Category:

Touring Plans

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

Disney World Extra Magic Magic Kingdom Planning Touring Plans

How to see Magic Kingdom with a Touring Plan

by Jamie Rumph June 8, 2019

written by Jamie Rumph

Seeing all of Magic Kingdom in one day is impossible. I always recommend two days if you’d like to see and do everything but if you only have one day to spend at the Magic Kingdom I can help you to work through some of the best attractions with my one-day touring plan for “Ride Lovers” or one-day touring plan for “Families with Small Kids”.

My touring plans work to move you around the park in a timely manner while also not having you dart back and forth between the lands. You will easily put in 10,000 steps a day at Magic Kingdom and eliminating any unnecessary walking is crucial to park survival!

For those of you with two days to tour Magic Kingdom use one of the two touring plans mentioned above and then add on the second-day plan.

In order to get started, you will need to prioritize which attractions are the most important to you and then strategically go about seeing them. If I haven’t listed an attraction you MUST SEE while here, swap out one you’re less interested in. The idea is to cover as much as possible but still stay flexible if there’s something you really want to do or a shorter than expected wait time pops up.

You can expect to average one attraction per 45 minutes or an hour based on just how busy the park is on the day you visit. Having this in mind will help you to understand how much you’ll be able to cover in a days time.

If you’ve never visited the Magic Kingdom and you’re not sure what you want to ride I’ve got you covered!

Hang on friends, it’s time to visit Magic Kingdom like a pro!

Touring Plans – Why you need one.

Standing inside the Magic Kingdom, or any other Disney park can be quite overwhelming for anyone, especially a first or second-time visitor. Staring at a map and trying to orient yourself while the kids all put in their two cents about what they’d like to do next can derail any Disney day. Families do much better with a plan in place. Having a plan up front can help to ease frustration and also ensure you cover the maximum amount of attractions possible on your park day.

There are over 38 attractions and character meet and greets at any given time and this doesn’t even include the parades, fireworks, and stage shows. Knowing what you’d like to do ahead of time will ensure you leave the park knowing you did what you came for and reduce stress about what you might have missed!

How FastPass+ Works

Each guest with a valid park ticket can select up to three FastPass experiences per day prior to park arrival, at no additional cost.

On property and good neighborhood guests will be able to select them 60 days prior to arrival
Guests staying off property will select them at 30 days prior to arrival.

For each FastPass you have, you’ll be able to skip the “stand-by” line by entering through the “FastPass line”. Upon arrival to the attraction, you will tap your MagicBand at the FastPass line entrance and then proceed to the front of the line.

Cast Members intermix the number of FastPass guests and standby guests at the merge points and magically keep each line moving. Ultimately this means you will skip the line for at least three attractions each day.

Once you have tapped your MagicBand on your third FastPass attraction you are then able to login to your My Disney Experience app (or visit a FastPass kiosk) to select additional FastPass attractions, one at a time.

Each attraction has a limited number of FastPasses per day and once they run out you won’t be able to select that attraction as a FastPass option. This is why it’s so important to select the first three FastPasses based on your highest priority attractions combined with the typical wait time these attractions have. More on this in the FastPass table below.

For example: Maybe your highest priority attraction is Under the Sea – Journey of a Little Mermaid. You can tell from the table below that this is a low priority Fast Pass selection. The reason this attraction is in the third tier is that it consistently has a shorter wait time in comparison to most other attractions. Trust me on this! Choose all three of your original FastPass attractions from Tier One if possible, or Tier Two if necessary. You will still be able to ride Under the Sea – Journey of a Little Mermaid.

Fast Pass Selection Day

Be prepared to login to your My Disney Experience account the morning of your FastPass selection day (either 60 or 30 days prior to arrival) and select your desired FastPasses.

FastPass selection opens at 7 am EST each day.
FastPasses are chosen in hour-long increments meaning you have one hour to use the FastPass you’ve selected.
The times can not overlap even by a minute.
Upon arrival at the park, you can check in up to 5 minutes prior to your arrival time and up to 10 minutes past your arrival time. This is NOT a rule written in stone and is at the Cast Members discretion so try to be on time.

FastPass+ Choices – How to Choose

Magic Kingdom has more than 25 attractions, shows and character greetings that offer FastPass+. Some of these are not ideal selections for your first round of FastPass+. Use the table below to help decide which FastPasses you should be choosing.

When selecting FastPasses choose your top three priorities, from the top tier of the FastPass chart below. These are the most popular attractions that consistently have the longest wait times.

I personally choose the three mountains; Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain. BUT if your priorities are not the “mountains” adjust accordingly from the top tier. If Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Peter Pan are a top priority then choose one of those to replace one of the “mountains”. We’ll talk more about how to cover the remainder of the top tier attractions below.

If you are not able to get all three of your top tier FastPasses you can select one from tier two. But I caution you to choose from tier two only if you don’t want to ride what’s listed in tier one.

Don’t stress yourself out that if you don’t have a FastPass for an attraction in Tier Two you won’t get to ride. This is not the case. We are simply maximizing our time in the parks by using FastPasses to skip the lines that are consistently the longest. Make sense?

Need me to just handle this for you? My team and I take care of all of these details and more for our clients at no additional cost to you.

Prior to Arrival

Have your FastPass selections in place.
Download the My Disney Experience app to your phone and log in.
Screenshot your day’s plans. This alleviates any issues you might have with the My Disney Experience app once inside the park. This does happen!
Choose your touring plan below – this ideally happens prior to you selecting FastPasses. It will act as a guide for the ideal time slots you select for your FastPasses.
It is imperative that you check the park hours prior to going. Hours are always subject to change and looking 6 months prior to arrival is not sufficient planning. Double checking the week before or the day before is best.

Arrival to Magic Kingdom and Rope Drop

On your Magic Kingdom day, you’ll want to arrive 45 minutes to an hour prior to park opening time. We will use the early morning hours to cover a few attractions prior to the park becoming crowded. But you must be in place and ready to go when the park officially opens.

Cast members will admit guests into Magic Kingdom and down Main Street to the Castle Forecourt stage approximately 45 minutes prior to the listed park opening time.

All of the Main Street shops and dining locations will be open for you to wander through and grab your morning coffee but I highly suggest you resist temptation and move on towards the castle!

Cast Members will be standing at each of the four “spokes” holding a rope to keep guests from accessing the lands prior to the official park opening. This is where we get the term “rope drop”.

After the morning opening show on the castle stage, Cast Members will drop the rope and allow guests to move to their land and attraction of choice.

The crowds will gather at these ropes to wait in the hopes of being first in line at their desired attraction. This is where strategy comes into play.

You should be standing near the rope closest to your land of choice ready to go at rope drop.
This is when you will ride the Top Tier attraction that you were NOT able to get a FastPass+ for.
And hopefully, ride one other top tier attraction prior to moving on to your selected FastPasses.

Park Map

To see all Magic Kingdom has to offer go here.

Touring Plans – How to choose the best one for you.

Choose from my Family Touring Plan or Touring Plan for Ride Lovers.

The family touring plan has attractions that everyone can ride (based on height) and the touring plan for ride lovers includes more thrilling attractions that have a height requirement. Keep in mind that Magic Kingdoms “thrilling attractions” are still very mild in comparison to intense coasters elsewhere. This will change when Tron opens. (opening date not yet announced as of June 2019).

For guests that have more than one day to spend at Magic Kingdom, and this is highly suggested that you do, please add on the second day’s plan to your chosen “one day plan”.

One Day – Touring Plan for Ride Lovers

*Suggested FastPass selections and times are in red.

Arrive at Magic Kingdom 45 minutes to an hour prior to park opening and proceed down Main Street and to the “spoke” of the land, you’ll be starting in.

At park opening:

At Rope Drop go directly to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (or the Top Tier attraction you did NOT get a FastPass+ for)
Peter Pan (if high priority and wait time is less than an hour)
Small World
Haunted Mansion
Lunch
Big Thunder Mountain – FastPass suggested time 12:30 – 1:30 pm for a 9 am opening. Plan to arrive at Big Thunder near the end of your FastPass time so that you are immediately able to use your Splash Mountain FastPass once you’re off Big Thunder.
Splash Mountain – FastPass suggested time 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Pirates of the Caribbean
Space Mountain – FastPass suggested time 2:45 – 3:45 pm
Select next FastPass from the app – choose your highest priority based on what’s still available.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority – People Mover
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
Under the Sea – Journey of a Little Mermaid – if time.
Dinner
Dumbo – if time.
Meet Characters as time allows.
Happily Ever After Fireworks – see times guide for time. Arrive at Main Street 45 minutes to an hour prior. Sit on Main Street from Casey’s Corner forward to just behind the Hub for the best views of both the fireworks and the projection show.

*The Ride Lovers Touring Plan does not list any Character Meet and Greets. Please fill in characters where you see fit.

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

At park opening:

At rope drop go directly to Princess Fairytale Hall – meet Cinderella & friends. Characters subject to change.
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Prince Charming Regal Carousel
It’s A Small World – if time, if not do after Peter Pans Flight
Peter Pan’s Flight – FastPass suggested time 10:00 – 11:00 am
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Dumbo the Flying Elephant – FastPass suggested time 11:00 – 12:00 pm
Lunch
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
Meet Ariel in her Grotto
Festival of Fantasy Parade – find a spot on Main Street 45 minutes prior to start time; typically 3 pm.
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin – FastPass suggested time 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Select next FastPass from the app – choose your highest priority based on what’s still available.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority – People Mover
Jungle Cruise
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Dinner
Happily Ever After Fireworks – see times guide for time. Arrive at Main Street 45 minutes to an hour prior. Sit on Main Street from Casey’s Corner forward to just behind the Hub for the best views of both the fireworks and the projection show.

*If you’d like to rest mid-day plan to leave the Magic Kingdom after the Festival of Fantasy Parade which typically happens at 3 pm. Then come back to Magic Kingdom for a late dinner and evening fireworks.

*If you don’t think late fireworks is ideal for your family, consider staying at one of the three monorail resorts, Disney’s Contemporary, Polynesian or Grand Floridian with a theme park view room to watch the evening fireworks from your room.

2 Day – Touring Plan for Ride Lovers

For our two day touring plans we’re essentially going to split the park in half and cover more of the attractions that Magic Kingdom has to offer.

Day One: Fantasyland & Tomorrowland

At rope drop go directly to Peter Pan’s Flight
It’s a Small World
Princess Fairytale Hall – meet Cinderella & friends
Enchanted Tales with Belle – if time
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – FastPass suggested time 11:30 – 12:30 am
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Meet Pooh & Tigger – if time
Lunch
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
Festival of Fantasy Parade – find a spot on Main Street 45 minutes prior to start time; typically 3 pm.
Space Mountain – FastPass suggested time 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin – FastPass suggested time 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Select next FastPass from the app – choose your highest priority based on what’s still available.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority – People Mover
Tomorrowland Speedway
Dumbo
Goofy’s Barnstormer
Dinner
Meet Mickey Mouse & Tinker Bell – Town Square Theater on Main Street
Complete the remaining attractions and character meets in both Tomorrowland and Fantasyland that you have not done or would like to repeat.
Happily Ever After Fireworks – see times guide for time. Arrive at Main Street 45 minutes to an hour prior. Sit on Main Street from Casey’s Corner forward to just behind the Hub for the best views of both the fireworks and the projection show.

