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disney world planning

Disney World Fast Pass Tiers and Ride Heights

by Jamie Rumph August 3, 2019

Before diving into Fast Pass options and ride heights you first need to understand a few things about how Fast Pass+ works and options available for families with smaller children, who don’t meet the height requirements of some rides.

Fast Pass+

Fast Pass day often causes stress for many guests. Don’t let it! It’s simply a tool to maximize your time in the park.

It does NOT mean you won’t get to ride the attractions you don’t have Fast Passes for!

In fact, if you aren’t able to get a Fast Pass for one of the suggested attractions, just plan to ride that attraction early in the day and then use your Fast Passes. You can use my park touring plans to help guide your day.

Fast Pass is not available at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach water parks.

How it Works

More on how to set up and use Fast Pass at Disney World here.

Note: Fast Passes can be selected at 7 am EST 60 days prior to arrival for all guests staying on property (at a Disney Resort) and 30 days prior to arrival for guests staying off property.

Rider Swap

Rider Swap gives parents and other members of the traveling party the opportunity to ride any attraction their child can not, or does not want to ride.

How it Works

All guests will approach the ride entrance and let the Cast Member know they would like to use rider swap.

Group one will get in line for the attraction and group twos Magic Bands will be scanned by the Cast Member to add a rider swap pass to their account.

Rider swap passes work for up to four people, (works like a Fast Pass) and is used for re-entry into the Fast Pass line, after group one returns. You can see the addition of the rider swap in your My Disney Experience account.

Group two is free to do something else in the area until group one returns.

After group one has completed the ride, group two can scan their Magic Bands at the Fast Pass entry touch point to ride the attraction. Group two has up to one hour to use their pass. You can arrive up to 10 minutes late just like a Fast Pass.

Attractions with a ride height requirement have the rider swap option.

There are a couple of things I really love about this!

One, both parents get to experience the attraction with their children.

Two, this eliminates parents missing some really great attractions when traveling with younger children. Disney is for adults too!

So, if you’re considering skipping the big kid rides because your kids are small, I’d reconsider and use rider swap to help make this your Disney Vacation too!

Touring Plans

Magic Kingdom

Epcot

Hollywood Studios – Coming soon

Animal Kingdom – Coming soon

Ride Heights and Fast Pass Tiers by park

Magic Kingdom

Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom touring plan

Magic Kingdom does not have any Fast Pass tiers, meaning you can choose your three preferred Fast Passes.

Main Street, U.S.A

Meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at Town Square Theater – through September 30, 2019

Meet Tinker Bell at Town Square Theater

Tomorrowland

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor

Space Mountain – 44″

Tomorrowland Speedway – 32″

Fantasyland

Mad Tea Party

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – 38″

Mickeys PhilharMagic

Peter Pan’s Flight

it’s a small world

The Barnstormer – 35″

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Enchanted Tales with Belle

Meet Ariel at Her Grotto

Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid

Meet Cinderella and Elena at Princess Fairytale Hall

Meet Rapunzel and Tiana at Princess Fairytale Hall

Liberty Square

Haunted Mansion

Frontierland

Big Thunder Mountian Railroad – 40″

Splash Mountain – 40″

Adventureland

Pirates of the Caribbean

Jungle Cruise

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Suggested Fast Passes:

Ride Lovers:

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Space Mountian
Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountian

If the above are not available:

Pirates of the Caribbean
Haunted Mansion

Families with Small Children:

Peter Pan’s Flight
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (great first coaster)
Goofy’s Barnstormer (great first coaster)
Meet Mickey Mouse if children are not tall enough for the roller coasters above.

Epcot

Spaceship Earth at Disney’s Epcot

Tier One

*Guests are only able to choose one Fast Pass from the tier one category. Fast Pass selections two and three must be chosen from tier two.

Frozen Ever After

IllumiNations Reflections of Earth reserved seating – through August 29, 2019.

Meet Disney Pals at the Epcot Character Spot

Soarin’ Around the World – 40″

Test Track – 40″

Tier Two

Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival

Journey Into Imagination With Figment

Living with the Land

The Seas with Nemo & Friends

Spaceship Earth

Turtle Talk With Crush

Mission Space – 44″

Suggested Fast Passes:

Ride Lovers:

Tier One:

Test Track
Soarin’

Tier Two:

Spaceship Earth
Mission Space
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Living with the Land

Families with Small Children:

Tier One:

Frozen Ever After

Tier Two:

Spaceship Earth
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Living with the Land

Hollywood Studios

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

*Guests are only able to choose one Fast Pass from the tier one category. Fast Pass selections two and three must be chosen from tier two.

Fast Pass is not currently available for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (opening August 29, 2019) or Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (opening December 5, 2019).

Tier One

Alien Swirling Saucers

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith – 48″

Slinky Dog Dash – 38″

Toy Story Mania!

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – 40″

Star Tours – The Adventure Continues – 40″

Tier Two

Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage

Disney Junior Dance Party!

Fantasmic!

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!

Muppet*Vision 3D

Voyage of The Little Mermaid

Suggested Fast Passes:

Ride Lovers:

Tier One

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith – 48″

Slinky Dog Dash – 38″

Toy Story Mania!

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – 40″

Tier Two

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage

Families with Small Children:

Tier One

Slinky Dog Dash – 38″

Toy Story Mania!

Tier Two

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage

Families who are only interested in meeting characters:

Animal Kingdom

Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

*Guests are only able to choose one Fast Pass from the tier one category. Fast Pass selections two and three must be chosen from tier two.

Tier One

Avatar Flight of Passage – 44″

Na’vi River Journey

Tier Two

Dinosaur – 40″

Primeval Whirl – 48″

Expedition Everest- Legend of the Forbidden Mountian – 44″

Festival of the Lion King

Finding Nemo – The Musical

It’s Tough to be a Bug!

Kali River Rapids

Kilimanjaro Safaris

Meet Favorite Disney Pals at Adventures Outpost

Rivers of Light: We Are One – preferred seating

Up! A Great Bird Adventure

The Animation Experience at Conservation Station

Suggested Fast Passes:

Ride Lovers:

Tier One

Avatar Flight of Passage – 44″

Tier Two

Kilimanjaro Safaris
Expedition Everest- Legend of the Forbidden Mountian – 44″
Dinosaur
Kali River Rapids

Families with Small Children:

Tier One

Na’vi River Journey

Tier Two

Kilimanjaro Safaris
Festival of the Lion King
Finding Nemo – The Musical
The Animation Experience at Conservation Station

And truly, the best way to plan your Disney vacation is to let someone else do it for you!

At Love of the Magic Vacations, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, we make visiting Disney World easy!

Find out more about what a travel agent specializing in Disney can do to help plan your Disney Destination vacation.

Email today for a free no obligation quote! Hello@LOTMV.com

August 3, 2019

Deluxe Resorts Disney Resorts Moderate Resorts Planning Value Resorts

My Top Five Favorite Disney World Resorts

by Jamie Rumph July 16, 2019

written by Jamie Rumph

I love Disney and I love staying on property! Even as a Disney local live for Disney staycations! Someone has to do the hard work reviewing resorts around here!

Here are my top Five Disney World Resorts in no particular order. Although let’s face it, if money were no object we’d stay Deluxe EVERY.SINGLE.TIME!

