be all excited about that iconic family castle photo and then get this! So check early and check often so you can have a redo if necessary!

Second, the sunniest of skies is not great for photos. squinting eyes make for awkward photos. Plus the bright sunlight washes out the colors in your photos. Overcast or end of the day photos have more depth and are much more visually appealing.

See the rain at Disney World is not a bad thing! But you should be prepared!

Read 5 Must Haves for A Rainy Disney Day?here!

You can track the local weather on Weather Bug.

Have more questions about Disney?? Email me at Jamie@LOTMV.com

June 1, 2018

Why you should NOT decline housekeeping at Disney?s Pop Century Resort

by Jamie Rumph May 21, 2018

written by Jamie Rumph

This past week my team and I spent four nights at Pop Century. Staying on property and taking in the Magic of Disney 24/7 is nothing short of amazing! Staying with friends makes it all that much more fun!

We had three rooms next to each other for our weeks stay and spent time eating, laughing, riding some of Disney’s best attractions, resort hopping and finally touring the Disney Dream Cruise ship.

When you have multiple rooms you can request for them to be next to each other but there are no guarantees. We got lucky and Disney worked their magic for us.

When we checked into Pop Century each room was offered a gift card in exchange for declining “mousekeeping” (also known as maid service) during our stay. Disney will pay $10 per day, not including check-in or check-out day to calculate the total you’ll receive. Each of our three rooms accepted the gift card and were excited to have our lunch paid for that day!

By day two I had already decided I’d rather buy my own lunch and have my room cleaned instead! Here’s why:

1. Not too many of us have daily maid service in real life! It’s vacation! So treat yourself to clean counters, fresh towels and having your bed made daily! There’s nothing like coming home from the parks exhausted to a freshly made bed!

2. Pop Century’s rooms have recently been renovated and they’re beautiful. The retro style with orange and white polka dot drapes and graphic Mickey Mouse art adds to the fun of the Classic Years that Pop Century celebrates. With this renovation, each of the rooms carpet was replaced with vinyl wood looking floors. It’s a great look and a lot cleaner in my opinion! But you’ll want them vacuumed and wiped down daily.

If you’re anything like me you hate the feeling of dirt on the bottoms of your feet. Climbing into bed at night with dirty feet is pretty darn gross if you ask me! So having them cleaned daily is a must!

By the end of our 4 days stay our floors were dirty. And not just dirt I could feel on my feet but dirt and smudges I could see. There were days of park grime that had been tracked into our room! They definitely needed to be moped! I can’t imagine if we had stayed longer what the state of our room would have been!

3. The trash! When you give up “mousekeeping” your trash doesn’t get emptied daily. The trash cans in the rooms are rather small and fill up quickly. You can call and request the trash to be emptied anytime you’d like, but honestly, it’s so much better to just have it taken care of while you’re out and about during the day, rather than having to wait on someone to arrive at the end of a long day.

We loved our stay at Pop Century and I’d certainly stay again especially with the newly updated rooms, but next time I will make sure to keep mousekeeping derives and have my room cleaned daily!

May 21, 2018

Deluxe Resorts Disney Resorts Disney World Planning

My Favorite Disney World Resort – Disney’s Polynesian

by Jamie Rumph April 22, 2018

written by Jamie Rumph

My Favorite Disney Resort – Disney’s Polynesian

Staying Deluxe at Disney

Polynesian entrance

This monorail resort is my most favorite resort in all of Disney World!? It’s one of the two original Disney World resorts, located across Seven Sea’s Lagoon with views of Magic Kingdom.? When you step foot into the Polynesian, “Poly” for short, resort you immediately feel like you’ve left Central Florida and have been transported to a tropical island!

Adding to the island feel, make sure to experience one of the 20 over the water Polynesian Resort bungalows complete with your own private hot tub.? I can’t think of a better way to enjoy your Disney vacation!