Day Two: Adventureland, Frontierland & Liberty Square

At rope drop go directly to Pirates of the Caribbean
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Jungle Cruise – FastPass suggested time 10:00 – 11:00 am
Enchanted Tiki Room – if time
Splash Mountain – FastPass suggested time 11:00 – 12:00 pm (arrive near the end of the FastPass time so you can immediately get on Big Thunder after you’ve ridden Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain- FastPass suggested time 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Select next FastPass from the app – if Haunted Mansion is an option or something you’d like to repeat from the day before, choose your highest priority based on what’s still available.
Lunch
If you’d like to see the Festival of Fantasy parade again, view it in Frontierland or Liberty Square.
Haunted Mansion
Tom Sawyer Island (closes daily at 5 pm)
Liberty Square Riverboat
The Hall of Presidents
fill in characters and the few remaining attractions you have not experienced: Country Bear Jamboree, Swiss Family Tree House.
Choose to see the fireworks again or repeat your favorite attractions.

2 Day – Touring Plan for Families

Day One: Fantasyland & Tomorrowland

*This is a really full plan for small children. Use at your discretion. Skip what doesn’t feel exciting and nap in the middle of the day if needed!

At rope drop go directly to Princess Fairytale Hall – meet Cinderella & friends
It’s a Small World
Princess Charming Regal Carrousel
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Peter Pan’s Flight – FastPass suggested time 11:00 – 12:00 pm
Lunch
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Meet Pooh & Tigger – if time
Goofy’s Barnstormer – 35″ tall to ride – FastPass suggested time 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Dumbo – or FastPass for Dumbo if you dont’ want to ride Goofy’s Barnstormer
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
Meet Ariel in her Grotto
Festival of Fantasy Parade – find a spot on Main Street 45 minutes prior to start time; typically 3 pm.
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin – FastPass suggested time 3:20 – 4:20 pm
Select next FastPass from the app – choose your highest priority based on what’s still available.
Tomorrowland Speedway
Tomorrowland Transit Authority – People Mover
Dinner
Fill in attractions you missed, want to do again or characters you still want to meet or REST! You will be exhausted!
Happily Ever After Fireworks – see times guide for time. Arrive at Main Street 45 minutes to an hour prior. Sit on Main Street from Casey’s Corner forward to just behind the Hub for the best views of both the fireworks and the projection show.

Day Two: Fantasyland, Frontierland & Adventureland

Meet Mickey Mouse & Tinker Bell at Town Square Theater – at park opening
Meet Jasmine & Aladdin
Swiss Family Treehouse
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin – FastPass suggested time 10:00 – 11:00 am
Enchanted Tiki Room – if time
Jungle Cruise – FastPass suggested time 11:00 – 12:00 pm
Pirates of the Caribbean – FastPass suggested time 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Select next FastPass from the app – choose your highest priority based on what’s still available.
Lunch
Tom Sawyer Island
Country Bear Jamboree
Liberty Square Riverboat
If you’d like to see the Festival of Fantasy parade again, view it in Frontierland or Liberty Square.
Ride the Walt Disney Railroad to return to Fantasyland for the remainder of the day.
You probably did not complete day one. Use the afternoon of the second day to complete day one or meet characters.
Dinner
Fill in the attractions you missed, want to do again or characters you still want to meet.
Happily Ever After Fireworks – see times guide for time. Arrive at Main Street 45 minutes to an hour prior. Sit on Main Street from Casey’s Corner forward to just behind the Hub for the best views of both the fireworks and the projection show.

*If you don’t think late fireworks is ideal for your family consider staying at one of the three monorail resorts, Disney’s Contemporary, Polynesian or Grand Floridian with a theme park view room to watch the evening fireworks from your room.

Characters at Magic Kingdom

Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse together – Town Square Theater, Main Street USA
Tinker Bell – Town Square Theater, Main Street USA
Main Street characters – schedule and appearances vary
Belle – Enchanted Tales with Belle – Fantasyland
Peter Pan – Fantasyland
Ariel – Fantasyland
Pooh and Friends – Fantasyland
Cinderella & Elena – Fantasyland
Rapunzel & Tiana – Fantasyland
Gaston – Fantasyland
Donald, Daisy, Goofy & Minnie – Fantasyland
Buzz Lightyear – Tomorrowland
Stitch – Tomorrowland
Merida – Fantasyland
Woody & Jesse – Frontierland
Tiana – Liberty Square
Aladdin & Jasmine – Adventureland
Captain Jack Sparrow – Adventureland

*Character appearances subject to change. Often times characters will appear at the Flag Pole or in undisclosed locations. Keep your eyes open to see some of your favorites!

Touring Plan for Other Parks:

Epcot Touring Plans
Hollywood Studios – Coming Soon
Animal Kingdom – Coming Soon
Blizzard Beach – Coming Soon
Typhoon Lagoon – Coming Soon

Rider swap

Rider swap is available at the following Magic Kingdom attractions:

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Goofy’s Barnstormer
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Tomorrowland Speedway

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!

Single rider lines

Unlike Disneyland and a select few attractions at Disney World, Magic Kingdom does not have any single rider lines.

Additional Planning Resources

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

For additional help planning your Disney World vacation email hello@LOTMV.com

June 8, 2019

Epcot Planning Touring Plans

A Complete Guide to Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2019

by Jamie Rumph February 26, 2019

written by Jamie Rumph

My favorite festival of the year, Epcot Flower & Garden Festival returns for the 26th year in a row! The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival begins March 6 and goes through June 3, 2019, that’s 90 full days of flower fun! Read on to find out what you can’t miss!

For more on Epcot’s different festivals throughout the year click below:

When Does the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Happen?

Daily from March 6 – June 3, 2019
Epcot’s is open from 9 am to 9 pm daily. Some exceptions apply including Extra Magic Hours. Check here for daily park hours.

How to Best Enjoy the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

Have a plan of which of the outdoor kitchens and foods you don’t want to miss.
Don’t miss the Garden Rocks Concert series which happens three times nightly at the American Garden Theater.
Make Garden Rocks Concert dining reservations if you want a reserved seat at the show. Reservations can be made beginning January 2019.
Make a plan for entertaining the kids. There are so many opportunities for them at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival that will keep them wanting to explore more. Including Spikes Pollen Nation Scavenger hunt and the family playground.
Use the touring plan below to plan your day.

Tours & Events

There is so much to see and do at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival! You won’t be able to do it all in one day! If you have an extra day or have been to the festival before consider adding in one of these tours to your day!

Gardens of the World Tour
Royal Tea Garden Tour
English Tea Garden – Free
Behind the Seeds – offered year-round at Epcot.

How to Reserve A Tour

Call 407-WDW-TOURS

Topiaries

Topiary locations will be updated for 2019 as soon as the information is available. Most of the topiaries in the World Showcase will remain in the same place.

The topiaries at the Flower and Garden Festival are my MOST favorite part! I remember Disney’s iconic topiaries from my first visit to Disney World as a high schooler! I desperately wanted one at my own house and still, regularly ask my husband to build me one. (insert him laughing at me here!)

If you want to know more about how these topiaries are made and maintained and then placed at Epcot for the festival each year make sure you sign up for the Gardens of the World Tours.

It’s crazy just how much work goes into these beautiful pieces of art and how much each of them weighs!

My Favorite Topiaries

The Bromeliad dragon in China
Lady and the Tramp in Italy
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in Germany
Simba and Friends in the Outpost

New Topiaries for 2019

Bo Peep & Her Sheep

Future World East

Welcome to the Festival – Entrance to Epcot

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival entrance 2018

Donald Duck with Huey, Dewey, and Louie

Stitch – near Mission Space

Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Little Bo Peep and her sheep- Future World East

Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater – Future World East near Innoventions

Cruz Ramierz topiary at Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Goofy and Pluto- entrance to World Showcase

Figment topiary at Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Future World West

Butterfly Haven

Showcase Plaza

Donald with Huey, Dewey and Louie

Chip and Dale

World Showcase

Mickey and Minnie topiary and Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

The Three Caballeros – Mexico

Anna and Elsa return this year in their same spot in Norway.

Elsa topiary in Norway at Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Elsa dj Anna topiaries in Norway at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Anna topiary in Epcot at the flower and garden festival

Troll – Norway

Pandas – China

Bromeliad Dragon – China

Simba and Friends – Outpost

Lion King topiary at Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Simba being held high by Rafiki topiary at Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – Germany

Lady and the Tramp – Italy

Lady and the Tramp topiary at Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Tramp looking at Lady in the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival topiary

2018 Festival location

Mickey and Minnie – The American Showcase

Mickey and Minnie topiaries at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Up close of Mickey topiary in the American Showcase at Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Beauty and the Beast – France

Beauty and the Beast topiary in France Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Up close look at the Belle topiary in France at Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Also in France

Mrs. Piggy and Kermit the Frog

Kermit the Frog in France at Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Mrs. Piggy topiary at Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Peter Pan and Captain Hook – United Kingdom

Winnie the Pooh and Friends – United Kingdom

Garden Destinations

Garden Destinations for 2019 will be updated as soon as the information is available. Please enjoy the 2018 Festival Gardens for an idea of what’s to come!

Future World East

Water Wise

Purple Martis

Future World West

Festival Blooms & Floating Gardens

The Goodness Garden Butterfly House

How-to Garden

World Showcase

Hot Pepper Garden – Mexico

Tropical Rainforest Garden – Mexico

Bamboo Garden – China

Alpine Containers – Germany

Garden Italiano – Italy

Bonsai Collection – Japan

Urban Spice Garden – Morroco

Urban Spice garden in Morocco at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Florida Fresh Garden – Between Morroco and France

English Tea Garden – United Kingdom

English Tea Garden in the United Kingdom Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Shakespeare Garden – United Kingdom

Play Gardens

New – Play Full Garden

Imagination Play Garden

Outdoor Kitchens

You won’t want to miss so many of these great festival offerings! Some of my favorites happen each year the Flower & Garden Festival!