1. Disneys Yacht Club Resort

Disney's Yacht Club Reosrt at Walt Disney World

Disney’s Yacht Club is on my list of top five favorites resorts for a number of reasons. But you should note, it’s quickly followed up by Disney’s Beach Club Resort since they share all of the same amenities. I picked Disney’s Yacht Club as my favorite because I prefer its room decor over Disney’s Beach Club. But truly, either will do!

These two resorts sit behind Epcot World Showcase with easy access into Epcot via the International Gateway.

I love Disney’s Yacht Club Resort for its resort-style pool, Stormalong Bay, complete with sandy bottoms, a lazy river, entertainment for the kids and kids alike, a pirate slide that spans across the outside walkway, a full-service bar, and food with poolside service from Hurricane Hannah’s! Need I go on? Disneys Yacht Club Reosrt pool Stormalong Bay

While relaxing poolside you’ll enjoy the views of the Boardwalk and boats sailing by as they deliver busy park goers to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. I feel like I’m on vacation just thinking about it!

Disneys Yacht Club Resort boat transportation

2. Disneys Polynesian Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Resort is right up there at the top of favorite resorts for many of the same reasons as Yacht Club.

The Polynesian’s Lava Pool is a resort-style pool with a large slide and views of Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Cinderella’s Castle. Could anything scream more of a fairytale vacation? Lava pool at Disney's Polynesian Resort

Disneys Polynesian Resort is my favorite place to watch the nightly fireworks when I’m not in the parks and also home to my favorite quick service dining option, Captain Cooks. Magic Kingdom fireworks from Disneys Polynesian Resort beach

I love the Coconut Meatballs (gluten-free I might add) and head outside to Trader Sams Grogg Grotto patio to enjoy an evening of live music and views of Magic Kingdom. Again, vacation bliss! Disneys Polynesian Resort Trader Sams Grogg Grotto Patio

3. Disney’s Caribbean Beach

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter are a toss-up for me these days. They’re both moderate resorts and boast a handful of reason to claim a spot on my favorites list. But with the recent upgrades made to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, I’ve come to love it a whole lot more!

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

The rooms don’t scream “wow” to me but the outdoor lounge and pool bar does! Some nights you’ll even experience live music to completely sweep you away to the Caribbean. Disneys Caribbean Beach Resort rooms

And with its newest transportation option, the Disney Skyliner opening September 29th, it’s now moved ahead of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort on my favorites list. If I can avoid getting on a bus to get to the parks, I’m all ears! Disneys Skyliner Station at Art of Animation Disney Skyliner map

4. Disneys Port Orleans French Quarter

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter still lives on in my top five Disney resorts list for its distinct theming, uniqueness and all the beauty that surrounds it. Disneys Port Orleans Resort French Quarter

I love French Quarters vibrant colors, cobblestone streets, and jazz backdrops. The pool and splash pad will make any kid excited to jump in! And don’t forget the beignets! They even have Gluten-free options here! Disneys Port Orleans French Quarter splash pad and pool

Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Gluten Free beignets

5. Disneys Pop Century Resort

And finally, number five. Disneys Pop Century Resort.

This value resort sits at the top of my favorites list for reasons far different than its counterparts. It doesn’t scream luxury and the pool is simply a pool but when you’re looking for a Disney vacation with open to close park days and minimal time off, this resort will do the trick.

Disney's Pop Cenutry Resort Pool

The recently renovated rooms bring out a little more class in this resort and offer families a place to sit and sleep with the addition of the murphy bed (table turned queen size bed with the pull of a handle). If you’re staying value when you visit Walt Disney World, this is the place to do it! Disney's Pop Century Resort refurbished room Disneys Pop Century Resort new murphy bed

So there you have it, my top five Disney World resorts to fit all budgets and vacation styles.

Can I tell you all the reasons I love the others too? Yes of course! They’re each unique and magical in their own right!

And do I have a few that I wouldn’t recommend? Yep, for sure! But you’ll have to check in with me personally for that list! 😉

July 16, 2019

Dining Disney Springs

Dining at Enzo’s Hideaway Disney Springs

by Jamie Rumph May 19, 2019

written by Jamie Rumph

Last January I dined at Maria and Enzo’s at Disney Springs and I recently returned to try out Enzo’s Hideaway right next door. After dining at Maria and Enzo’s I was so excited to return and try out this hidden “underground” gem!

Enzo's Hideaway hidden door at Disney Springs

Maria & Enzo’s Story

You can read all about Maria & Enzo’s, Enzo’s Hideaway and The Edison’s story here. While knowing the story is not a must before eating there it does make the experience that much better! Disney’s known for its storytelling in which they are masters at fully immersing you in their world. It’s part of the magic of Disney!

What You Need to Know:

Enzo’s Hideaway is a table service restaurant at Disney Springs. Reservations are suggested and can be made on the My Disney Experience app beginning at 180 days prior to arrival and also on the Enzo’s Hideaway website.

*Tip – If you don’t’ find the dining time you’d like on My Disney Experience go directly to their webpage. Often times I can find different availability reserving direct.

Enzo’s Hideaway is located to the left of Maria and Enzo’s in “The Landing” area of Disney Springs. It is truly hidden from the main path so you’ll need to keep your eyes open! Just across from Maria and Enzo’s you’ll see a small staircase, follow those downstairs and you’ll find Enzo’s Hideaway on the right.

In my post on Maria and Enzo’s I suggested drinks at Enzo’s Hideaway and then dinner upstairs at Maria and Enzo’s and while this is certainly still a great evening suggestion you should know you can also have dinner at Enzos Hideaway for a more intimate dining experience.

Tips for getting a reservation/table:

Reservations can be made 180 days prior to arrival on the My Disney Experience app or directly on their website.
If you don’t find availability on the My Disney Experience app make sure to check on their website. Reservations are managed on Open Table, and their site provides a link for current availability.
There is sometimes different availability between the two reservation systems.
Consider a later dinner time so that you can enjoy the evening entertainment on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at The Edison afterward. The Edison is adults only after 9 pm. Entertainment days and times are subject to change. Please visit their website for the most up to date information.
If you don’t have a reservation, you can check at the podium outside the entrance for availability. I suggest checking in at the podium to get your name on the list and then doing your shopping while you wait for a table.

Where: Disney Springs – Disney World

Enzo's Hideaway, Maria and Enzo's and The Edison at Disney Springs

Enzo’s Hideaway is located in “The Landing” section of Disney Springs near The Aerophile balloon for easy reference.

How to Get to the Enzo’s Hideaway at Disney Springs

Disney Springs is a large and recently expanded food, shopping and entertainment district at Disney World.

There are now three parking garages, the Lime Garage, Orange Garage and the newest, the Grapefruit Garage which is located across the street with access to Disney Springs via a large covered walking bridge.

Traveling From:

Magic Kingdom: Bus
Epcot: Bus
Hollywood Studios: Bus
Animal Kingdom: Bus

From your Disney Resort:

From most Disney resorts you’ll take the bus to Disney Springs where you’ll be dropped off at the new bus loop located centrally to all of the fun at Disney Springs.

Map to Enzo's Hideaway from the bus loop drop off

Enzo’s Hideaway is to the left of Maria and Enzo’s

To get to Enzo’s Hideaway from the bus loop, you can go left or right, when entering Disney Springs. Enzo’s Hideaway is about equal distance each way. Ask for directions or use the map on My Disney Experience to find your way.