Resort Size

478 Rooms – accommodate up to 5 guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib.
360 Deluxe Studios
20 Bungalows (for more pictures visit my Facebook page here)
Club Level accommodations available
Rooms have 2 queen beds and 1-day bed
or one king size bed and day bed

Room Types

Standard Room – 5 guests
1 Bedroom Suite – 5 guests
2 Bedroom Suite – 8 guests

Villa Rooms

Deluxe Studio – 4 guests
Bungalow – 8 guests

Room Size:

Standard Room 404 sq ft
1 Bedroom 760 sq ft
2 Bedroom Suite 1,513 sq ft
Deluxe Studio – 447 sq ft
Bungalow – 1,093 sq ft

Polynesian Resort has multiple buildings with different room options in each building:

Great Ceremonial House/Main Building – Concierge Level Rooms and Suites
Tonga House – Suites,?Concierge Rooms
Aotearoa
Fiji
Tuvalu
Hawaii?– Concierge Level, theme park view rooms
Samoa
Niue
Rarotonga
Tokelau
Moorea?– theme park view rooms
Pago Pago
Bora Boar – Bungalows

Check-In/Check Out:

Check-In: 3 pm
Out: 11 am
Guests arriving earlier or later can check in and have their bags held by the bellhop.
Guests can pre-check in from the My Disney Experience app

Polynesian Dining Options

Dinner Show:

Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show

Character Dining/Table Service:

Ohana’s Best Friends Breakfast with Lilo and Stitch

Table Service:

Ohana, dinner only
Kona Cafe
Kona Island

Quick Service:

Capt. Cook’s

Lounges:

Tambu Lounge
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Terrace (to see more pictures and a complete menu on my Facebook page?go here)

Fun with Friends had here! Me and my bestie, New Year’s Eve 2016

Pineapple Lanai – home to the Dole Whip

Pool Bars:

Barefoot Pool Bar
Oasis Bar and Grill

In Room Dining Available

Polynesian Amenities:

2 pools including the Lava Pool complete with a volcano, waterfall, and 142′ slide.? One of Disney’s resorts most popular pools.
Water feature
Themed Slide
Poolside Cabana Rentals
White Sand Beaches for Sunbathing
Fresh Leis?
Health Club accessible at Grand Floridian
Campfire
Fishing
Boat rentals
Movies under the Stars
Running Trail
Valet Service
Coin Laundry

Polynesian Stores:

Bou Tiki
Moana Mercantile

Polynesian Transportation

Bus to all 4 Parks, Disney Springs, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach
Monorail to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot
Boat to the Magic Kingdom

Concierge Level:

Exclusive Check-in Line
Concierge team to assist with reservations and other needs pre and during stay
King Kamehameha Club Access includes:
Continental Breakfast
Mid-day snacks
Evening wine and appetizers
Deserts

Resort Location:

Magic Kingdom Resort area.? One of the 3 monorail resorts.

1600 Seven Seas Drive

Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

407-824-2000

Additional Things to Know about the Polynesian:

The Electrical Parade can be seen nightly from the beach and theme park view rooms.
Fireworks can be seen from the beach and “Theme Park View” Rooms
The Monorail stops on the second floor of this resort daily, above the main entrance.
The view of holiday fireworks from the beach is amazing!? Parts of the beach are roped off for resort and dinner guests.

Other Deluxe Resorts at Disney World

Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
Boardwalk Inn and Villas
Contemporary Resort
Grand Floridian Resort
Wilderness Lodge, Villas and Copper Creek Cabins
Yacht Club Resort
Beach Club Resort and Villas
Old Key West Resort
Saratoga Springs Resort, Spa and Treehouse Villas

Click here to explore Moderate Resorts and Value Resorts

Need more help planning your Walt Disney World Vacation?? I’m happy to help!? Email me for questions or a free quote!? jamie@lotmv.com

April 22, 2018

Disney Resorts Disney World Planning

Parking Cost at Walt Disney World

by Jamie Rumph March 17, 2018

written by Jamie Rumph

Parking Cost at Walt Disney World

Last updated: March 15, 2018

Guests with a new resort reservation booked on or after March 21, 2018 will pay a nightly fee to park their cars at all Disney World Resorts.? In the past, Disney Resort hotels were some of the few local resorts that did not charge guests for overnight parking.

Depending on what level of resort you are staying at, deluxe, moderate or value, will determine your parking cost per night.? Guest room accounts will be charged the nightly cost and the credit card on file will be charged at check out.

Guests who are parking during the day at resorts for meal reservations and actives, along with Disney Vacation Club guests will not incur a parking charge.

Over Night Guest Parking Costs at Disney World Resorts

Deluxe Resorts: $24 per night

Valet Parking at select Deluxe Resorts: $33 per night (this is not new)

Moderate Resorts: $19 per night

Value Resorts: $13 per night

Other Parking Costs at Disney World

Guests have long been charged to park each day at the 4 Disney Parks; Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.