My Festival Food Favorites

Bellini – Italy
Watermelon Cucumber Slushy – Florida Fresh
Macaron au Chocolat en Sucette – France
Freshly Baked Lemon Scone – United Kingdom
Beef Tenderloin Tips – Canada

New Outdoor Kitchens for 2019

Arbor at The Garden Terrace at the Oddessey Center

- Fried Green Tomatoes with Blue Crab-Fennel Salad, Remoulade, and Smoked Paprika Oil
- Smoked Salmon Stack with Avocados, Tomatoes, Sour Cream, Caviar, and Focaccia Crostino
- Mixed Berry Buttermilk Cake with Apple Cider Sorbet (GF, V)

BeveragesOriginal Sin Brewery Black Widow Hard Cider, New York, NY
- Florida Beer Company Caribé Strawberry Rose Hard Cider, Cape Canaveral, FL
- 3 Daughters Brewing Key Lime Apple Hard Cider, St. Petersburg, FL
- Karbach Brewing Lemon and Ginger Radler Houston, TX
- Seadog Brewing Company Sunfish Ale, Clearwater, FL
- Shipyard Brewing Company Grind the Rind Watermelon IPA, Portland, ME
- Cider Flight
- Beer Flight

Flavor Full Kitchen

Near the Honey Bee-stro

Citrus-poached Salmon with Ancient Grain Salad, Roasted Vegetables, and Citrus Greens (GF)
From the Garden: Roasted Beets, Cashew Cheese, and Micro Herbs with Lemon-Oil Dressing (GF, V)
Mickey Tart Peanut Butter Mousse with Strawberry Jam and Boba Pearls (V)

Beverages:

Blood Orange Aqua Fresca (non-alcoholic)
Cookie Butter Worms and Dirt (non-alcoholic)

Citrus Blossom

Near Refreshment Port

Lobster Tail with Meyer Lemon Emulsion and Grilled Lemon (GF)
Tuna Tataki with Spicy Yuzu Glaze, Mango, Avocado, and Pappadam Crisp
Crispy Citrus Chicken with Orange Aïoli and Baby Greens (GF)
Citrus Shortcake: Orange Chiffon Cake, Lemon Curd, Mandarins, Whipped Cream, and Citrus Crumble (V)

Beverages:

Orange Cream Slushy in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper (sipper only available while supplies last) (non-alcoholic)
Islamorada Beer Company Coconut Key Lime Ale, Fort Pierce, FL
First Magnitude Brewing Lemon Hefeweizen, Gainesville, FL
Heavy Seas Brewery TropiCannon Citrus IPA, Halethorpe, MD
Orange Sunshine Wine Slushy
Beer Flight

Trowel & Trellis

Near Mexico

Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with Savory Garlic Spread (GF, V)
Farmhouse Meatball with Lentil Bread, Spinach, Marinated Vegetables, and Creamy Herb Dressing (V)
Chocolate Pudding Terrarium with Avocado Cream, Matcha Crumb, Pomegranate, and Baby Herbs (GF, V)

Beverages:

suja Organic Cold Pressed Juice: Noon Greens (non-alcoholic)
suja Organic Cold Pressed Juice: Vibrant Probiotic (non-alcoholic)
Bloomin’ Blueberry Lemon and Ginger Tea featuring Twinings of London (non-alcoholic)
Playalinda Brewing Company Tropical Wonderland Wheat Ale, Titusville, FL
Bloomin’ Blueberry Lemon and Ginger Tea featuring Twinings of London with Vodka served in a Mason Jar

Future World East

Taste Track

Near Test Track

Taste Track Epcot Holiday Festival Touring Plan

Violet Blueberry Vanilla Croissant Doughnut
Berry Tea Mint Julep (non-alcoholic)
Berry Tea Mint Julep with Bourbon

Showcase Plaza

Pineapple Promenade

Showcase Plaza near Port of Entry

Refreshment Port

Near Canada

Coffee-rubbed Pork Poutine with Barbecue Demi-Glace, Fire-roasted Corn Relish, and Cheese Curds
Stow Away Mary: Classic Bloody Mary with Vodka garnished with Pimento-stuffed Olives, Cherry Tomato, Celery, Jumbo Shrimp, and Smokehouse Jerky

La Isla Fresca

The Honey Bee-stro

Roasted Cauliflower with Buckwheat Honey Carrot Purée, Wild Rice Pilaf, Asparagus, Honey-blistered Grapes, Sunflower Brittle, and Coriander Flowers (GF, V)
Honey Tandoori Chicken Flatbread with White Cheddar Cheese, Charred Vegetables, Clover Honey Sour Cream, and Micro Citrus Greens
Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with Orange Blossom Honey Ice Cream garnished with Fennel Pollen Meringue Kisses and Petite Lavender Shoots (V)

Beverages:

Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze (non-alcoholic)
Goodwood Brewing Company Brandy Barrel Honey Ale, Louisville, KY
Florida Orange Groves Winery Orange Blossom Honey Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze with Blueberry Vodka

World Showcase

Northern Bloom

Canada

Fleur de Lys

France

Vichyssoise aux Concombres: Chilled Cucumber Vichyssoise Soup (GF, V)
Tarte au Chévre: Goat Cheese Tart with Caramelized Onions on a Flaky Pastry Crust (V)
Canard Confit à la Provençal: Braised Duck Confit with Tomatoes and Olives on Polenta
Macaron au Chocolat en Sucette: Large Chocolate Macaron Lollipop (GF)

Beverages:

La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush: Vodka, Orange Vodka, Elderflower Liqueur, and White and Red Cranberry Juice
Kir Framboise: Sparkling Wine and Monin Raspberry Syrup
Cabernet Sauvignon, Maison de France
Kronenbourg Blanc 1664

Florida Fresh

Between France and Morrocco

Carne Guisada with Black Bean Cake and Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream
Spicy Blackened Shrimp and Cheddar Cheese Grits with Brown Gravy and Local Sweet Corn Relish
Key Lime Tart with Toasted Meringue

Beverages:

Watermelon Cucumber Slushy (non-alcoholic)
Tampa Bay Brewing Company Twisted Strawberry Fest Fruit Ale, Tampa, FL
Big Top Brewing Company Conch Republic Key Lime Wheat, Sarasota, FL
First Magnitude Brewing Monarch Milk Stout, Gainesville, FL
Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Key Lime Wine, St Petersburg, FL
Watermelon Cucumber Slushy with Gin
Beer Flight

Taste of Marrakesh

Morocco

Harissa Chicken Kebab with Dried Fruit Couscous Salad
Fried Cauliflower with Capers, Garlic Parsley, and Chili-Ranch Sauce
Walnut Honey Baklava

Beverages:

Casa Beer
Larroque Chardonnay, Meknes
White Sangria
Desert Rose: Sparkling Wine topped with Pomegranate Liqueur

Hanami

Japan

Frushi: Fresh Pineapple, Strawberry, and Melon rolled with Coconut Rice, sprinkled with Toasted Coconut, Whipped Cream with Raspberry Sauce on the side (V)
Chilled Soba Noodle Salad with Pan-seared Tuna and Wasabi Dressing
Chicken Karaage with Nanban Sauce: Japanese-style Fried Chicken served on a bed of Shredded Cabbage and topped with a Soy and Vinegar-based Dressing

Beverages:

Kirin Draft Beer
Sayuri “Little Lilly” Nigori Sake
“Ichigo Sun” Strawberry Lemonade Cocktail with Sake, Strawberry Purée, and Lemonade

The Smokehouse: Barbecue & Brews

The American Adventure

Pulled Pig Slider with Coleslaw
Beef Brisket Burnt Ends and Smoked Pork Belly Slider with Garlic Sausage, Chorizo, Cheddar Fondue, and House-made Pickle
Shredded Beef Brisket with Smoked Potato, Chorizo Fondue, and Green Tomato Relish
Warm Chocolate Cake with Bourbon-salted Caramel Sauce and Spiced Pecans (V)

Beverages:

Frozen Simply Lemonade (non-alcoholic)
Central 28 Brewing Company Sunshine Greetings Orange Hibiscus Wheat Ale, DeBary, FL
3 Daughters Brewing Phantasmas Spicy Double IPA, St. Petersburg, FL
Shipyard Maple Bacon Stout, Clearwater, FL
Boneshaker Zinfandel, Lodi, CA
Frozen Simply Lemonade with Blackberry Moonshine
Beer Flight

Fife & Drum Tavern

The American Adventure

Short’s Brewing Company Soft Parade Shandy, Bellaire, MI

Block and Hans

The American Adventure

Funnel Cake

The American Adventure

Key Lime Funnel Cake topped with Crumbled Graham Cracker and Whipped Cream

Beverages:

Lexington Brewing Company Kentucky Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale, Lexington, KY
Short’s Brewing Company Local’s Light Lager, Bellaire, MI
Dogfish Head Brewery American Beauty Pale Ale, Milton, DE
Brooklyn Brewery Defender IPA, Brooklyn, NY
Golden Road Brewing Pineapple Cart Wheat Ale, Los Angeles, CA
3 Daughters Brewing Hard Rosé Cider, St. Petersburg, FL
Beer Flight

Primavera Kitchen

Italy

Pizza Toscana: Rustic Italian Flatbread with Sweet Sausage, Caramelized Onion, Mozzarella, Asiago, and Parmesan Cheeses
Pomodori Verdi e Mozzarella: Fried Green Tomatoes, Mozzarella Cheese, and Balsamic Reduction
Tri-colored Cheese Tortellini, Sage Butter, and Chicken Veloute
Zeppole: Ricotta Cheese Fritters, Powdered Sugar, Raspberry Sauce, and Chocolate-Hazelnut Drizzle

Beverages:

Peroni Nastro Azzurro Pilsner
Placido Pinot Grigio
Placido Chianti
Villa Sandi Prosecco
Montegrande Corbinello
Fior d’Arancio Montegrande Moscato
Bellini: Sparkling Wine and Peach Purée
Frozen Italian Margarita with Limoncello and Tequila

Bauernmarkt: Farmers Market

Germany

Potato Pancakes with House-made Apple Sauce (V)
Potato Pancake with Caramelized Ham, Onions, and Herb Sour Cream
Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with Black Forest Ham and Melted Gruyère Cheese
Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries

Beverages:

Stiegl Brewery Radler Zitrone, Salzburg, Austria
Paulaner Original Munich Lager, Munich, Germany
Köstritzer Schwarzbier Black Lager, Bad Köstritz, Germany
Hugo Cocktail with Sparkling Wine, Elderflower, and Mint
Beer Flight

Refreshment Outpost

Outpost

Lotus House

China

Szechuan Spicy Red-braised Beef Shank over Rice
House-made Crab and Cheese Wontons
Vegetable Spring Rolls (V)

Beverages:

“Panda” Bubble Tea: Classic Milk Tea with Black and White Bobas (non-alcoholic)
Jasmine Draft Beer
Pirates of the China Sea: Dark Rum, Peach Syrup and Piña Colada Mix
Kung Fu Punch: Vodka, Triple Sec, Mango Syrup, and Orange Juice
Plum Wine Cooler

Jardin de Fiestas

Mexico

Showcase Plaza near Disney Traders

Epcot Festival of the Arts Food Extras

Sunshine Seasons

The Land Pavillion

Earl Grey Tea Cake with Orange-Honey Filling topped with Honeybell Tangelo Buttercream, Honeycomb, and Bee Pollen

Joffery’s Coffee & Tea Company

Future World East – Pedal to the Meadow: Frozen Cappuccino topped with Vodka and Kahlúa Liqueur
Near Canada – Cold Clover: Cold Brew Coffee with Irish Cream Syrup and topped with Irish Cream Liqueur
Near Disney Traders – Goose on the Loose: Frozen Passion Fruit and Vodka topped with Iced Tea
The American Adventure – Bee’s Buzz: Frozen Lemon and Coconut Syrup topped with Pineapple Rum

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Gluten Free options at each Outdoor Kitchen

Disney does a fantastic job of providing foods are allergy friendly and GOOD! Unfortunately, the festival kiosks don’t have too many choices. You’ll need to plan ahead knowing that not all locations offer gluten-free options.