You can take a boat to Enzo’s Hideaway and Disney Springs from the following resorts:

Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Old Key West Resort

A look inside Enzo’s Hideaway

The ambiance and decor at Enzo’s Hideaway is true to the entire story being told right down to the old bottles of wine on the wall, the meats hanging in the chiller and the tucked away intimate spaces available to dine at.

For a more private dining experience away from the main dining room request one of these smaller more intimate dining spaces. I think it would make the experience that much more fun!

The menu at Enzo’s Hideaway

Dolce Appetizers

We started with the “Cured Meats & Artisan Cheeses” platter. Not only was it beautifully presented it was really good! I highly recommend starting with this!

I paired it with the Luciano Spritz and was so happy I did!

Piccoli Piatti – Appetizers and Salads

Califlower Argo Dolce at Enzo's Hideway Disney Springs

After enjoying the Cured Meats and Cheeses dive on into the appetizers and salad section! You won’t want to miss the “Cauliflower Argo Dolce”. This might be the best veggies I’ve had recently!

Rosemary Salt Fingerling Pototatoes at Enzo's Hideaway Disney Springs

We also tried out the Rosemary Salt Roasted Fingerling Potatoes. I’m a potato girl. It might be my favorite thing to eat! These were great!

Secondi- Entrees

Love these girls! #disneybloggersunite

Between the three of us, we tried some fun things! The “Ravioli Tre Formaggi” looked amazing and Serena said she enjoyed it.

Casey went out on a limb and tried something a little different, the “Tonnarelli Neri Pasta”. It was interesting! This is a thin squid ink pasta with gulf shrimp, tomato, white wine, garlic, and Calabrian chili.

Tonnarelli Neri Pasta at Eznos Hideaway Disney Springs

https://loveofthemagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/img_6284.mov

If you’re anything like us you’re wondering what squid ink pasta is and it’s exactly like it sounds. It wasn’t fishy in taste but has a hint of sea salt that goes well with seafood. (So they tell me! This pasta is NOT gluten-free and therefore I didn’t try it.) The dark pasta paired with the red shrimp made for a very pretty presentation!

Sirloin Steak Pizzaiola at Enzos Hideaway Disney Springs

The gluten-free options were a little slim so I stuck with the “Sirloin Steak Pizzaiola”. This 12-ounce steak is served with the same sea salt fingerling potatoes we had as an appetizer and a red sauce garnish. It was great.

Dessert

The dessert menu is short and sweet featuring gelatos and sorbets, espresso and pastries.

Desserts at Enzos Hideaway Disney Springs

Canoli and Tiramisou dessert at Enzos Hideaway Disney Springs

“Giggle Water” – Cocktails & Speciality Drinks

Let me just start by saying I love what they call this section of the menu! It actually makes me laugh just thinking about it.

Giggle water alcoholic beverages menu at Enzos Hideaway Disney Springs

I tried the Luciano Spritz and would definitely have it again. It was a fun mix with the appetizers. For dinner, I switched over to a glass of wine that paired nicely with my steak.

Gluten-Free Menu

There is not a specific allergy menu at Enzo’s Hideaway. Ask for the allergy options when you order. The waiter seemed to be a little hesitant when I discussed the menu with him. He really stuck hard to me just ordering the steak. I’m not sure if that was the only option or just the only one he knew of. Good thing for me, I always like a steak. I would have felt better if he had asked and confirmed other items with a chef. But I let it be and enjoyed the steak. I suggest asking to speak to a chef if you’re allergies are severe. Mine are intolerances that can make me sick but for the most part, if I don’t ingest full servings of gluten I tend to be ok. So sometimes I take a gamble. Please don’t follow in my footsteps if you don’t react the same way!

Dessert

The only gluten free dessert option was gelato. I was able to choose between the three flavors, strawberry, lemon, and citrus. I opted for the strawberry. It was good but nothing special. I always prefer a “real” dessert like chocolate when it’s an option.

Strawberry Sorbet at Enzos Hideaway Disney Springs

Dining Plan

Dining Plans are accepted at Enzo’s Hideaway and use one table service credit per person.

Take Aways

I loved the underground cozy feel of Enzo’s Hideaway. The decor and overall ambiance is very warm and inviting. The food was great and there were certainly items on the menu to meet my gluten free needs.

Just the same as Maria & Enzo’s, I would prefer to have a dedicated gluten free menu so I don’t have to rely on the waitstaffs knowledge. I would also love to see a few more gluten free options including bread. But overall I ate well and really enjoyed my company and the fun atmosphere!

Next time you’re at Disney Springs give Enzo’s Hideaway a try and then tag me in your photos @loveofthemagic and tell me what you think!

Need more help or have questions? Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook @loveofthemagic or email me at Jamie@LOTMV.com

Chat soon!

May 19, 2019

Disney World Epcot Extra Magic Planning Touring Plans

Epcot FastPass Suggestions plus Touring Plans

by Jamie Rumph December 1, 2018

written by Jamie Rumph

EPCOT FastPass Suggestions plus Touring Plans

Find out more about Epcot, it’s FastPass attractions, four annual festivals and touring plans for all ages below.

Epcot opened in 1982 and was the second park built at Walt Disney World. It’s often one that gets overlooked as many first time guests state their kids won’t love it and they can easily skip it! Epcot is often a favorite for repeat park goers and I highly suggest you spend a day here during your Disney vacation!

Epcot has so much to offer guests of all ages! It’s true, there are fewer rides at Epcot than other Disney parks but that will soon change with the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy and Ratitoulle rides in the next few years.

Kids and adults will enjoy exploring the World Showcase, meeting characters, strolling one of Epcot’s many festivals and of course riding its great attractions!

Tiered Epcot FastPass List

Epcot operates on a tiered FastPass system. This means that guest are not able to select all of the most desirable FastPass attractions at one time. This ensures there are enough E-ticket attraction FastPasses to go around.

Frozen Ever After at Disney World Epcot one of the suggested FastPass rides

Tier One

Guest may select one FastPass from the Epcot FastPass Tier One attractions.

Soarin
Frozen Ever After (suggested, unless not a Frozen fan. Then choose Test Track)
Test Track
Meet Disney Pals at the Epcot Character Spot

Tier Two

Disney World Epcot The Seas With Nemo and Friends on the Epcot touring plan

Guest may select two or three FastPasses from Tier Two.

Spaceship Earth
Mission Space
Living with the Land
Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Turtle Talk with Crush

Rider swap

Rider swap is available at the following attractions at Epcot:

Soarin
Test Track
Mission Space

How rider swap works

Rider Swap is a great way to get all willing and tall enough guests on the attractions together when one member of the party is either too short to ride or does not want to ride.

When you approach the Standby or FastPass entrance simply let the Cast Member know that you’d like to rider swap.

The Cast Member will give you a paper FastPass that can be used for up to 4 people. The first group will ride while one adult and unwilling/too small participants stay behind. After the first party returns the adult that stayed behind will be able to use the FastPass entrance to ride the attraction along with the other members who just rode.

This system is a fantastic way for everyone to get to experience the attraction together even when some aren’t able too. It’s also a great way for the kids to be able to experience many of the attractions twice!

Complete List of Epcot Attractions and their height requirements

Test Track at Disney World Epcot ride one on the Epcot touring plan

If a height is not listed, there are no height restrictions for the attraction.