Last year they introduced priority parking, which in my opinion was not a bad thing.? It gives guests the opportunity to choose to park up close to the entrance, or in the case of Magic Kingdom, close to the Ticket and Transportation Center.? (This is where guests will ride the monorail or ferry to the Main Gate of Magic Kingdom)

Guests can use each day’s parking ticket at all 4 theme parks by showing their receipt to the parking booth attendant.? You do not have to pay to park at multiple parks each day.

Current Parking Costs for the Theme Parks:

Preferred Parking – $45 per day

Standard Vehicles & Motorcycles – $22 per day

Oversized Vehicles such as Limos, Buses and RVs?- $27 per day

Parking at Other Disney World Guest Locations

Typhoon Lagoon & Blizzard Beach – Complimentary to all water park guests

Disney Springs – Complimentary to all guests

Valet Parking at Disney Springs – $20 gratuity not included

ESPN – Wide World of Sports – Complimentary to all guests

How To Save Money Parking at Disney World

And now, the thing we all want to know!? How can we save money while parking at Disney World?? After all, paying for parking seems like such a waste of money, right???

If you are flying into Orlando for you Disney vacation I highly recommend you do NOT rent a car.? There is really no need to have a car when staying on property at Disney.? And there are soooooo many reasons you should stay on property!

Upon arrival to the Orlando Airport, you will use Disney’s Magical Express that will deliver you to your resort and return you to the airport at the end of your vacation.? It’s complimentary with your stay.

While you are at Disney World you can use the various transportation systems; monorail, bus, and boats, that are available to guests staying on property.

If you are driving, there is not a real way to get around paying for parking overnight.? However, you should know that if you are staying at a Disney Resort, if you choose to drive your own car to the parks, you will park for free at each of the 4 theme parks.? This is one of the many nice perks when staying on property!? And there are so many reasons to stay and play at Disney World!

Ready to visit Disney World?? Email me for details! jamie@lotmv.com

March 17, 2018

Disney World Planning Transportation

How to use Disney’s Magical Express

by Jamie Rumph January 16, 2018

written by Jamie Rumph

How to Use Disney’s Magical Express

Updated: January 15, 2018

There are two airports that fly into Orlando,

Disney’s Magical Express ONLY services guests flying into Orlando International Airport MCO.? If you fly into Sanford, you will have to make your own transportation arrangements.

What is Disney?s Magical Express?

Disney’s Magical Express is a complimentary motor coach transportation and luggage service for all guests staying at Disney owned resorts.? Yep, complimentary!

You can use Disney’s Magical Express even if you have a room only package!

Excluded Resorts Include:

Shades of Green
The Swan and Dolphin Hotel
Any of the Good Neighbor Hotel properties

When & How to Sign Up

When you make your Disney Resort reservation you have the option to select Disney’s Magical Express.? Enter your flight information to set it up.

If you don’t have your flight information at the time you book your vacation, visit www.disneymagicalexpress.com?or call 866-599-0951, at least 10 days prior to your vacation to set up your Magical Express reservation.? When you use a travel agent the agent will take care of setting up Magical Express.

How to Use This Free Service

Before You Leave Home:

To have Disney retrieve your luggage, attach your yellow bag tags to your bags prior to checking them in your home town.
These tags will arrive in the mail to you approximately 2-3 weeks before your departure date.? (Didn’t get them?? Don’t worry!? More on that below)
You must be arriving between 5 am and 10 pm to use the luggage delivery service.
Arriving outside these hours? Don’t worry! You can still use the transportation service, you will just need to claim your bags at baggage claim prior to checking into Disney’s Magical Express.
What to pack in your carry on:
- Medications
- MagicBands
- phone charger
- portable battery
- Valuables
- Swimsuit
- Costume if you’re attending Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party that evening
- Dinner clothes if you’d like to change
- PJs
It may take Disney’s Magical Express luggage service up to 4 hours to deliver your bags to your room.