Roasted Cauliflower – The Honey Bee-stro
Pineapple Soft Serve Ice Cream aka Dole Whip without a cone – Pineapple Promenade
Frittata de Asparagi – Primavera Kitchen
Teriyaki Salmon – Hanami
Macaron au Chocolat en Sucette – Fleur de Lys
Freshly Baked Lemon Scone – Cider House
Seared Scallops – Northern Bloom

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Entertainment

Garden Rocks Concert Series

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

Location: American Garden Theater, World Showcase

Schedule of Concerts

March 6-8: Journey former lead vocalist STEVE AUGERI (NEW) “Don’t Stop Believin’ ”
March 9-10: Glass Tiger (New to Garden Rocks) “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone)”
March 11-12: Jon Anderson of YES (NEW) “Owner of A Lonely Heart”
March 13-14: Tony Orlando “Knock Three Times”
March 17-20: Simple Plan “Perfect”
March 21-22: Ambrosia (NEW) “Biggest Part of Me”
March 23-24: Magic Giant (NEW) “Set on Fire”
March 25-27: Air Supply (New to Garden Rocks) “All Out of Love”
March 28-29: Berlin featuring Terri Nunn “Take My Breath Away.”
March 30-31: The Smithereens (NEW to Garden Rocks) “Top of the Pops”
April 1-2: Rick Springfield “Jessie’s Girl”
April 3-4: Christopher Cross (NEW to Garden Rocks) “Sailing”
April 5-7: The Spinners “Working My Way Back to You”
April 8-9: Dennis DeYoung, an original member of the group STYX “Come Sail Away.”
April 10-11: John Michael Montgomery (NEW) “I Love the Way You Love Me”
April 12-13: Sister Sledge (NEW to Garden Rocks) “We Are Family”
April 14-16: Night Ranger “Sister Christian”
April 17-19: Sister Hazel (NEW to Garden Rocks) “All For You”
April 20-21: Steven Curtis Chapman (NEW) “Cinderella”
April 22-23: TobyMac (NEW) “The Elements”
April 24-26: Lonestar “Amazed”
April 27-30: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO “Evil Woman.”
May 1-4: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry VIII I Am.”
May 5-7: Don Felder, Formerly of the Eagles “Hotel California”
May 8-9: A Flock of Seagulls (NEW) “I Ran (So Far Away)”
May 10-11: Marshall Tucker Band (NEW to Garden Rocks) “Heard It in a Love Song”
May 14-15: Richard Marx (New to Garden Rocks) “Right Here Waiting”
May 16- 19: STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City.”
May 20-21: Colin Hay of Men at Work (NEW) “Who Can It Be Now?”
May 22-23: War (NEW) “Why Can’t We Be Friends”
May 24-27: The Guess Who “American Woman”
May 28-29: Jon Secada “Just Another Day”
May 30- June 1: Blood, Sweat and Tears “Spinning Wheel”

What is the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival “Concert Series Dining Package”?

When you make a reservation with an Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Dining Package each person in the dining party will be allowed a guaranteed spot at one of the nightly shows. Your reserved show time is dependent on your dining reservation time.

If you don’t have a dining package, you’ll look for these standby entrance signs to line up for your showtime of choice. To make sure you have a spot at the show, you will need to get in line 30-45 minutes before the show starts. For the most popular artists plan to be there an hour to an hour and a half in advance.

What you need to know about the Concert Series Dining Package:

Dining plans are accepted and are 2 table credits per person.
Out of pocket expense varies by restaurant. Price starts at $33 for breakfast, $21 for lunch and $21 for dinner.
Reservations should be made on your My Disney Experience account or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
Make sure to choose the Concert Series 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
Biergarten Restaurant
Chefs de France
Coral Reef Restaurant
The Garden Grill Restaurant
La Hacienda de San Angel
Nine Dragons Restaurant
Restaurant Marrakesh
Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room
San Angel Inn Restaurante
Spice Road Table
Teppan Edo
Tokyo Dining
Tutto Italia Ristorante
Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Merchandise

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Marketplaces are located throughout the World Showcase to help commemorate your experience!

Festival Marketplaces throughout the park – mini pop up shops with varying festival merchandise
Mouse Gear – One of my favorite Disney stores in all of Disney World! You can find EVERYTHING here!

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Event Collections 2018

- Minnie’s Farmhouse Flower Shop

- Mickey’s Grove

Figment Discovers
Fresh Epcot

Pop Up Shops

These two shops are my favorite each year!

Noah’s Art Topiaries

You can ACTUALLY take a topiary HOME with you! OMG, it’s the greatest!

Noah's Ark Topiaries pricing guide at Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Just Plumerias

I LOVE these! The first year we moved here I bought three hybrid cuttings and followed Just Plumerias detailed instructions on how to plant them. Of the three we purchased two are still growing, and one of them is nearly 8 feet tall at only three years old! They have the most beautiful flowers each year!

Kid-Sized Festival Fun

Kidcot Fun Stops

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

Eggstravangaza – April 5 -21, 2019

For a limited time and only while supplies last, join in the fun and hunt colorful Disney inspired Easter Eggs! Once you’ve discovered them all, you can return to Disney Traders for a special surprise! We do this each year and love it! It’s one of the ways we keep the kids engaged and having fun while wandering the World Showcase!

Spikes Pollen-Nation Exploration Scavenger Hunt

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!

(map here)

The cost of the map with stickers is $6.99 and can be picked up at Oddesy Festival Marketplace, Pin Central, Disney Traders or World Traveler. Wander the World Showcase and discover all of the places Spike has pollinated the Epcot Gardens. Return to one of the above stores to pick up your prize when you’ve completed the scavenger hunt.

*NOTE: You don’t have to finish to get your reward. A Cast Member will mark your map as “completed” and give you the prize. You can continue to find Spike on future visits.

Get the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival 2019 Map Here

2019 Festival Map will be added when it becomes available.

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Passport

Enjoy checking off your list in your Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Passport as you make your way around Epcot and the World Showcase. You can pick up a passport and map as you enter Epcot or all around Epcot at the festival merchandise locations or outdoor kitchens.

2019 Passport will be added when it becomes available.

Touring Plan for the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Start your day at Epcot by arriving 30 minutes before the park opens. Find daily park hours here.

The World Showcase opens daily at 11 am.

Outdoor Kitchens are open from 11 am to 8 pm each day.

You can enter the World Showcase before 11 am and go as far as Norway on the left side or France on the right side.

The only reason I suggest entering World Showcase before 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 Epcot Festival of the Arts 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 an Epcot Festival of the Arts concert dining package reservation insert it into the touring plan as needed.

At park opening head directly to:

*All FastPass attractions and anything time sensitive is noted in bold.

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

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 Figments Brush with the Masters at Pin Central before entering World Showcase.
Disney on Broadway Performing Arts – aim for the 6:45 pm show and depending on the crowd level be in line 30-45 mins before the show starts. For the most popular artists, you may need to be in the line up to 1 1/2 hours before showtime.
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 before show time to get a place up front. There isn’t a bad seat in the house.

Past Topiaries and Gardens

Each year some of the topiaries and gardens are either moved to a new location or not displayed at all. Some of them are worth continuing to share, and therefore I do so here! Enjoy these blasts through the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival past as Epcot continues to evolve into its new self!

Flower and Garden Festival Entrance 2018

February 26, 2019

Epcot Planning Touring Plans

A Complete Guide to Epcot Festival of the Arts 2020

by Jamie Rumph January 24, 2019

written by Jamie Rumph

2020 Festival of the Arts

Dates have been announced and Epcot’s Festival of the Arts will return January 17 – February 24, 2020!

My most favorite is the Flower and Garden Festival in the Spring! – 2020 dates will be posted when they’re announced!
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
Epcot Festival of the Holidays

Epcot Festival of the Arts celebrates the arts in all forms! Performing Arts, Visual Arts, and Culinary Delights!

How to Best Enjoy the Epcot Festival of the Arts

Have a plan of which of the 17 Festival Kiosk destinations and foods you can’t miss.
Don’t miss the Broadway Concert series which happens 3 times nightly at the American Garden Theater.
Make Broadway Concert dining reservations if you want a reserved seat at the show.
Make a plan for entertaining the kids. There are so many opportunities for them at the Festival of the Arts that will keep them wanting to explore the World Showcase.
Use the touring plan below to plan your day.

Oddesy Festival Showplace- location will change for 2020! Updates coming soon!

Included with park admission you can participate in the following:

Seminars

Animation Academy

Art that has Influenced Disney History

Workshops

Artful Exclusives

These are some of my most favorite interactive parts of the Epcot Festival of the Arts!

Expression Session

Call me silly but I love this “Paint by Numbers” guest completed mural! A mural is competed every few days and then displayed in Future World for all to see.

Epcot Festival of the Art mural and mural postcard

When you check in at the Expression Session (located in the World Showcase between the entrance from Future World and before getting to Canada, a Cast Member will either assign you a color or let you choose depending on what is left of the mural to be completed. Then they’ll tell you how many squares to paint to help complete this piece of art. Guest of all ages are welcome to participate!

Artful Photo Ops

Artful photo ops at Epcot Festival of the Arts

These awesome backdrops are located throughout Epcot with a Photopass Photographer in place to take your entire families picture. Keep in mind that they are also happy to take your picture with your own camera or phone! I love this about Disney!

Once in place, the backdrop will have suggested poses for you to look like you’re a part of the original piece of art. The more you get into the pose the better your pictures will be!

And you know what I love about this the most? Our kids(adults too!) are being exposed to famous paintings and artists in a fun and impactful way! They may not remember a piece of art or artist in a museum or book but when they actually get to be a part of the art maybe it will stand out in their memories! I heart the arts !!!

Art Defying Gravity

Performed daily on the fountain stage during the Epcot Festival of the Arts you’ll experience live performance with stunts that will seem to defy gravity!

Chalk Art

Another part of the arts I LOVE! The sidewalk chalk art at the Epcot Festival of the Arts is amazing! You’ll be able to see completed pieces that literally jump of the sidewalk at you and also be able to watch artist set up and complete the art. I love to see their process and how the “build” these amazing pieces of work. My one question is… how do they feel when all of their hard work washes away in the rain? And on that note, why do they choose sidewalks for art rather than a canvas that can be preserved for life? Does anyone know?