Spaceship Earth
Mission Space 40″
Test Track 40″
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Soarin 40″
Living with the Land
Journey Into Imagination With Figment
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Frozen Ever After

Single rider lines

The only single rider line at Epcot is Test Track.

When you arrive at Test Track there will be three places to enter the line. FastPass, Standby or Single Rider. If you are by yourself or don’t mind splitting up your party you can choose the single rider line to move through the line faster.

There is no real way to determine how long you’ll wait because Cast Members will use single riders to fill in any available space on a party that has an odd number of guests.

Complete List of Shows at Epcot – Not including festival shows

Turtle Talk with Crush
Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
O Canada
Impressions de France
The American Adventure
Reflections of China

Complete List of Character Meet and Greets at Epcot

*Characters are subject to change and some are not available all day. Please check the times guide upon entry to Epcot to ensure you don’t miss your favorites!

Mickey, Minnie, Goofy – Character Spot
Ralph & Venelope – Character Spot, separate from Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy.
Baymax – Character Spot, separate from Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy.
Joy & Sadness – Character Spot, separate from Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy.
Daisy – Entrance to World Showcase – Friendship Ambassador Gazebo”
Donald – Mexico
Anna & Elsa – Norway
Mulan – China
Snow White – Germany
Princess Jasmine – Morocco
Belle in her town dress – France
Princess Aurora – France
Alice – Tea Caddy Gardens

Park Map

To view all Epcot has to offer go here.

Touring Plans

Touring Plan for Ride Lovers

*The three most popular attractions at Epcot are in the Tier One FastPass category, meaning you can only select one of the three popular attractions.

Table Service dining times are not included in the touring plans. I do suggest you sit down for one meal per day. It gives everyone a chance to relax and enjoy some air conditioning. Make your dining reservation to match up with the dining time listed if possible. You can adjust the schedule if need be to accommodate the meal you’d like to experience.

*Suggested FastPass selections and times are in red.

Arrive at Epcot 30-45 minutes prior to park opening. If the park will be crowded I suggest arriving 45 minutes prior. You can view the current crowd calendar here.

At park opening:

Go directly to Test Track
Soarin
Living with the Land – FastPass suggested time 9:30-10:30
Quick grab breakfast or snack – mid-morning
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Turtle Talk with Crush
Spaceship Earth – FastPass suggested time 11:15 – 12:15
Lunch
Possible Character Spot Meet & Greet if desired and there is time
Mission Space
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
Disney and Pixar Shorts Film Festival
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Frozen Ever After – Fast Pass suggested time 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Possible Anna & Elsa Meet & Greet if desired
Explore the World Showcase
Dinner – Eat small bites at the various festival kiosks or make a dining reservation in the World Showcase
IllumiNations – see times guide for nightly show times.

*The Ride Lovers Touring Plan only lists a few possible Character Meet and Greets. Please fill in characters where you see fit while being mindful of the time. As long as you’re moving through the list within the morning, afternoon, evening time period shown you will be able to see characters as desired.

Touring Plan for Families with Small Kids (under 40″)

If the adults would like to experience Test Track, Soarin and Mission Space use the Ride Lovers Touring Plan and Rider Swap option. The adult waiting with the shorter children can use the wait time to meet characters or play on the festival playgrounds.

At park opening:

The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Turtle Talk with Crush
Character Spot – FastPass suggested time 10:00 – 11:00
Quick grab Breakfast or Snack
Meet Joy & Sadness; Baymax or other characters at Character Spot that are not part of the FastPass group
Spaceship Earth – FastPass suggested time 11:15 – 12:15
Living with the Land
Lunch
Disney and Pixar Shorts Film Festival
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Meet Anna & Elsa
Frozen Ever After – Fast Pass suggested time 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Explore World Showcase meeting characters along the way
Dinner – Eat small bites at the various festival kiosks or make a dining reservation in the World Showcase
IllumiNations – see times guide for nightly show times.

*The Touring Plan for Families with Small Kids does not list ALL of the available Character Meet and Greets. Please fill in characters where you see fit while being mindful of the time. As long as you’re moving through the list within the morning, afternoon, evening time period shown you will be able to see characters as desired.

Touring Plan for Character Lovers

Pluto as you enter the park, if available
Joy & Sadness – Character Spot
Baymax – Character Spot
Quick grab Breakfast or Snack
Extra Character Spot character if available, currently Ralph & Venelope
Character Spot – FastPass suggested time 10:30 – 11:30 am
Soarin or Test Track – Fast Pass suggested time 11:45 – 12:45; choose most desired
Lunch on the go to meet as many characters as possible

Character Tour Continued into the World Showcase – going towards Canada first.

Mary Poppins, United Kingdom – 1 pm
Alice in Wonderland, United Kingdom – 1:30 pm
Princess Aurora, France – 2:30 pm
Belle, France 3:50 pm
Jasmine, Morroco – 4:35 pm
Snow White, Germany – 5:20 pm
Mulan only meets until 4:50, if she is on your list of must meet, start the World Showcase Character Tour from the bottom of this list.
Anna & Elsa – meets park open to park close
Frozen Ever After – Fast Pass suggested time 6:00 pm – 7 pm (If starting at the bottom of this list, suggested FastPass time of 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Donald Duck – Mexico
Daisy Duck – Showcase Plaza Entrance – meets until 6:30 pm
Dinner
Any attractions you’d like to ride but missed
IllumiNations

*Depending on crowd levels and character wait times it may be impossible to meet all of the characters in one day. Please know your priorities and adjust times as necessary. Use the Times Guide to ensure current character meeting times and availability.

It is suggested you get in line 15 – 20 minutes prior to the characters meet time in order to meet them. Cast Members will close the lines if they get too long for the allotted meet and greet time.

Touring Plan for Festival Lovers

Festival of the Arts Touring Plan
Flower and Garden Festival
Food and Wine Festival
International Festival of the Holidays

Touring Plan for Other Parks:

Magic Kingdom – Coming soon
Hollywood Studios – Coming Soon
Animal Kingdom – Coming Soon
Blizzard Beach – Coming Soon
Typhoon Lagoon – Coming Soon

Find out about all current and upcoming refurbishments here and new attractions coming soon here.

December 1, 2018

Animal Kingdom Disney Resorts Epcot Hollywood Studios Magic Kingdom Planning

New at Disney World in 2019

by Jamie Rumph November 27, 2018

written by Jamie Rumph

Disney World has many new and highly anticipated additions coming in 2019! Here is a complete list of what we have to look forward to in the new year!

I’ll continue to add pictures to this post so bookmark it and check back to see the progress!

Magic Kingdom

Mickey and Minnies Surprise Celebration

Mickey and Minnies Surprise Celebration begins on January 18th at Magic Kingdom. Mickey and Minnie will finally be together in one spot for a picture taking opportunity! I’m so excited!

Move It, Shake It, MousekeDance It!

Move It, Shake It, MousekeDance It also begins on January 18th. This updated version of the current Move It, Shake It, Dance It, Play It parade will have new music and costumes celebrating our favorite mouse!

EPCOT

EPCOT Forever Nighttime Spectacular

Summer 2019, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, a long-standing fan favorite will end and a new show Epcot Forever, will begin. It’s unknown if this will happen simultaneously. The new show will play for a limited time as Disney reimagines the feel of Epcot.