After Your Arrival at Orlando International Airport:

Upon arrival to Orlando take the train to the Main Terminal. You will arrive on Level 3.
The Main Terminal has two sides, A and B. You can see large signs showing each side.
Disney’s Magical Express is located on Level 1 on the B side of the terminal. Follow the signs.?
If you arrive between the hours of 5 am and 10 pm you can go directly to Disney’s Magical Express.? Disney will retrieve your bags and take them to your room.
Arriving outside the hours of 5 am and 10 pm?? Don’t worry!?Retrieve your bags from the appropriate baggage carousel before checking into Disney’s Magical Express.
If your bags are on the A side of the terminal, retrieve your bags on baggage claim Level 2 and return to Level 3 to cross through the Main Terminal to the B side of the terminal.? You will go down to Level 1 to board Disney’s Magical Express. Did you follow that? Down, up, down, down! lol
Disney’s Magical Express is NOT accessible from the A side of the terminal.
Don’ have yellow bag tags or you forgot to attach them to your bags prior to checking them in your hometown? Disney’s Magical Express can pick up your bags up with your baggage claim number.? Simply provide the number when you check in for the transportation service.

Checking Into Disney’s Magical Express:

Be prepared to provide your departure flight information
You will need your Magicband or package confirmation number to board your motorcoach.
After checking in you will be directed to the appropriate line to board the motorcoach to your selected resort.
Be prepared to wait up to 30 minutes for your motorcoach to depart the airport.
It is 30-40 minutes to Disney World property.
The travel time is between 45 and 75 minutes to reach your resort.
The motorcoach will make multiple stops at different Disney resorts.
Add all of those times together and you could easily spend up to 2 hours or slightly more traveling from the airport to your resort.? Plan your dining times or other activities accordingly!
If you brought your luggage with you on Disney’s Magical Express the driver will have stored it under the bus in the storage area.? Upon arriving to your resort it will be retrieved for you.? It is customary to tip the driver $1 or so per bag handled.

If Your Bags Were Retrieved by Disney’s Magical Express:

Bags will be collected at the airport and transported separately from you to your Disney Resort room.
It may take up to 4 hours for your bags to arrive to your room.? Plan accordingly. See above for suggested items to pack in your carry on.

Saying Goodbye at the End of Your Vacation:

Magical Express pick up time and location will be provided the day before your departure date.
Pick up time will be approximately 3 – 4 hours prior to departure for domestic flights.
You must take Magical Express from the resort you are staying at.? You can NOT be picked up at a different resort.
If you miss your assigned bus you may not be able to get on another bus and will be responsible to get yourself to the airport.
If you are traveling on one of the following airlines you can pre-check your luggage at your resort.??
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- United Airlines
- Delta Air Lines – Domestic flights only
- Southwest Airlines
If you are flying on any other airline or are flying Internationally you will take your bags on board Disney’s Magical Express and check them in yourself at the airport.? Don’t forget to tip for bags!

Other things you need to know:

Carseats are not allowed on Disney’s Magical Express. They will be stored under the bus with the luggage.
You CAN take Disney’s Magical Express one direction or both directions, your choice.
Disney’s Magical Express only picks up at Orlando International Airport. ?If you fly into Stanford Airport you will need to make other transportation arrangements.
You must be staying at a Disney resort to use Magical Express
Magical Express does NOT transport guests to Shades of Green, The Swan & Dolphin Hotel or any of the Good Neighbor Hotel locations.
Magical Express will NOT transport just your luggage. ?You must board the Magical Express to get your bags delivered to your room.
You can have your bags retrieved from baggage claim by Disney’s Magical Express if you are arriving on any domestic airline.??
If you are arriving from another country you will need to retrieve your own bags from the baggage claim carousel, level 2,? and take them with you to Disney’s Magical Express located on side B, Level 1.
If your check out time is prior to your Magical Express departure time and you are not flying one of the pre-check airlines, you can have your bags stored at the resort.? Make sure to give yourself time to have them retrieved before the Magical Express departure time.

What to Expect:

Over an hour of transportation time
Multiple stops at other Disney Resorts
Luggage arriving to your room up to 4 hours after your arrival
To be picked up 3-4 hours prior to your departure flight. ?This can not be adjusted.

January 16, 2018

Disney World Epcot

Epcot Food & Wine Festival 2017

by Jamie Rumph September 22, 2017

written by Jamie Rumph

Epcot Food & Wine?Festival – 2017

?last updated September 22, 2017

Celebrating 35 years of Epcot on October 1st!

The 2017 Epcot Food & Wine?Festival has arrived!

August 31 – November 13, 2017

The?2017 Epcot Food & Wine Festival is off to a great start! ?Follow along on my?Facebook and Instagram?page “Love of the Magic” for pictures and posts! ?The Food & Wine Festival, and the fall season is my favorite time of year at Disney World! ?Epcot is my “go-to” park for the next few months! ?There is so much to experience Epcot Food & Wine Festival, you just won’t be able to see it all in one day!