Food Studios – Artful food!

When food is pretty does it actually taste better? I kinda think so! Her’es to fancy food and the chefs who create it for the Epcot Festival of the Arts!

For the 2019 Festival of the Arts, there are 14 Culinary Art Food Studios for you to try out. Plan ahead you can’t possibly eat it all!

Future World East

Taste Track

Near Test Track

Taste Track Epcot Holiday Festival Touring Plan

Lobster Bacon Macaroni and Cheese
Paintbrush Churros – these are so cute!
Milkshakes
Sparkling Red Wine

The Painters Palate

Oddessy Festival Showplace located between Test Track and World Showcase

Showcase Plaza

Decadent Delights

Showcase Plaza near Port of Entry

Decadent Delights at Epcot Festival of the Arts food kiosk

Refreshment Port

Near Canada

Lobster Chips

World Showcase

The Masterpiece Kitchen

Canada

The Masterpiece Kitchen in Canada at Epcot Festival of the Arts

L’rt de la Cuisine Francaise – The Art of French Cooking

France Le Art de Cuisine France at Epcot Festival of the Arts
L'art de la Cuisine Francaise in France at Epcot Festival of the Arts

Moasic Canteen

Morocco

Takumi Table

Japan

The Artist Table

The American Adventure

Fife & Drum Tavern

The American Adventure

Musical Float

Block and Hans

The American Adventure

Funnel Cake

The American Adventure

L’Arte Di Mangiare

Italy

Cuisine Classique

Germany

Refreshment Outpost

Outpost

Chilled Shrimp with Quina and Layer Vegetables

The Painted Panda

China

El Artista Hambriento – The Hungry ARtist

Mexico

Pop Easts

Showcase Plaza near Disney Traders

Pop Art pop tart at Epcot Festival of the Arts Pop Eats

Epcot Festival of the Arts Food Extras

Joffery’s Coffee & Tea Company

Showcase Plaza Kiosk; near Disney Traders – Surreal Cinnamon Latte
Canada Kiosk – Starry night Latte
The American Adventure- Burbon Brushstroke Latte
Future World East: Espresso-nist Latte

Epcot Festival of the Arts Gluten Free options by Food Studio

Disney does an amazing job of providing options that are food allergy friendly and GOOD! Unfortunately, the festival kiosks don’t have too many choices. You’ll need to plan ahead knowing that not all locations offer gluten-free options.

Cuisine Classique – Seared Corvina with braised Ratatouille and Lemon-Thyme Beurre Blanc (GF)
The Artists Table – Pan-Seared Scallop with Chorizo, Roasted Red Pepper Coulis and a Parmesan Crisp (GF)
The Painters Palate – Mickey and Pluto White Chocolate Painting with Chocolate Easel (GF) (V)
The Painters Palate – Festival of the Arts White Chocolate Painting with Chocolate Easel (GF) (V)
Pop Eats -Sous Vide Poulet Rouge Chicken Roulade with Apples and Sage served with Warm Brie Fondue, Blueberry and Beet Gel and garnished with Apple and Beet Chips (GF)
Pop Eats – Shrimp Ceviche with Lime-Mint Foam (GF)

Festival of the Arts Entertainment

Disney on Broadway Concert Series

See some of your favorite Disney songs being performed by Broadway’s greatest stars on the American Garden Theater stage. This is one of my favorite concert series of the year! Pick your favorite Disney movie and head on over to see your favorite music performed lived! Their voices are amazing!

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

Location: American Garden Theater, World Showcase

Broadway Concert Series Performers

Heidi Blickenstaff – Ursula in the Little Mermaid, Disney Channels Freaky Friday
Kerry Butler – Belle in Beauty and the Beast
Kevin Massey – Tarzan in Tarzan
Meredith Inglesby – Babette in Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid Cast
Steve Blanchard – Beast in Beauty and the Beast, Newsies
Arielle Jacobs – Jasmin in Jasmine, High School Musical
Adam Jacobs – Aladdin in Aladin, Simba in The Lion King
Gavin Lee – Oliver in Mary Poppins
Ashely Brown – Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins, Belle in Beauty and the Beast
Josh Strickland – Tarzan in Tarzan
Kissy Simmons – Nala in The Lion King
Alton Fitzgerald White – King Mufasa in The Lion King

Schedule of Artists

January 18 to January 19, 2019 – Kerry Butler & Kevin Massey
January 20 to January 21, 2019 – Meredith Inglesby & Steve Blanchard
January 22 to January 23, 2019 – Kerry Butler & Kevin Massey
January 24 to January 25, 2019 – Meredith Inglesby & Steve Blanchard
January 26, 2019 – Kerry Butler & Kevin Massey
January 27, 2019 – Meredith Inglesby & Steve Blanchard
January 28 to January 29, 2019 – Arielle Jacobs & Adam Jacobs
January 30 to January 31, 2019 – Heidi Blickenstaff & Gavin Lee
February 1 to February 2, 2019 – Arielle Jacobs & Adam Jacobs
February 3 to February 4, 2019 – Heidi Blickenstaff & Gavin Lee
February 5 to February 6, 2019 – Arielle Jacobs & Adam Jacobs
February 7 to February 8, 2019 – Heidi Blickenstaff & Gavin Lee
February 9, 2019 – Arielle Jacobs & Adam Jacobs
February 10, 2019 – Heidi Blickenstaff & Gavin Lee
February 11 to February 12, 2019 – Ashley Brown & Josh Strickland
February 13 to February 14, 2019 – Kissy Simmons & Alton Fitzgerald White
February 15 to February 16, 2019 – Ashley Brown & Josh Strickland
February 17 to February 18, 2019 – Kissy Simmons & Alton Fitzgerald White
February 19 to February 20, 2019 – Ashley Brown & Josh Strickland
February 21 to February 22, 2019 – Kissy Simmons & Alton Fitzgerald White
February 23, 2019 – Ashley Brown & Josh Strickland
February 24, 2019 – Kissy Simmons & Alton Fitzgerald White
February 25, 2019 – Ashley Brown, Josh Strickland, Kissy Simmons, Alton Fitzgerald White

What is the Epcot Festival of the Arts “Concert Series Dining Package”?

When you make a reservation with an Epcot Festival of the Arts Concert Series 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 artists plan to be there an hour to an hour and a half in advance.

What you need to know about the Concert Series Dining Package:

Dining plans are accepted and are 2 table credits per person.
Out of pocket expense varies by restaurant. Price starts at $330 for breakfast, $21 for lunch and $21 for dinner.
Reservations should be made on your My Disney Experience account or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
Make sure to choose the Concert Series 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
Biergarten Restaurant: Germany
- Lunch and dinner
Coral Reef Restaurant: The Seas
- Lunch and dinner
The Garden Grill Restaurant: The Land
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room: United Kingdom
- Lunch and dinner

Epcot Festival of the Arts Merchandise

Epcot Festival of the Arts Marketplaces are located throughout the World Showcase to help commemorate your experience or take home a piece of your favorite art!

Festival Marketplaces throughout the park – mini pop up shops with varying festival merchandise
Art of Disney – Future World East – exquisite art from festival artists
Mouse Gear – One of my favorite Disney stores in all of Disney World! You can find EVERYTHING here!
House of Blues – near Germany

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)

Figments Brush with the Masters

A Brush with Figment scavenger hunt at Epcot

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!

The cost of the map with stickers is $6.99 and can be picked up at Oddesy Festival Marketplace, Pin Central, Disney Traders or World Traveler.

Get the Epcot Festival of the Arts 2019 Map Here

Epcot Festival of the Arts Passport

Enjoy checking off your list in your Epcot Festival of the Arts Passport as you make your way around Epcot and the World Showcase. You can pick up a passport and map as you enter Epcot or all around Epcot at the festival merchandise locations or food studios.

Touring Plan for the Epcot Festival of the Arts

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.

Food Studios 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.

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 Epcot Festival of the Arts 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:

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 an Epcot Festival of the Arts concert dining package 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 bold.

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

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 Figments Brush with the Masters at Pin Central prior to entering World Showcase.
Disney on Broadway Performing Arts – 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 artist, you may need to be in line up to 1 1/2 hours prior to showtime.
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.

January 24, 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.

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

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

epcot international festival of holidays

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

epcot international festival of holidays

Refreshment Port – Near Canada

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Feast of the Three Kings

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World Showcase

Yukon Holiday Kitchen – Canada

epcot international festival of holidays

Le Marche De Noel Holiday Kitchen – France

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L’Chaim! – Between Morocco and France

epcot international festival of holidays

Sapphire Holiday Kitchen – Morocco

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Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen – Japan

epcot international festival of holidays

American Holiday Table

epcot international festival of holidays

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

epcot international festival of holidays

Bavaria Holiday Kitchen – Germany

epcot international festival of holidays

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

epcot international festival of holidays

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

epcot international festival of holidays

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.

epcot international festival of holidays

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.

epcot international festival of holidays

Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree

epcot international festival of holidays

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.

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:

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

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

November 18, 2018

Deluxe Resorts Extra Magic Touring Plans

Disney World Holiday Resorts Tour

by Jamie Rumph November 4, 2018

written by Jamie Rumph

Disney World Holiday Resort Tour

Disney World decorates for the holidays with such grandeur that it’s impossible to not want to see it all! And the craziest part about it is just how quickly they get it done! In the blink of an eye (or nearly overnight) Magic Kingdom will be transformed from Halloween into a Christmas wonderland!

And while the parks are definitely worth seeing during the holiday season make sure you see the Deluxe Resorts as well!

In this post, you’ll find a plethora of holiday information and what to see while you’re visiting including a complete touring plan of the resorts you should visit to take in the massive Christmas and holiday decor! Did I mention you could see them all for free?

Disney Worlds 9 Iconic Christmas Trees

Disney World is home to 9 Iconic Christmas Trees. Trees whose size will leave you wondering just how big they really are. Only 3 of those trees are inside the parks meaning you can visit the other 6 without ever purchasing a park ticket!

Below I’ll share where to find them and how to spot Magic Kingdoms and Epcot’s without ever entering the park.

Grand Floridian Resort, main lobby
Magic Kingdom – Main Street Plaza
Contemporary Resort, out front of the resort
Wilderness Lodge grand lobby
Animal Kingdom, out front of the main gates (no park ticket needed to see it)
Animal Kingdom Lodge grand lobby
Hollywood Studios in the middle of Echo Lake
Disney Springs near Once Upon A Toy
Epcot entering World Showcase

Disney Deluxe Resorts Holiday Tour

You should start your Disney holiday tour at one of Disney’s three monorail resorts. Disney’s Contemporary, Grand Floridian or Polynesian. As you may know by now my most favorite resort on property is the Polynesian so I typically start everything there! Um, Captain Cooks for lunch or dinner anyone?