Hollywood Studios

Galaxies Edge

Perhaps the most anticipated new addition at Disney World is Galaxies Edge (Star Wars Land) at Hollywood Studios. This fully immersive land will feature two new attractions “Millenium Falcon – Smugglers Run” and “Star Wars Rise of the Resistance” when it opens in the Fall of 2019 along with new dining locations and of course a gift shop. The new Star Wars Hotel will also be part of the land but is not slated to open in 2019.

I’m not even a huge Star Wars fan and I’m really excited to experience this new land! Sorry guys, Star Wars is great and all I’m just not a diehard.

However, seeing glimpses of what’s to come while riding Slinky Dog Dash and just what’s peering over the tops of the walls has me pretty excited to experience what Disney has dreamed up this time!

Mickey’s Runaway Railway

This Mickey filled experience is taking the place of the Great Movie Ride inside Hollywood Studios. I was completely sad when Disney closed the Great Movie Ride I’m equally excited about the opening of Mickey’s Runaway Railway! This new 3-D attraction is scheduled to open in 2019 and is sure to be loved by all mouse fans!

Metroville

Pixar Place is currently being reimagined at Metroville home to the Incredibles and will open on January 18th. This area was once the entrance to Toy Story Midway Mania and home to the Woody and Buzz meet and greet but upon the new Toy Story land opening Disney quickly put up walls and began construction on something new.

Meet Mike and Sully

On January 18th, Mike and Sully from Monsters Inc will be coming to Hollywood Studios for a new meet and greet. You will find them inside One Man’s Dream in the same spot we’ve seen Guardians of the Galaxy, Moana and some other character favorites. Because of where they are meeting I anticipate they will only stick around for a short time.

Lightning McQueen Racing Academy

Beginning in early 2019 Lightning McQueen and his racing buddies Tow Mater and Cruz Ramirez will star in a new show located near Rockin Rollercoaster. I anticipate this show to be in the building behind the coaster that has featured a few dance parties in the past. Lightning McQueen is excited to share his racing knowledge with all of us but has to think on his feet when it doesn’t go as planned.

Wonderful World of Animation Show

Disney continues to celebrate the history of animation and movies in Hollywood Studios with the debut of a new nighttime show beginning May 2019. This projection show will share 90 years of Disney Animation and is assumed to be another projection show on the Chinese Theater. As long as they include the original animation Steamboat Willie my little Disney heart will be happy!

Animal Kingdom

Hakuna Matata Time

A new dance party titled “Hakuna Matata Time” begins on January 18th as part of the celebration of Mickey throughout Disney World. I don’t anticipate this one to draw crowds like the shows featuring Mickey.

New Transportation at Disney World!

Disney’s Skyliner

Opening in the fall of 2019, this new gondola system will connect 4 resorts, Disney’s Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach and the new Rivera Resort, to both Hollywood Studios and Epcot.

All of the connector poles are in place and the cable system is being installed. Each of the 4 new platforms to board the gondola are also well underway. Each platform has been designed to match the theming of its location.

Resorts

Rivera Resort

In the Fall of 2019, just in time for Galaxies Edge, Disney’s new Rivera Resort will be opening at Disney World. This new resort is the fifteenth Disney Vacation Club resort. There will be approximately 300 new rooms and views of Hollywood Studios and Epcot fireworks from the top floor restaurant.

Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

In July 2019 this new 545 room tower which includes 50 suites will begin welcoming guests in a two-story grand lobby. This new tower is situated to the right of the original resort and will be the new check-in location. Two new restaurants will also open at the resort. One on the rooftop of the tower and the second on an island in the middle of the 14 acre Lago Dorado lake. The original rooms at Coronado Springs are also getting a facelift to match the resorts new style.

Disney Springs

City Works Eatery & Pour House

Disney Springs has had an abundance of “new” over that last several years as it was transformed from Downtown Disney to Disney Springs. This shopping, eating and entertainment area has been very popular among guests and is often quite crowded in the afternoons and evenings.

City Works Eatery and Pour House will open in the summeopen019 and will feature over 80 beers on tap and abundance of large screen TVs. This sports bar type atmosphere will be family-friendly and perhaps a favorite hang out location for all of the sports-loving dads out there.

November 27, 2018

epcot international festival of holidays

Epcot Planning Touring Plans

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays 2018

by Jamie Rumph November 18, 2018

written by Jamie Rumph

The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, previously called Holidays Around the World runs daily from November 18th through December 30th. This newly reimagined festival favorite is full of old favorites and some new and exciting additions this year!!!

How to Best Enjoy the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

Have an idea of which of the 12 Holiday Showcase performances you can’t miss.
Don’t miss the Candlelight Processional which happens 3 times nightly at the American Garden Theater.
Know which foods and drinks you’d like to try at the holiday kitchens ahead of time.
Make Candlelight Processional dining reservations if you want a reserved seat at the show.
Make a plan for entertaining the kids. I use Chip & Dales Christmas Tree Spree game to keep them wanting to explore the world.
Use the touring plan below to plan your day.

Decorations for the Holidays

Epcot is home to quite a few great holiday displays including one of the 9 iconic large trees. This tree sits at the entrance of World Showcase and shows holiday greetings in many languages. Stop here for your picture with this huge tree and you stroll into the World Showcase and get ready to fill your tummy with holiday goodness from around the world!

Throughout Epcot, many of the attractions will have nods to the holidays as well. One of my most favorite is the additions to Living with the Land! epcot international festival of holidays

Holiday Kitchens for the 2018 International Festival of the Holidays

In 2016 Epcot expanded the Holidays Around the World to include Holidays Kitchens. These kitchens operate the same as the other festivals throughout the year, offering guests small bites around the World Showcase that are traditional to the country you’re visiting.

For the 2018 Festival, there are 16 Holiday Kitchens to try out. Each of these kitchens

Future World East

Taste Track

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New for the 2018 festival featuring a full menu of croissant donuts. Aka cronuts!

Croissant Doughnut with chocolate and holiday sprinkles
Croissant Doughnut with eggnog pastry cream and gingersnap crups
Pancake Milkshake (non-alcoholic)
Banfi Rosa Regale Sparkling Red

Showcase Plaza

Holiday Sweets and Treats Booth

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Refreshment Port – Near Canada

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Feast of the Three Kings

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World Showcase

Yukon Holiday Kitchen – Canada

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Le Marche De Noel Holiday Kitchen – France

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L’Chaim! – Between Morocco and France

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Sapphire Holiday Kitchen – Morocco

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Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen – Japan

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American Holiday Table

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Fife & Drum Tavern – The American Adventure

Holiday Apple Pie Sundae with soft serve ice cream caramel sauce and crunchy streusel topping
Budweiser Reserve Collection Copper Lager

Tuscany Holiday Kitchen – Italy

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Bavaria Holiday Kitchen – Germany

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Refreshment Outpost – Near Africa Outpost

Warm Caramel Stuffed Salted Pretzel with soft serve ice cream and chocolate sauce
Shipyard Eggnog White Porter

Shanghai Holiday Kitchen – China

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Las Posadas – México

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Festival Food Extras

Joffery’s Coffee & Tea Company

Showcase Plaza Kiosk – Rum Rudolph
Canada Kiosk – Naughty and Nice
The American Adventure- Cheerful Elf
Future World East: Mistletoe Mile

France

L’Artisan Des Glaces – Gingerbread Ice Cream with gingerbread pieces
Boulangerie Patisserie Les Halles – Buche de Noel au Chocolate – Chocolate Log with chocolate mint cream mousse and chocolate crunch biscuit

Fountain View Cafe

Mickey Santa Hat Cupcake

Norway

Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe -Traditional Holiday Rice Cream

UK Beer Cart

TG. Lee Eggnog non-alcoholic
T.G. Lee Eggnog with Irish Whiskey

UK Tea Caddy

Twinnings Iced Christmas Toddy: Twinnings Iced Christmas Tea with Honey non-alcoholic

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Canada

Popcorn Cart – Pecan Maple Bark featuring Crown Maple Sugar

Gluten Free options by country

Disney does an amazing job of providing options that are food allergy friendly and GOOD! Unfortunately, the Festival of the Holidays lacks very many gluten-free options around the World Showcase. Most of the options will be as you enter the World Showcase at Feast of the Three Kings which isn’t as much fun when you have to consume it all in one place!