What to Know, before you go:

Epcot park admission required
Food, wine and some events require an additional fee
Concerts nightly
Pick up your Guide Map and Passport at the Main Gate and throughout the park
Don’t forget to place your stickers on your passport as you make your way around the world!
Don’t miss photo opportunities and magic shots
Festival Center Hours are daily from 9 am to park closing.

Don’t miss photo opportunities including Magic Shots!

Epcot Food & Wine Festival Marketplaces

Location: Throughout Epcot

When: Daily

Features: Over 100 international foods at 35 different kiosks.

Don’t Miss: The 5 New Kiosks this year!

Need to Know:? Food and beverages are at an additional charge. ?You can purchase a Festival Tasting Sampler credential good for 8 food or beverage items for $65 or a mini festival gift card with a wearable wrist-let for ease of paying. ?With a $200 credit placed on your gift card you will also receive a themed lanyard and carrying sleeve.

Epcot Legacy Showcase
Location:?Odyssey Center

Craft Beers
Location: ?Odyssey Center

Flavors from Fire – NEW
Location: Future World West

Light Lab – NEW
Location: ?Future World West

Earth Eats – “Inspired by ABC’s The CHEW”
Location: Future World West

Active Eats ? NEW!
Location: Future World West

Coastal Eats – NEW!?
Location: Future World West

The Chocolate Studio
Location: Future World West

The Cheese Studio?
Location: Future World West

The Wine & Dine Studio
Location: Future World West

Islands of the Caribbean
Location: Showcase Plaza

Refreshment Port
Location: Showcase Plaza

New Zealand
Location: Showcase Plaza

Australia
Location: Showcase Plaza

The Almond Orchard
Location: Showcase Plaza

Patagonia
Location: Showcase Plaza

Hawaii
Location: Showcase Plaza

Farm Fresh
Location: Showcase Plaza

Greece
Location: Showcase Plaza

Thailand
Location: Showcase Plaza

Mexico
Location: World Showcase

China
Location: World Showcase

India
Location: Near China

Refreshment Cool Post
Location: Outpost

Africa
Location: Outpost

Brewer’s Collection
Location: Near Germany

Germany
Location: World Showcase

Spain
Location: Between Germany and Italy

Italy
Location: World Showcase

Fife & Drum Tavern
Location: The American Adventure

Block & Hans
Location: The American Adventure

Hops & Barley
Location: The American Adventure

Japan
Location: World Showcase

Morocco
Location: World Showcase

Belgium
Location: Near Morocco

Brazil
Location: Between Morocco and France

France
Location: World Showcase

Ireland
Location: Near United Kingdom

Scotland
Location: Between United Kingdom & Canada

Canada
Location: World Showcase

Joffery’s Coffee & Tea Company
Location: Future World East, Showcase Plaza, The American Adventure, Canada

Eat to the Beat – Concert Series at Epcot Food & Wine Festival

Location:?The American Theater

When:?5:30; 6:45; 8:00 pm each evening

Features: Some of your favorite artists!

Don’t Miss: This is a personal one! ?Find your favorite artist and come see them!

Need to Know: ?You can book a dining package at select restaurants to get reserved seating in the theater. ?Visit My Disney Experience or call 407-WDW-DINE to make reservations. ?Dining reservation time dictates which show you will have reserved seating at. ?Standby seating lines start apx 30 mins before show time.