Stop One: Disney’s Polynesian Resort

This resort is not grand in Christmas decor but is worth a quick look in route. There are several trees throughout the resort but the two that stand out the most to me are the entry trees made with your less traditional pine tree and more along of the lines of tropical plants you might actually find in a warmer climate.

Once inside you’ll find the main tree which is not overly large but has Polynesian details throughout it. Don’t forget to wander over and take your picture with the Tiki Statue in the middle of the lobby who will also have some holiday flare added to him.

From the second floor of the Polynesian grab the monorail to your next stop Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and hold your breath because this one is spectacular!

Stop Two: Disney’s Grand Floridian

As you enter the Grand Floridian from the second floor where you’ve disembarked the monorail you’ll walk into a gorgeous classic Christmas tree that stands more than three stories tall! This is one of the nine iconic trees Disney World has to showcase. This tree is stunning!

Take a look around from the second floor at the splendor that the Grand Floridian has to offer for the holidays. It is, in essence, the quintessential Christmas. Practically perfect in every way!

Take notice the life-size Gingerbread House to the left and then wander down the grand staircase on the right so that you can get up close and take in all of the many details!

You’ll need to get up close to the tree to see the oversized ornaments and the story they tell. Then take a family picture in front of the tree and head over to the lifesize Gingerbread house!

After looking at ALL of the little details get in line to purchase a decadent treat! Yes, it’s true, this Gingerbread House is home to a small treat shop for the holidays. It’s filled with cookies, gingerbread shingles and if you’re really excited about the gingerbread house you can take home your very own miniature version! But you better be prepared for the price tag that these handmade miniatures demand! Yikes!

After grabbing your treat wander slowly around the house and spy all of its little details. The amazing artisans have left no detail behind. Then take a gander at the sign nearby telling you the sheer masses of ingredients and time it took to concoct this beautiful Disney holiday icon! And yes, it’s baked and built new each year! In fact this year, 2018 the gingerbread house is celebrating its 20th year! I wonder if Disney has anything up its sleeve for this big year! I’ll keep you posted!

Once you’ve taken in all the details your eyes can hold, (don’t forget to look around at the garland, wreaths and other holiday decor throughout the lobby) poke your head out back to see what seems like millions of poinsettias planted just for the holiday season! Then head back upstairs to board the monorail to your third stop, Disney’s Contemporary Resort!

NOTE: As you ride the monorail from the Grand Floridian to Disney’s Contemporary and past Magic Kingdom keep your eyes peaked towards the park! You’ll be able to see one of the 4 iconic trees that stands inside Magic Kingdom! It’s the only shot you’ll have to see it without purchasing a park ticket or ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

Then as soon as you’ve spotted it turn your head to the right to see another of Disney’s Iconic Trees that stands out front of Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Stop Three: Disney’s Contemporary Resort

After hopping off the monorail you will be guided towards the down escalator. Once you’re off head to the center of the Contemporary’s grand concourse. If you’re not familiar there is a large mosaic mural by Mary Blair that goes from floor to ceiling. If you wander behind Fantasias you’ll find some of Disney’s most beloved princesses their large gingerbread castle.

Nearby are the cute little snowgies from the Frozen Short “Frozen Fever” and if you keep on looking you’ll also find our favorite snowman Olaf and a sandcastle! Because everything is better in S.U.M.M.E.R!!! I couldn’t agree more Olaf!

The fun part about this whole scene is the style in which it’s drawn up. The doll-like faces are similar to those you’d see in It’s A Small World which makes for a fun new rendition of these popular characters!

After seeing all the Frozen you can stand either head to the front of the resort (follow the signs to the lobby and check in) to go out front and see Contemporary’s large iconic Christmas tree you can head out back to the marina where you will catch a boat to our next stop, Wilderness Lodge. (follow the signs to the dock or pool)

Stop Four: Wilderness Lodge

After disembarking the boat follow the paths to the main building taking in Roaring Fork River as you go. When you enter make sure to take note of the smaller trees and rustic wreaths along the way.

If buffalo check is your thing then Wilderness Lodge is the resort stop for you. All of the holiday decor is woodsy in nature complete with chipmunk ornaments on the trees. I”m pretty positive these little woodsy friends helped decorate the whole place!

When you get to the main lobby you’ll see another of Disney’s iconic trees. This one stands nearly four stories tall and has oversized ornaments telling its story. The balconies are draped in festive garland and the entry is covered with white lit grapevine trees.

Snap your picture in front of this beautiful tree and then head into the Whispering Canyon Cafe to see the wagon wheel wreaths which just happen to be a favorite of mine. My other favorite detail here is the red cardinal ribbon that is on the swags inside the entry vestibule. It’s the little details that make it so festive amazing!

If you have time head up the stairs to the second floor (use the staircase by Whispering Canyon Cafe) and cozy yourself up to the fire with a mug of hot cocoa. It’s the only thing we can do here in Florida to really pretend likes it’s cold and wintery outside!

When you’re all done with your hot cocoa head back outside to the marina where you’ll catch a boat over to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campgrounds.

Stop Five: Fort Wilderness Campgrounds

NOTE: Disney doesn’t have over the top decor here but it’s yearly holiday residents do. They’re not really residents of the campgrounds but guests that have returned year after year and made a tradition of decorating for the holidays. Sounds Grizwald I know, but it’s not. It’s fun and festive and best seen at night.

When you arrive at Fort Wilderness you can take a carriage ride around the resort to see the decorations.

Note: Should you choose to skip this stop that’s ok too, just take the boat from Wilderness Lodge back to the Magic Kingdom to catch a bus to our next stop Disney’s Boardwalk Resort.

From Fort Wilderness, you will take a boat to the Magic Kingdom where you’ll catch a bus to our sixth stop Disney’s Boardwalk Resort.

Stop Six: Boardwalk Resort

This boardwalk circus themed resort continues the fun with its holiday decor. It’s not over the top or as spectacular as some of the others we’ve seen but it’s pretty and worth seeing since it’s along the path we’re taking.

Pop inside and have the perfect family picture taken in front of the fireplace which is swagged with garland and flanked by two nicely decorated and good size trees. But beware of the creepy wood carved chairs that sit nearby. They’re there year round but somehow get an extra layer of creep when paired with the holiday decor.

Don’t miss the gingerbread house display that changes yearly. Last year (2017) was a full BoardWalk recreation with individual gingerbread houses for most of the restaurants and shops along the outdoor boardwalk area.

And now on to two of my favorite stops, Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts.

From the Boardwalk Resort take the outdoor side stairs down onto the BoardWalk on the water.

As you come down the stairs you’ll see Boardwalk Resorts outdoor Christmas tree in the grassy area as you make your way towards the next stop. When you hit the wood plank pathway take a right towards the Boardwalk Bakery and the Beach Club. One of my favorite Disney resorts to stay and play at!

NOTE: If you feel so inclined, stop in the Boardwalk Bakery and enjoy a treat! They are sure to have special treats for the holidays that will be worth trying! Not only will they taste good they’ll be adorable as well!

Stop Seven: Beach Club

Inside Disney’s Beach Club (one of my favs) is an edible yet working carousel. This miniature version of a real life size carousel has three ponies each made of chocolate and fondant with handmade snowflake details and gingerbread pieces. Don’t forget to spy the hidden Mickey’s too!

The trees nearby are not large in size but are made up for it in beachy details. If you love all things beach, mermaids, seashells, and starfish you’ll love these trees! It honestly makes me want a differently themed tree in each room in my house! Can you imagine! Gorgeous yet so much work! The next stop on your holiday resort tour is the Yacht Club. You can get here one of two ways, either taking the long corridor that connects the two resorts (follow the signs to the pool or the Yachtsman restaurant) or go back outside to the boardwalk path and to the entry of the Yacht Club. Your choice!

The weather should be cool enough for an evening stroll and I always love the views of the water and BoardWalk buildings especially at night! Outside would be my recommended way!

Stop Eight: Yacht Club

This resort is home to a Christmas Village with a working train. It is so meticulously detailed that Walt himself would have loved it! Be careful while you’re here you may find yourself staring away into this little miniature winter wonderland and losing all sense of time while simultaneously discovering all of the nods to Disney within the village.

Just beyond the village is the resort tree, also smaller in stature but covered with model boats and sailing ships.

When you’ve enjoyed all the winter village you can stand head to the bus stop and take a bus to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. When you arrive transfer to a new bus going to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Before getting on the bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge walk to the Main Gate of Animal Kingdom to see the 5th iconic tree on our tour.

NOTE: You could add stops at the Swan and Dolphin Hotel that are just next door to the Yacht Club. I personally have not visited these two hotels during the holidays but hear that they have decorations worth seeing. I plan to check it out this year and will update the post when I do so.

If you chose to visit the Swan and Dolphin hotel you would take a bus to Animal Kingdom and transfer to a new bus going to Animal Kingdom Lodge to catch up to my number nine stop.

Stop Nine: Animal Kingdom Lodge

When you arrive at Animal Kingdom Lodge get off the bus at the first stop and main lodge. This is where you’ll find the 6th Disney iconic trees.

The tree at Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the most spectacular and largest in all of Disney World filling most of its six-story lobby. The tree is covered with African inspired patterns, masks and other ornaments in matching style. This tree is the hardest to get to but one worth making an effort for!

After visiting Animal Kingdom Lodge you’ve completed my free Disney Holiday Resorts tour! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I do.

Returning to Disney’s Polynesian Resort

To get back to the Polynesian Resort where we started you will take a bus from Animal Kingdom Lodge to the Magic Kingdom. When you arrive at the Magic Kingdom you can board a boat or monorail (the boat is easiest) to the Polynesian.

If you haven’t completely run out of steam stop for a Dole Whip float on the patio. Don’t forget to add the rum!

Seeing the Nine Iconic Christmas Trees at Disney World

We’ve covered six of the iconic Christmas trees in our tour of the Disney Resorts and when I say we’ve seen six I say that loosely! Really we only captured the Magic Kingdom tree from the monorail which doesn’t really do it justice!

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdoms tree is one of the most fun in my opinion. Maybe because the Castle backdrop makes it that much more magical! To really see the Magic Kingdom tree you’ll need park admission. However, you can get a glimpse of it from the monorail as I talked about above.

When visiting the Magic Kingdom you’ll want to take your picture with the tree and also check out the large ornaments and oversized presents below. Then head down Main Street and enjoy the rest of the holiday decor! And of course, the holiday festivities don’t stop there!

Each evening Elsa will light up the Castle along with Anna and Olaf as they bring the holidays to life. This is a favorite of mine!

disney world holiday resorts tour

And Magic Kingdom during the holidays wouldn’t be complete without an evening at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! This extra ticketed even happens select nights throughout the season and should seriously be on your Disney bucket list!