American: Hand-carved Smoked Ham with green beans and sweet potato casserole
Holiday Sweets and Treats: Peppermint Sundae – Chocolate ice cream, whipped cream, and peppermint candy
Feast of the Three Kings: Pastelon – Sofrito-marinated beef with sweet plantains and olives
Feast of the Three Kings: Queso Fresco-stuffed Arepa topped with shrimp, crushed avocado aoli and tomato sauce
Feast of the Three Kings: Arepas topped with melted queso fresco
Feast of the Three Kings: Tres Leches Rice Pudding with pumpkin seeds

Festival Entertainment

The Candlelight Processional

The Candlelight Processional takes place nightly at the American Garden Theater and is one of my most favorite Epcot Holiday traditions.

The processional starts each year on Thanksgiving evening, and runs through December 30th. The lineup of narrators varies from well-know beloved artists like Whoopi Goldberg and Neil Patrick Harris. But no matter who narrates the Candlelight Processional, while you’re visiting, you won’t’ want to miss it.

epcot international festival of holidays

The Candlelight Processional tells the Christmas Story while a 50 piece orchestra and choir (made up of Cast Members) accompany the narrator in telling the story of the coming of our savior.

Show Times: 5:00 pm, 6:45 pm, 8:15 pm each evening

Location: American Garden Theater, World Showcase

Schedule of Artists

November 22 – 23: Chita Rivera
November 24 – 25: Helen Hunt – New for 2018
November 26 – 27: Alfonso Ribeiro – New for 2018
November 28 – 30: Robby Benson
December 1 – 2: John Stamos
December 3 -6: Neil Pattrick Harris
December 7 -9: Whoopi Goldberg
December 10 – 12: Bart Millard – New for 2018
December 13 – 14: Blair Underwood
December 15 – 17: Gary Sinise
December 18 – 20: Pat Sajak
December 21 – 23: Auli’l Cravalho
December 24 – 25: Edward James Olmos
December 26 – 27: Jodi Benson
December 28 – 30: Cal Ripken Jr

What is “Candlelight Processional Dining Package”

When you make a reservation with a Candlelight Processional Dining Package each person in the dining party will be allowed a guaranteed spot at one of the nightly shows. The reserved show time is based on the dining time selected.

If you don’t have a dining package you’ll look for these standby entrance signs to line up for your showtime of choice. You will need to get in line 30-45 minutes prior to showtime to be admitted to the show. For the most popular narrators like Whoopi Goldberg, Neil Patrick Harris and John Stamos, I’ve seen guests line-up more than 2 hours in advance.

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What you need to know about the Candlelight Processional Dining Package:

Dining plans are accepted and are 2 table credits per person.
Out of pocket expense varies by restaurant. Price starts at $38 for breakfast, $50 for lunch and $55 for dinner.
Reservations should be made on your My Disney Experience account or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
Make sure to choose the Candlelight Processional Dining Package at your desired restaurant NOT a regular dining reservation.
Breakfast: Buffet or family style meal
Lunch/Dinner: Appetizer, entrees, and dessert or buffet/family style in some restaurants.

Participating Restaurants:

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall: Norway
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Ale & Compass Restaurant
Disney’s Yacht Club:
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Biergarten Restaurant: Germany
- Lunch and dinner
Coral Reef Restaurant: The Seas
- Lunch and dinner
The Garden Grill Restaurant: The Land
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
La Hacienda de San Angel: Mexico
- Dinner
Les Chefs de France:
- Lunch and dinner
Nine Dragons Restaurant: China
- Lunch and dinner
Restaurant Marrakesh: Morocco Pavilion
- Lunch and dinner
Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room: United Kingdom
- Lunch and dinner
San Angel Inn Restaurante: Mexico
- Lunch and dinner
Spice Road Table: Morocco
- Lunch and dinner
Teppan Edo: Japan
- Lunch and dinner
Tokyo Dining: Japan
- Lunch and dinner
Trattoria al Forno – Disney’s Boardwalk
- Breakfast and Dinner
Tutto Italia Ristorante: Italy
- Lunch and dinner
Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria: Italy
- Lunch and dinner

Holiday Cookie Stroll – New for 2018

epcot international festival of holidays

Nothing says Christmas like cookies! This year at the International Festival of the Holidays you can participate in the NEW Holiday Cookie Stroll!

Purchase five select holiday cookies and mark your passport with a stamp for each one. When you’ve collected all five stop by Holiday Sweets and Treats to receive a special complimentary completer cookie and a glass of milk!

Live music daily on the Foutain Stage

Joyful!

epcot international festival of holidays

A Gospel Celebration of the Season performs daily at 1:25, 2:25, 3:25 and 4:25 pm.

Holiday IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth

This popular nighttime fireworks show grows bigger for the holidays with a special holiday ending that lights up the sky bigger than you’d imagine!

Holiday Storytellers & Holiday Traditions Around the World

Each country shares the holiday traditions and culture of their county. It’s a fun way to learn more about how the holidays are celebrated around the world.

*Times are subject to change. Please check the times guide upon entrance to Epcot.

Mexico

Las Posadas Celebration – join the fun and pageantry of Las Posadas with dancers, pinata and the music of Mariachi Cobre.
11:20 am, 12:20 pm, 1:05 pm, 2:30 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm

Norway

Sigrid Meets Julenissen the Christmas Gnome – Celebrate the season with laughter as the storyteller encounters a magical, mischievous Christmas gnome.
11 am, 11:45 am, 1:30 pm, 2:15 pm, 3 pm, 3:45 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:30 pm

China

Chinese Lion Dancers – Catch a glimpse of this colorful performance that brings good fortune and happiness in the Lunar New year.
12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:40 pm

Germany

Durch & Durch – Enjoy a German Christmas as a live band fills the holiday marketplace with music and merriment.
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday; 1:05 pm, 2:10 pm, 3:10 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm

Italy

epcot international festival of holidays

La Befana – Come hear the tale of the kind-hearted witch who visits young sleeping children on the Eve of the Epiphany.
12:15 pm, 12:55 pm, 1:40 pm, 2:35 pm 3:30 pm, 4:15 pm 5:45 pm, 6:30 pm

American Adventure:

Santa and Mrs. Claus
- 11:45 am, 1:45 pm, 3:45 pm, 5:45 pm
Voices of Liberty as Dickens Carolers – Embrace the spirit of the season with the festive acapella holiday music of the Dickens Carolers.
- 11:35 am, 12:20 pm, 1:05 pm, 1:50 pm, 2:35 pm, 3:20 pm, 4:05 pm