August 31 – September 1; Delta Rae “Bottom of the River”
September 2 – September 3, 2017; The Hooters NEW “And We Danced”
September 4 – September 5, 2017; Baha Men – NEW “Who Let the Dogs Out”
September 6 – 7; Fuel “Shimmer”
September 8 – 10; STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas “We Built this City”
September 11 – 12; Lauren Alaina – NEW “Road Less Traveled”
September 13 – 15; Plain White T’s “Hey There Delilah”
September 16 – 17; Sister Hazel “All For You”
September 18 – 20; Air Supply “All Out of Love”
September 21 – 22; David Cook “Light On”
September 23 – 24; Everclear “Santa Monica”
September 25 – 27; Sugar Ray “Every Morning”
September 28 – 29; 38 Special “Hold On Loosely”
September 30 – October 1; Mark Wills NEW “19 Somethin”
October 2 – October 3; American Authors NEW “Best Day of My Life”
October 4 – October 5; Christopher Cross “Sailing”
October 6 – October 8; The Devon Allman Band NEW “Ragged & Dirty”
October 9 – October 11; Dennis DeYoung: The Music of STYX “Come Sail Away”
October 12 – October 13; Taylor Dane “Tell It To My Heart”
October 14 – October 15; Jeffrey Osborne “On the Wings of Love”
October 16 – October 17; Postmodern Jukebox NEW known for vintage covers of modern music
October 18 – October 20; 10,000 Maniacs NEW “Because the Night”
October 21 – October 22; Toad the Wet Sprocket “Walk on the Ocean”
October 23 – October 24; Kenny G NEW “Songbird”
October 24 – October 26; Billy Ocean “Get Outta My Dreams”
October 27 – October 29; Tiffany “I Think We’re Alone Now”
October 30 – November 1; Hanson “MMMBop”
November 2 – November 3; Blue October NEW “Into the Ocean”
November 4 – November 5; Living Colour “Cult of Personality”
November 6 – November 8; Boyz II Men “End of the Road”
November 9 – November 11; Big Bad Voodoo Daddy “Go Daddy-O”
November 12 – November 13; Squeeze NEW “Black Coffee in Bed”

Epcot Food & Wine Festival Demonstrations

Location:?Festival Center

When:?Daily from 9 am to 5 pm

Need to Know:?Reservations recommended by calling 407-939-3378

Bookable Events:

Culinary Demonstrations – $17 per person; reservations suggested
- Monday – Thursday @ 2:30 pm; Friday – Sunday @ 12:15 pm & 2:30 pm ?Click here for complete schedule?
Beverage Seminars – $17 per person; reservations suggested
- Monday – Thursday @ 1:30 pm & 3:30 pm; Friday – Sunday @ 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm, & 5:00 pm Click here for complete schedule
Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! – $49 per person
- Monday – Thursday 12:15 to 1:30 pm Click here for complete schedule

Fun for Kids at

Epcot Food & Wine Festival

Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeek

Location:?Throughout World Showcase

When:?Daily

Features:?Remy hiding around the World Showcase Need to Know:?Pick up your map for $5.99 at Festival Center, Pin Central, Disney Traders or World Traveler. ?Then travel the World Showcase looking for hidden Remy’s. ?Match up the item with him, with the correct sticker and place it on the map. ?When the map is completed, return it to one of the above locations for your choice of prizes. ?This year the prize is one of four Remy key chains.

The Extras

Epcot Food & Wine Festival merchandise can be purchased at Festival Center and throughout Epcot. ?Visit my?Facebook post for a look at this years festival merchandise. ?Follow along for future posts.

I’ve covered everything you need to know before visiting Epcot Food & Wine Festival! ?Questions? Contact me on?Facebook page “Love of the Magic”!

September 22, 2017

Disney World Planning

Disney World Crowd Calendar 2018

by Jamie Rumph July 10, 2017

written by Jamie Rumph

Disney World Crowd Calendar 2018

I often get asked, “when is the best time to visit Disney World”, or “what are the crowds like” at a specific time of year. ?I’ve compiled a Disney World crowd calendar to help explain the highs, lows and in between of crowd sizes annually, at Disney World. ?The crowd calendar is by no means an absolute, but is an educated guesstimate based on annual?Disney World festivities, local school calendars, school breaks nationally, holidays, along with the average crowds of previous years.

Key: * notes actual holiday

Light Crowds ??Moderate Crowd ?Heavy Crowds ?Packed Crowds ?

Link to 2019 Crowd Calendar

Crowd Calendar Monthly Descriptions:

January Crowds taper off to very low after the 2017 holiday season wraps up.

February?has low crowds for most of the month, but it picks up to moderate crowds for Mardi Gras season and Presidents Day weekend.

March?crowds start light and pick up for spring break. ?Crowds will remain steady throughout the month.

April?Easter weekend has heavy crowds, and the crowds are moderately heavy over the Star Wars 1/2 Marathon weekend. ?Other than those two times, the parks have relatively low crowds.

May has relatively low crowds until Memorial Day weekend when the crowds pick up and continue to be busy throughout the summer.

June is hot and crowded with summer travelers.

July??The July?4th weekend is has packed crowds and remains crowded, although not holiday crowded, all month long.