Hollywood Studios

To see the tree inside Hollywood Studios you’ll need a park ticket. The tree used to be out front of the Main Gate but moved inside the park into the middle of Echo Lake along with some additional oversize decor.

While there you should also see Sunset Season’s Greetings and Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam and new for 2018 a holiday overlay at the new Toy Story Land.

Disney Springs

Disney Springs iconic Christmas Tree is near Once Upon a Toy which just happens to also be near the entrance to Christmas Tree Trail. This trail is located in the old bus loop and is home to more than 15 Disney themed Christmas trees and the path to see Santa inside Santa’s Challette.

If you want to see Santa make sure to sign in early. You will be given you a buzzer to let you know when to return. No more waiting in long lines to meet Santa at the mall!

After Christmas when Santa has made his way back to the North Pole, Goofy Santa will take his place.

Epcot

The final iconic Disney tree is inside Epcot as you enter the World Showcase. To really get a good look you’ll need a park ticket. But if you’d like a quick glimpse just to say you’ve seen it you can take the Monorail from the Ticket and Transportation Center to Epcot.

Before you pull into the Epcot monorail station the monorail will make a large circle through Future World which will give you a look inside the park. If you look out the left window you’ll be able to see the tree in the distance.

If you’re visiting Epcot make sure to go see the tree up close, take a picture and enjoy the Epcot Festival of the Holidays and of course don’t miss the Candlelight Processional that happens three times each evening at the American Garden Theater.

For more planning information search “planning” from the homepage and of course I’m here to help if you need me!

November 4, 2018

Extra Magic Magic Kingdom Touring Plans

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2019

by Jamie Rumph August 27, 2018

written by Jamie Rumph

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) is my most favorite ticketed event all year at Disney World! “It’s really not that scary!” and so much fun for kids and adults! It’s the perfect Halloween party for everyone!

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party happens on select nights at Magic Kingdom during the fall season! This year the party starts in August and runs through November 1st.

August is crazy early to be celebrating Halloween but the crowds show up anyway each year and prove again that this is the best Halloween party of the year!

2019 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Dates

August 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
September 2, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29
October 1, 3, 4, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31
November 1

How much does the Halloween party cost?

Ticket prices run between $79 and $135 per person and get gradually more expensive the closer to Halloween you visit. Weekend parties are also higher in price than weeknights.

Plan to purchase your party tickets prior to arrival because the parties often sell out on the night of the event. For dates like Halloween and the couple days right before Halloween buy your tickets well in advance. These nights will be sold out before you know it!

How do I purchase party tickets?

To purchase tickets you can email me at Jamie@LOTMV.com

A small commission is paid when you purchase your tickets with me. It helps keep the blog running and the Mickey bars flowing!

Are there party ticket discounts?

There are discounts for annual pass holders and DVC members for some party nights. These discounts can be found by logging into your My Disney Experience account. The correct price will be displayed when you navigate to the special events ticket area.

Get the Party Map – 2018

When the 2019 Party Map is relaease I will update it here. For now, enjoy last years map to see what it’s all about.

What time does the Halloween Party start?

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party starts at 7 pm and goes to midnight but what you should really know and plan for is that you can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4 pm with your party ticket. The last show of the evening starts at midnight on the Cinderellas Castle stage which means you could be in Magic Kingdom into the wee hours of the morning!

What if I’m a Magic Kingdom Day Guest?

Day guests who do not have a ticket to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party will be asked to leave the Magic Kingdom at 6 pm. It takes Cast Members well over an hour to usher days guests out of the park and have only party guests present in Magic Kingdom when the party begins at 7 pm.

If you are a day guest staying for the party you do not need to exit the Magic Kingdom and reenter with your party ticket. You will simply find a Cast Member distributing party wristbands, show them your ticket and then enjoy the party.

You should, however, head to the Main Street bypass (this runs behind Main Street from Tony’s Town Square to Tomorrowland Terrace) and pick up your Trick or Treat bag and take the first few pictures of the night.

You can get a Trick or Treat bag at each Trick or Treat station but there’s a fun bag of candy handed out at the bypass stop so don’t miss it!

What time should I arrive for the Halloween party?

If you are not a day guest and plan to go to Magic Kingdom for only the party (which I recommend) you should arrive at the gates of Magic Kingdom by 4 pm.

After entering Magic Kingdom you will get a colored wristband from a Cast Member standing nearby. This wristband shows that you have a Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party ticket and will be allowed to stay for the duration of the party. Without a wristband, you will be asked to leave Magic Kingdom.

After you have your wristband you will enter Magic Kingdom as normal through the right entrance by Town Square Theater.

From there Cast Members will direct you to the bypass where you will have the opportunity to take a few pictures and pick up your Trick or Treat bag.

If you have food allergies let the Cast Member know and they will give you a teal Trick or Treat bag which you will use later to pick up all of your treats inside Town Square Theater. More on food allergy friendly treats below.

Once you have left the bypass you are ready to take part in all of the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party festivities!

It is a good idea to have a plan in place to make the most of your party time! There is so much to see and do that you can’t do it all so prioritize what is most important. You simply can not do all of the party festivities in one night.

I’ll share a touring plan below to help you get through a good portion of it! For now, let’s talk about all the different components that make up the party fun!

Will Cast Members make me leave if I don’t have a ticket to the party?

Cast Members are positioned throughout the park and will ask to see your Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party wristband. If you do not have a wristband you’ll be directed toward Main Street and not be allowed to pass through to other areas of the park.

Cast Members are very nice about asking you to leave if you don’t have a party wristband but they are also very systematic about it and you will be slowly pushed out of the park. It’s actually quite neat how you’re sent towards the gates without ever being pushy about it.

Costumes

Costumes at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party are not just for the kids! In fact, they’re encouraged for all guests! And I highly suggest you do wear a costume or at least a festive shirt and ears.

One of my favorite parts of the Halloween parties is the families that dress up in a theme. We’ve done a few different family costumes throughout the years like Peter Pan and a Pirate family.

And if costumes aren’t your thing consider wearing a fun Halloween shirt and Halloween ears. I’ve done this a few times too!

Dressing for Florida Weather

Keep in mind that it is still hot and muggy in Orlando all through the fall season including Halloween. The temperatures don’t cool off in Orlando like they do in other parts of the country. So you will want to make sure that your costume is cool and comfortable and made with materials that breathe.

Costume Guidelines for the Halloween Party

General

Disney reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that is considered inappropriate or attire that could detract from the experience of other Guests.
All Guests may dress as their favorite character, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests.
Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.
Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.
Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into, and/or removed from unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards.

For Guests ages 13 and under:

Costumes and some masks may be worn, as long as the mask does not cover the entire face and eyes are visible.

For Guests ages 14 and older:

Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.
Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground. (e.g.,full-length Princess dresses)
Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.
Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts, and hats are acceptable.
Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic lightsabers, toy swords, and tutus. Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.
Masks of any kind may not be worn.

Characters

Character lovers will LOVE Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party! It’s the perfect opportunity to meet a few rare characters up close! They vary from year to year but there are always a few that are extra special on the list.

These rare characters that have the longest wait times, sometimes 3 hours or more and will require some planning if you really want to meet them. In fact, if you have a character that’s on your must meet list, plan to meet them first before doing anything else.

In 2018 some character meets started as early as 5 pm (which is before the party actually starts). You will want to be hanging around the meetup spot just prior to the character’s arrival to be in line as early as you can.

It would be nearly impossible to meet all of the characters, see all of the shows and Trick or Treat in one party night. If you want to meet characters I suggest you pick one or two top priorities and do those first. Then move on to the rest of the party.

2018 Character Line Up

The Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party map has icons of Mickey Mouse to show you character locations.

2019 Character locations will be updated after the first party on August 16th.

The map does not, however, tell you what character is located where. If you want to see a particular character you can use my guide below or ask a Cast Member while you’re at the party. Characters are subject to change without notice.

* Notates popular characters that will have long wait times.? See the Touring Plan below to plan your night and how to meet the most popular characters.

Town Square Theater

Mickey Mouse
Tinker Bell

Tomorrowland

Lots-O Huggin Bear* near Buzz Lightyear’s Spaceranger Spin
Elvis Stitch – Inside Stitch’s Great Escape

Liberty Square Gazebo

Jack Skellington & Sally* (characters arrive at 5 pm)

Frontierland

Brer Fox & Brer Rabbit

Adventureland

Aladdin with Abu
Princess Jasmine
Jafar
Genie
Tarzan
Jane & Terk
Captain Jack Sparrow
Moana* inside the Enchanted Tiki Room (character arrives at 5:45 pm)

Storybook Circus

7 Dwarfs* (characters arrive at 6:15 pm)
Donald
Daisy
Minnie Mouse
Pirate Goofy
Cruella De Vil

Fantasyland

Belle and Gaston – Gastons Tavern
Alice in Wonderland, The Mad Hatter, Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum, Queen of Hearts – all near the Mad Tea Party
Ariel & Prince Eric near Under the Sea Journey of the Little Mermaid
Pooh, Tiger, Eeyore & Piglet at The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Cinderella, Princess Elena, Rapunzel and Tiana at Princess Fairy Tale Hall (seen separately)

Halloween Party Entertainment

Besides the rare character “meet and greets” my favorite part of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party is the parade and shows! There are several party specific shows and they happen multiple time each evening so you don’t have to worry about missing it!

Hallowishes is the only event of the night that happens ONE TIME ONLY at 10:15 pm!

Photo: Disney

NEW for 2019, Hallowishes is being updated to a new fireworks show “this new show will feature state-of-the-art projection effects, lasers, lighting and dazzling fireworks that come together to tell a not-so-scary story about how anything can happen on Halloween night. The show will take guests along on a trick-or-treating adventure, where four friends – Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy – find themselves drawn into a mysterious haunted house. ” – Disney

Hocus Pocus Villian Spelltacular

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular happens on Cinderellas Forecourt Stage 3 times each party evening.? We all love the Sanderson sisters from Hocus Pocus and even if you don’t you’ll love the appearance of several of Disney’s greatest villains and the very popular Oogie Boogie!

Shows are at 8:30, 10:45 and 12 am.

For a good view of the show, you should be somewhat close to the stage but keep in mind that the stage is very tall.? If you are too close it can be tough to see.? I would stand somewhere between the stage rope and the hub street but you could easily stand back by the Partners statue and still have a good view.

Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade

Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” parade is the BEST parade of the year! I literally watch it twice every time I go to the party! I love it that much!

The parade begins with the Headless Horseman riding down the parade route. It’s spectacularly spooky!

Following the Headless Horseman are villains galore and my favorite, the Grave Diggers who scrape their way down Main Street all while the Boo-To-You theme song plays along. I simply love it! The parade happens twice each evening at 9:15 and 11:15.

To have a front-row view of the parade make sure to arrive at your preferred location 30-45 mins prior to the parade start time. I personally prefer to sit near Casey’s Corner so that I am in a prime viewing spot to see the fireworks afterward or a little further up where the floats make the turn from the hub and head down Main Street. (When looking at the castle I like to be on the left side but be careful not to be too far up and off the parade route).