Japan

Daruma Storyteller – Discover the customs of the Japanese New Year and the fascinating story behind its good luck charm, the Daruma doll.
12 pm, 12:45 pm, 1:45 pm, 3:15 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:05 pm, 5:40 pm 6:15 pm

Morocco

Sahara Beat – Join in as the lively Moroccan band recreates the fun of street festivals and holidays across Morocco.
Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday; 1:20 pm, 2:20 pm, 3:45 pm, 4:45 pm, 5:45 pm 6:30 pm, 7:45 pm

Between Morocco and France – Hanukkah

Hanukkah Storyteller – Storyteller Zachary shares legends, tells tales and sings songs highlighting Hanukkah celebrations.
12:05 pm, 12:45 pm, 1:45 pm, 3 pm, 4:05 pm, 5:05 pm, 6:05 pm, 6:50 pm

France

Pere Noel – Rediscover the magic of Christmas through the letter of a delightful child
11:20 am, 11:55 am, 12:30 pm, 1:20 pm, 2:10 pm, 3:40 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:05 pm

United Kingdom

Father Christmas – Ring in the holiday season and traditions of the United Kingdom with good cheer.
1:05 pm, 2 pm, 2:55 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:40 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm

Canada

Canadian Holiday Voyageurs – Take a musical tour of the Great White North and explore Canada’s holiday traditions.
12:25 pm, 1:20 pm, 2:15 pm, 3:10 pm, 4:25 pm, 6 pm

Festival Merchandise

Each year the festival offers endless merchandise to commemorate your experience.

Throughout the World Showcase are Holiday Markets. They offer some artisan memorabilia as well as Festival themed merchandise.

All Festival Merchandise can be found at MouseGears and throughout Epcot and the World Showcase. If you don’t find what you’re looking for ask a Cast Member to look up where else in the park you may find the item. They are generally very good at locating things for you!

Kid-Sized Festival Fun

Kidcot Fun Stops

Kids can stop in each country to pick up their Ziploc brand suitcase and touring cards in each country. (Not specific to the festival)

New Family Play Zone

epcot international festival of holidays

A new playground inspired by “Ralph Breaks the Internet” located near Test Track. This is a great place for kids to safely run off some energy while parents sit and relax for a bit.

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Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree

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The festival scavenger hunts are a favorite in our house! It’s a great way to keep the kids interested and moving around the World Showcase!

epcot international festival of holidays

The cost of the map with stickers is $6.99 and can be picked up at Pin Central, Disney Traders or World Traveler. This festival I have even seen them scattered around the World Showcase at various Holiday Markets.

epcot international festival of holidays

Get the Festival of the Holidays 2018 Map Here

Festival Passport

Enjoy checking off your list in your Festival of the Holidays Passport as you make your way around Epcot and the World Showcase.

epcot international festival of holidays

Touring Plan for the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

Start your day at Epcot by arriving 30 minutes prior to the park opening. Daily park hours can be found here.

The World Showcase opens daily at 11 am.

Holiday Kitchens are open from 12 pm to 8 pm each day.

You can enter the World Showcase prior to 11 am and go as far as Norway on the left side or France on the right side. Keep in mind that doing so will result in missing a large part of the festival prior to the Holiday Kitchens and entertainment beginning.

The only reason I suggest entering World Showcase prior to 11 am would be to ride Frozen Ever After in Norway. The wait times can be long if you don’t’ have a FastPass. You could skip all of Future World upon entry to Epcot and go straight to Norway to ride Frozen Ever After but keep in mind this will result in a lot of extra walking and backtracking to cover all of Epcot.

In this park touring plan we’re focusing on covering the International Festival of the Holidays and only riding the main attractions at Epcot. If you’re more focused on the Epcot attractions this is not the touring plan for your day.

See all Epcot touring plans here.

Note about FastPass+ at Epcot:

Epcot operates on a tiered FastPass system meaning the most popular attractions Soarin, Test Track and Frozen Ever After are in Tier One and all of the other Fast Pass attractions are in Tier Two. You can read more about the tiered FastPass system and how it works here.

In this touring plan, I have chosen Frozen Ever After as the tier one FastPass selection simply for ease of moving through the park without much backtracking and additional walking.

If you have a Candlelight Processional dining reservation insert it into the touring plan as needed.

At park opening head directly to:

*All FastPass attractions and anything time sensitive will be noted in red. This plan is very time sensitive due to all of the Holiday Storytelling shows and their limited showings. You will need to make choices and see only some of the shows if you’re only visiting Epcot for one day.

I prefer to enter the World Showcase and head right towards Canada. I find going towards Mexico is more crowded

Choose which Holiday Storytellers and traditions you’d like to see prior to arrival. If you have some you don’t want to miss be mindful of the time as you move around the World Showcase. You won’t be able to see them all and personally, we see most of them in passing rather than stopping to see the whole show in each country.

Test Track
Soarin
FastPass for Mission to Space 10 am to 11 am
The Seas with Nemo and Friends (if time)
FastPass for SpaceShip Earth 11 am to 12 pm
Pick up a map for Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree at Pin Central prior to entering World Showcase.
Canadian Holiday Voyageurs 12:25 pm
Father Christmas – United Kingdom 1:05 pm
Pere Noel – France 2:10 pm
Hanukkah Storyteller 3:00 pm, Sahara Beat – Morocco 3:45 pm or Japan Daruma Storyteller 3:15 pm
Santa and Mrs. Claus – America 3:45 or 5:45
Voices of Liberty – America (last show of the day 4:05 pm)
Candlelight Processional – aim for the 6:45 pm show and depending on the crowd level be in line 30-45 mins prior to the show starting. For the most popular narrators like Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, and John Stamos you may need to line up 2 hours prior to showtime.
Durch & Durch – Germany 8 pm
FastPass for Frozen Ever After 8 pm to 9 pm
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth 9 or 9:30

*Check times guide for daily schedule or look at the entertainment guide online to ensure you don’t miss it. You will want to find a spot 30-45 mins prior to show time to get a spot up front. Because the viewing area is so large it’s not hard to get a good viewing location.

For additional information on visiting Disney World during the holidays and help planning your Disney World vacation go here.

November 18, 2018

Disney Resorts Disney World Value Resorts

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 Planning

Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

by Jamie Rumph April 29, 2018

written by Jamie Rumph

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Staying Deluxe at Disney

I’ve visited the Grand Floridian more times than I can count, ate at multiple restaurants, multiple times but I’ve yet to stay!? I’m excited to finally be staying over the 4th of July weekend!? It’s a surprise for my husband and kids!? We LOVE the festivities during the holidays and the fireworks are the best you’ll ever see!? So a day at the pool during the hottest season in Florida sounds like the perfect all American 4th of July weekend!

This monorail resort has the elegance and styling of a Victorian-themed resort of? Palm Beach’s golden era.? The resort is situated next to the Magic Kingdom on Seven Seas Lagoon and has views of Cinderella’s Castle and “The Happily Ever After” nightly fireworks show.

Although the Magic Kingdom is next to the Grand Floridian Resort, it is not easily accessible by foot.? It is best to take the monorail from the second floor of the main building, one stop and you will be at the Main Gate.? If you are looking for a resort with walking access to the Magic Kingdom, check out Disney’s Contemporary Resort.?

You can easily walk between Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.? As you pass between the two, you’ll walk by Disney’s Wedding Pavilion where brides can have a fairytale wedding complete with views of Cinderella’s Castle during the ceremony!?