August? remains somewhat crowded until most of the country returns back to school. ?The end of the month sees some of it’s lowest crowds of the summer.

September? Labor day weekend is busy as summer travelers squeeze in the last part of the season. ?The remainder of the month is one of the best times of year to visit in my opinion. ?Low crowds, cooler temperatures, and if you go late enough in the month, you can catch the first Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party of the year.

October? The parks start ramping up for the holiday season, starting with Halloween festivities all month. ?It is moderately crowded with the weekends and later in the month teetering on heavy crowds.

November?The parks remain steadily busy with moderate crowds at the beginning of the month. ?If you time your trip perfectly, you can overlap the Halloween and Christmas decorations in Magic Kingdom and experience both Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party. ?There is a nice lull in crowds just before Thanksgiving. Then the holidays are in full swing with heavy crowds over Thanksgiving week.

December The parks are moderately busy most of the month, with some of the heaviest crowds of the year the week of Christmas and New Years. ?Christmas day is the busiest day, and Magic Kingdom will reach capacity early in the morning.

For information on what to expect at Disney World each month including weather and events. ?Visit the “Planning Disney by Month” page.

For more information contact jamie@lotmv.com

July 10, 2017

Disney World Planning

Disney World in November

by Jamie Rumph June 20, 2016

written by Jamie Rumph

Disney World in November!

If your planning a trip to Disney World in November, this is what you have too look forward to!

updated June 25, 2017

Disney World in November means cooler temperatures, the start of holiday decorations and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

New for 2017 you can still experience Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in November! ?For one night only, join Mickey and Friends in your Halloween best! ?Last MNSSHP date is November 1st! ?Contact us to get your tickets!

Follow along below for a timeline to help plan your trip.

Orlando Weather In November:

Average High: 78*F

Average Low: 59*F

Average Rain: 2.2″

You may want a light jacket in the early mornings or evenings!

Special Disney World in November?Events:

Epcot International Food & Wine August 31 – November 13, 2017
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party – One night only in November – November 1st
Wine & Dine 1/2 Marathon Weekend November 2 – 5, 2017
Mickey’s?Very Merry Christmas Party
- November 9,10,12,14,16,17,26,28
- December 1,3,5,7,8,10,12,14,15,17,19,21,22

What To Do and When, Before your trip to Disney World in November:

May or Earlier: ?Make Hotel Reservations

June: Book Airline Flights

May (180 days prior to arrival date): ?Make dining reservations! ?Make at least one reservation per day. ?You can cancel what you don’t want prior to arrival.

September (60 days prior to arrival date): ?Make Fast Pass Reservations

October?(60 days prior to arrival date): Add that Disney Magic! ?You can book extras like Bippity Boppity Boutique, Pirates & Pals Dinner Cruise and much more! ?Post on all of the extras coming soon!

November or earlier: Purchase Memory Maker!? It’s a must have in my opinion if you’re spending several days in the parks! ?Pre-purchase for $169, purchase while at the parks or after $199

Late September, early August: ?Shop and Pack for your trip.??Shop for the items on the packing list you don’t already have. ?Click here to see my Disney World packing list.

August?or earlier: ?Download the My Disney Experience App. ?Use this app to manage your reservations, see your Fastpass+, see wait times and park maps while in the parks.

August?or earlier: ?Reserve a stroller!???Even if you don’t think you need a stroller, chances are you do! ?It’s great to push around your tired kids (not just babies and toddlers) and stash your stuff (including heavy water bottles). ?Post on why you need a stroller coming soon! ?I like to rent at Kingdom Strollers. ?They will deliver and pick up the strollers at your resort, no hassle for you! ?If you reserve a stroller with them, please list my name and email in the comments. ?TIA! ?jamie@loveofthemagicvacations.com

One week prior to departure: ?Order Food and Snacks.??I like to bring snacks and sometimes entire sandwich meals into the parks! ?Food at Disney is EXPENSIVE! ?Don’t get me wrong. ?It’s good, and you should try it, but it doesn’t have to be every meal. ?Order snacks, water bottles, sodas, sandwich makings to your hotel. ?I prefer to order all of my non-refrigerated items via Amazon and have them delivered directly to the resort.

One Week Prior or sooner: ?Pack!? There’s no reason to wait until the last minute!

By January (up to 45 days after your trip): ?Make sure to view and download your My Memory Maker pictures/Photopass.

Need more help with your trip? ?Have questions? ?I am more than happy to help!