Resort Size

842 Rooms – accommodate up to 4 guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib.
Club Level accommodations available
Rooms have 2 queen beds and 1-day bed
n size beds, or one king size bed and day bed
25 Suites
147 Villas

Room Types

Standard Room – 4 guests
1 Bedroom Suite – 6 guests
2 Bedroom Suite – 8 guests

Villa Rooms

Deluxe Studio – 4 guests
1 Bedroom Villa – 4 guests
2? Bedroom Villa – 4 guests

Room Size:

Standard Room 448 sq ft
1 Bedroom 931 sq ft
2 Bedroom Suite 1,362 sq ft
Deluxe Studio – 374 sq ft
1 Bedroom Villa – 844 sq ft
2 Bedroom Villa – 1,232 sq ft

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

Main Building – Concierge Level Rooms and Suites
Sago Cay – Lagoon and marina view rooms, garden view dormer rooms, tower rooms, hospitality suites, one and two bedroom suites
Sugarloaf Key – Concierge Rooms
Conch Key – Pool, marina and lagoon views, hospitality suites, one and two bedroom suites
Boca Chica – Standard guest rooms, lagoon, pool, dormer and tower rooms
Big Pine Key – Lagoon, pool and garden views

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

Dining Options

Signature Dining/Table Service:

Citricos
Narcoossee’s
Victoria & Albert’s

Character Dining/Table Service:

Supercalifragilistic Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare (You can view pictures of the breakfast on my Facebook page here)
Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner at 1900 Park Fare

Table Service:

Grand Floridian Cafe

Quick Service:

Gasparilla Island Grill

Lounges:

Citricos Lounge
Garden View Lounge
Mizner’s Lounge

Pool Bars:

Beaches Pool Bar & Grill
Courtyard Pool Bar

Special Experiences:

Afternoon Tea at Garden View Tea Room
Citricos Chef’s Domain
Disney’s Perfectly Princess Tea
Garden View Tea Room

In Room Dining Available

Amenities:

2 pools including the Beach Pool
Beach Pool Water Play Area
Themed Slide
Poolside Cabana Rentals
White Sand Beaches for Sunbathing (you can also see Disney’s Polynesian Resort and the Wedding Pavillion in this picture)
Senses Spa
Ivy Trellis Salon
Health Club
Campfire
Fishing
Boat rentals including the Grand 1 Yacht
Arcade
Movies under the Stars
Running Trail
Valet Service
Coin Laundry

Stores:

Basin White
Commander Porters
M. Mouse Mercantile
Sandy Cove Gifts and Sundries
Summer Lace – I love to shop here for resort wear and cute dresses!
Senses

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
Royal Palm Club and Sugarloaf Lodge 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.

4401 Floridian Way

Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

407-824-3000

Additional Things to Know:

The Electrical Parade can be seen nightly from the beach and theme park view rooms.
Fireworks can be seen from the “Theme Park View” Rooms
The Monorail stops on the second floor of this resort daily, above the main entrance.
During the holidays a life-size gingerbread house is on display.? Inside there are treats to buy! (for additional Grand Floridian Christmas pictures, go to my Facebook page here)
The Grand Floridian Christmas tree stands 5 stories tall in the large open-air atrium.
During the Easter season, large hand-painted chocolate eggs are on display with different themes each year. (For additional Easter pictures at the Grand Floridian go to my Facebook page here)
On New Year’s Eve, Disney’s Grand Floridian resort hosts a party in the atrium complete with a live band and balloon drop at midnight.

Other Deluxe Resorts at Disney World

Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
Boardwalk Inn and Villas
Contemporary Resort
Polynesian Resort, Villas and Bungalows
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 29, 2018

Epcot

Frozen Ever After – All You Need to Know!

by Jamie Rumph July 24, 2016

written by Jamie Rumph

Frozen Ever After – All You Need to Know!

It’s Frozen Fever at Disney World! ?On June 21, 2016 Frozen Ever After at Disney’s Epcot opened and is so popular, that it’s lines continue to be long and wait times even longer! ?Here is everything you need to know to enjoy Norway’s new Frozen attractions!

Anna and Elsa’s meet and greet location has officially, and permanently, moved from Fantastyland at Magic Kingdom to Norway at Epcot.
Anna and Elsa’s new home is called the Royal Sommerhaus and is as cute as these two sisters!
No Fastpasses are available to meet Anna and Elsa, and magically, they are not needed either! ?The wait times are consistently short!
A fastpass for Frozen Ever After however, is needed! ?You must get this fastpass at 60 days prior to arrival. ?It is almost always gone after that.?
If you don’t have a fastpass, line up when the park opens! ?This is where it get’s tricky! ?Epcot opens at 9 am (unless there is an Extra Magic Hour morning and then it opens at 8 am). ?The World Showcase opens at 11 am. ?Norway is located in the World Showcase. ?So, that means Norway and Frozen Ever After open at 11 am, right? WRONG! ?The rope drop for the World Showcase has been relocated to between Norway and China, meaning Norway opens at 9 am with Future World (the main park). ?So make sure when you enter Epcot at 9 am, you head directly to Norway, and get in line for Frozen Ever After. ?There is no need to run, just walk nicely there and hop in line!
The wait time says 75 minutes. ?Is it true? Sometimes, but not always. ?Disney’s wait time system is only an estimate. ?It’s based on a number of things and they do their best to keep guests informed. ?However, the majority of the time, I have experienced my wait times to be much less! ?In fact, recently the wait time was posted at 75 minutes and I literally waited only 17 minutes! ?That’s it!
While waiting in the line you will walk through the Wandering Oaken Trading post. ?Make sure to find the window to the sauna and watch it! ?The show changes, so you can see different shows each time! ?You’ll only see this if you wait in the regular line, not the fastpass line. ?See, sometimes it pays to wait in line to see all of the extra magic! You can see a video of one of the sauna window scenes on my YouTube page.
Frozen Ever After is about 4 minutes long and a very mild ride. ?The boat goes forwards and backwards, with two very small drops. ?It is perfect for kids of all ages!
The new ride uses the same ride track system and boats from it’s previous attraction Maelstrom. ?It’s been updated with all new Frozen scenes and state of the art animatronics that mimic Anna and Elsa’s movements exactly.
While in Norway, don’t forget to get your picture taken and have a conversation with the resident vikings! ?They are sure to make you laugh! ?You’ll find these guys wandering around Norway, eager to entertain!?
Akershus, an already popular princess character dining option is located in Norway. ?With Frozen Ever After opening, it is gaining even more popularity! ?You can make an advanced dining reservation at 180 days prior to arrival. ?Do not expect to walk up and be able to dine here. ?Of course, in a bind, I always say it’s better to ask! ?Sometimes Disney magic does happen! ?The price is prefixed per person and is dependent on the meal you are eating. ?You an expect to see Belle, Aurora, Ariel, Snow White and Mulan while eating here. ?Characters are subject to change at any time. ?For pictures of this dining spot, check my Akershus Facebook album.
?You can find anything and everything Frozen in the shops in Norway! ?There are two stores, one after you exit Frozen Ever After and also as you exit Royal Sommerhaus. ?You don’t have to ride the ride or meet Anna and Elsa to go in the shops. ?You can enter from outside as well. ?You will even find some Frozen items that are exclusive to these stores! ?

July 24, 2016

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

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