June 20, 2016

Disney World Planning

Disney World Vacation Planning Guide

by Jamie Rumph June 19, 2016

written by Jamie Rumph

Disney World Vacation planning is both exciting and overwhelming! ?Use these monthly planners as your guide to help make Disney World Vacation planning simple! ?If you need more help, contact me! ?I’m happy to answer any and all of your questions!

Disney World vacation planning by month

Within each monthly planner you will find:

A check list of when to plan each portion of your trip, including vacation?packages, flights, dining reservations and fast pass plus selection. ?
Typical Orlando weather
Special events scheduled each month

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Crowd calendars are coming soon to these guides! ?If there is something else you think would be helpful, please let me know!

Disney vacation planning can be overwhelming, but with this guide you’ll be able to navigate important dates you don’t want to miss when planning your vacation. ?Dining reservations should be made 180 days prior to arrival, magical extras are also booked 180 days prior to your arrival. ?Fast pass plus is free of charge with your ticket purchase and selections can be made 60 days prior to your arrival. ?Final payments on all vacation packages are due 30 days prior to arrival. ?Payments can be made via your travel agent. ?For a list of best fast pass choices, check back here soon or email me for more information. ?I’m in the park weekly to keep up to date with everything new and exciting at Disney World. ?I’m happy to share my expertise with you free of charge.

Thanks for stopping by! ?I’m happy you’re here! ?More importantly, I’m happy you will be experiencing the magic of Disney! ?If you have questions or need help with your Disney World Vacation planning you can visit our website www.loveofthemousevacations.com or contact me to help with your Disney World Vacation planning. ?- Jamie

June 19, 2016

Animal Kingdom Disney World Epcot Hollywood Studios Magic Kingdom

Disney World What’s New this Summer

by Jamie Rumph May 23, 2016

written by Jamie Rumph

disney world what’s new this summer

Awaken Summer – Disney’s Newest Summer Attractions are now open!

Disney World What’s New this Summer!

last updated: June 19, 2016

Disney’s widely shared Awaken Summer event begins Memorial Day weekend bringing guests a wide variety of new attractions and shows! ?

Its an exciting time to visit Disney World!

We can’t wait to experience Disney World what’s new this summer! ?We’ll be sharing each of these attractions and shows as they open, with pictures, live videos and more! Head on over to my YouTube channel to see the live videos as I post them!

Beginning Memorial Day weekend guests will have the opportunity to view some long awaited attractions! ?Here’s the run down by date! Disney World whats new this summer

Friday, May 27, 2016

Tree of Life

Animal Kingdom?disney world what’s new this summer

The Show has arrived! ?View the video here!

The Tree of Life lights up with thousands of twinkling lights and projections
2 new parties – Harambe Wildlife Party and Discovery Island Carnival
Kilimanjaro Safaris offers new nighttime safaris.
Tiffins, a new table service restaurant opens
Nomad Lounge opens

Blizzard Beach?disney world what’s new this summer

Frozen Games begins! ?Olaf & Kristoff host daily winter themed activities

Hollywood Studios?disney world what’s new this summer

Toy Story Mania’s third track opens helping to shorten wait times at this popular attraction.

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Animal Kingdom??disney world what’s new this summer

Jungle Book: Alive with Magic debuts. ?A water show that retells the tale of Baloo & Mowgli happens every night on Discovery River.

Friday, June 17, 2016

Magic Kingdom? disney world what’s new this summer

Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire debuted and was a hit! ?View the video here!

Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire, Magic Kingdoms new castle stage show premiers featuring loved Disney characters Tiana, Naveen, Louis, Rapunzel, Flynn Ryder, Olaf, Anna, Elsa and of course our favorite Mickey Mouse, plus many other great Disney friends!

Hollywood Studios? disney world what’s new this summer

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Show in it’s newest form will light up the night sky at Hollywood Studios

Epcot? disney world what’s new this summer

Soarin Around the World opens! ?See the new Soaring Video here!

After debuting at Shanghi Disney on June 16th, guests at Epcot’s Disney World will get to experience this updated attraction! ?Sure to be spectacular! ?You can see the classic Soarin over California from May 27th – June 16th

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

EPCOT

Frozen Ever After opens! ?The much anticipated attraction in Norway opens for all of the Frozen lovers!
Royal Sommerhus, the new meet and greet area for Anna & Elsa opens in Norway.