Happy Hallowishes Fireworks – Updated for 2019

Hallowishes fireworks happen once each evening at 10:15. Don’t miss it! “Delightful Frights fill the night as favorite Disney Villains conjure up and unforgettable Halloween spectacular” high above Cinderellas Castle!? The fireworks for this show are amazing and literally light up the sky in 180-degree view!

For the best view find a spot somewhere between Casey’s Corner and where Main Street meets the hub (circle in front of Cinderella’s Castle). Anything closer and you won’t get the full effect of the 180-degree fireworks and some of the fireworks behind the castle will be blocked.

Monstrous Scream-o-ween Ball

At this fun dance party at the Tomorrowland stage, you’ll be able to meet up and dance the night away with Mike Wazowski and Sulley. The dance party happens all night long and I suggest you stop by for a quick dance while passing from one place to the next. Mike and Sulley are out the whole time but do note that they may take a bathroom break or two. You should also know they won’t stop dancing or pose for a picture. It’s a dance party and they have to keep moving!

Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jam – NEW for 2018

I’ve yet to see this party but I assume it’s very similar to the Monstrous Scream-o-ween ball but with our favorite Disney Junior characters. I’ve heard you’ll dance the night away with Doc McStuffins and Timon from Lion Guard. You’ll find this dance party near Pete’s Silly Side Show in Storybook Circus.

Cadaver Dans

I love the Cadaver Dans Halloween party performances! They add so much to the spooky festivities. You’ll find them each evening in Frontierland performing songs like Boo to You, Cruella de Vil, and the Headless Horseman.

2018 Show Times: 7, 7:45 8:30, 9:50 and 10:30 pm.

If you hang around after the performance they’re happy to take a quick picture with you!

Special Halloween Treats

Like all special events and seasons at Disney World, there are yummy and festive treats for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party too! You’ll find them throughout Magic Kingdom. Some of these special treats are offered throughout the day and a few are only offered at the party.

Halloween Treats and their locations – 2018

Main Street Bakery (also Starbucks)

Halloween Cinnamon Roll $6.29
Not So Poison Apple Cupcake $6.99
Pumpkin Cheesecake – gluten-free – $5.99 (party only)

Main Street Confectionery & Big Top Treats

Poison Carmel Apple
Jack-o-Lantern Mickey
Minnies’ Witch Hat Apples
Marshmallow Wands
Cake Pops
Krispy Treats

Casey’s Corner – Main Street

Minnie Witch brownie – $4.29

Aloha Isle – Adventureland

Hitchhiking Ghost (black Cream Puff Doombuggy) desert $5.99 (party only)

Pecos Bills – Frontierland

Hades Nachos – $12.79 (party only)
Worms and Dirt dessert – gluten-free – $4.49 (party only – starting Oct 1)

Golden Oak Outpost

Warm Carmel Stuffed Pretzel- $4.79 (party only)
Cinnamon donut holes – $4.99
Chilled apple cider – $3.49 (party only)
Apple cider slushy – $4.99 (party only)

Liberty Square Market

Madame Leota Tart $5.99 (party only)

Sleepy Hollow – Liberty Square

Jack Skellington Push Pop $4.99 (party only)
Zero Pumpkin Waffle sundae $6.49 (party only)

Storybook Treats – Fantasyland

Maleficent Waffle Cone $5.29 (party only)

Gastons Tavern

Oogie Boogie Meringue – gluten-free (party only)

Aunty Gravity’s Galactic Goodies – Tomorrowland

- Candy Corn Soft Serve Ice Cream $3.99

Candy Corn Milkshake $7.99

Cosmic Rays – Tomorrowland

Muenster Smash Burger (party only)

Popcorn Carts

Oogie Boogie Popcorn Bucket (party only)
2018 Happy Halloween Popcorn Bucket
Cauldron Premium Popcorn Bucket
Headless Horseman Star Clip

Hallowishes Dessert Party

The Hallowishes dessert party works just like other Magic Kingdom fireworks dessert parties in that you will have an exclusive selection of desserts at Tomorrowland Terrance about 1 hour prior to the fireworks show.

When booking your dessert party you’ll choose between viewing the fireworks from Tomorrowland Terrace or from the Plaza Garden. I personally prefer the Plaza Garden viewing area.

The price is dependent upon the viewing location you choose. Tomorrowland Terrace view $84 per adult, $50 per child or the Plaza Garden View $69 per adult, $41 per child. A valid party ticket is also required. Reservations can be made on your My Disney Experience account or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Personally, I don’t think this is a good use of your party time. You will spend a good majority of the evening eating deserts while seated at a table inside Tomorrowland Terrace. If you’re interested in attending a dessert party (which I do recommend) choose a regular park night to do so when you won’t be missing all of the fun experiences and entertainment exclusive to Halloween party guests.

What Magic Kingdom attractions are open during the Halloween Party?

Many of Magic Kingdoms attractions are open during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, however, there is only a handful I would choose to do during party hours!

My rule of thumb is if you can experience something during a normal day at Magic Kingdom don’t waste your party time on it! The attractions you should visit during the party are in bold below.

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom– Firestation

Pick up your exclusive Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party playing card

Adventureland

Swiss Family Treehouse
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Pirates of the Caribbean – Halloween Fun! – Pirates have a party overly where guests will help find “Gunpowder Pete”

Frontierland

Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Liberty Square

Haunted Mansion – while the attraction itself is the same, this is still one I would visit during the party for a few reasons. First, there are some extra characters out front that put on a great show and you can also take your picture with a Hitchhiking Ghost! More on this below in Magic Shots!

Fantasyland

It’s a Small World
Peter Pan’s Flight
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
The Barnstormer
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Mad Tea Party – Halloween Fun! – special lights add to the Halloween festivities while you’re riding the teacups!
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Princess Fairytale Hall (see characters you can meet above)

Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland Speedway
Space Mountain – Halloween Fun! A new soundtrack and lighting effects too make it spooktacular!
Astro Orbiter
People Mover
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Magic Shot Photo Opportunities

Disney is known for the Magic Shots during normal park hours and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is no different! There are so many fun pictures to take while partying the night away.

You need to have Memory Maker (photo pass) to be able to download the photos however the photographers will take pictures with your camera you’ll just be missing the magic!

Headless Horseman at the Main Entrance to Magic Kingdom
Haunted Mansion ghosts animate your picture in Town Square looking down Main Street
Pumpkin Patch in Town Square
Haunted Mansion dancing ghosts on Main Street
Ghost Coach Driver outside of Haunted Mansion

Trick or Treating

There are 14 Trick or Treat stations around Magic Kingdom and you’ll be surprised to find that the handfuls are generous and the candy is name brand and totally worth eating.

As you walk the park you’ll look for these Trick or Treat poles and then walk through the lines, which move really quickly and collect your goodies.

If you have food allergies you’ll pick up a teal token to return later in the evening to trade for allergy friendly treats. More on this below.

When you enter Magic Kingdom you’re directed behind Main Street through the bypass where you’ll be handed a bag to Trick or Treat with. These bags are fairly small but sturdy. If you Trick or Treat at very many stations your bag will be full pretty quickly. Cast Members at the treat stations will give you an additional bag or I prefer to pick up a reusable bag for my candy. You can find the party bags in multiple locations throughout Magic Kingdom for about $4.99.

Personally, I don’t plan out my evening with Trick or Treating in mind. I tour Magic Kingdom in the order of entertainment and attractions I want to experience and then Trick or Treat along the way when a station is nearby.

Trick or Treat stations are also noted on your party park map but honestly, you can’t miss the stations with the large lit up Trick or Treat poles!

Allergy Friendly Trick or Treating

Disney is fantastic with food allergies! It’s one of the few places I visit that I know I will eat well and eat safely. Their menus are extensive and full of things I don’t normally get to eat while out and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is no different!

After entering Magic Kingdom and through the bypass Cast Members will be handing out Trick or Treat bags. You will ask the Cast Member for an allergy-friendly Trick or Treat bag. You’ll get the teal bag in exchange for the normal Trick or Treat bag and forego the first bag of candy handed out in the bypass.

At each Trick or Treat station you’ll be handed a teal chip rather than candy to drop in your bag.

At the end of the evening, you will take all of your chips and your teal Trick or Treat bag to one of the two Allergy Friendly Centers where Cast Members will exchange your chips for a bag full of candy.

The two Allergy Friendly Centers are located at the Liberty Square Ticket office and at Town Square Theater.

Note: You don’t need multiple chips to get more than a piece or two of candy. In fact, you don’t need anything more than your teal bag. The chips serve as something to be handed out in the Trick or Treat line for kids and adults to feel included in the fun. However, if you don’t want to Trick or Treat you can still return to one of the two Allergy Friendly Centers and have your candy bag filled to the brim with treats.

I have experienced a couple of times where the most popular allergy friendly treats run out. The Cast Members do what they can to keep the candy stocked but they do run out and have to wait on refills. If candy is an important part of your experience I suggest you go to one of the Allergy Friendly Stations earlier in the evening rather than waiting until you are ready to exit the park when the party is over.

Food Allergy Friendly Candy Options

Several great brands of allergy-friendly treats are available for guests. In fact some of my favorite allergy friendly candy I tried for the first time at Disney!

You’ll be asked to choose which items are safe for you from their candy menu and then your bag will be filled. If all of the items are safe you can simply tell them you’d like some of everything. Cast Members will not choose for you! They don’t want to be responsible for adding something to your treat bag that is not safe for you or your child.

Smarties
Surf Sweets Jelly Beans
Surf Sweets Gummy Worms
Surf Sweets Gummy Bears
Enjoy Life Ricemilk Chocolate Bar
Enjoy Life Dark Chocolate Bar
YumEarth Lollipops (cherry, watermelon & strawberry)
Gogo Squeeze
Enjoy Life Crunchy Mini Vanilla Honey Graham Cookies
Enjoy LIfe Mini Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Dark Chocolate Morsels
Seed & Fruit – Mountain Mambo
Rice Chocolate Sun Cups

Merchandise

There is so much fun Mickeys’ Not So Scary Halloween Party apparel and memorabilia. Anything that is specific to the party requires are party ticket to purchase it. Cast Members will stop guests without a party band from entering the party merchandise area prior to the day guests leaving.

You can find party merchandise in three locations in Magic Kingdom:

Emporium – apparel, ornaments, totes (what I use for Trick or Treat bags), trading pins, and the official party Magicband.
Big Top Souvenirs – apparel, ornaments, totes, trading pins, and the official party Magicband.
Frontier Trading Post – trading pins and the official party Magicband.
Mickey Star Traders – apparel, ornaments, and trading pins
In addition to MNSSP specific merchandise, Disney offers plenty of non-party related Halloween themed items.

Touring Plan

In order to make the most of your party time, I would have a plan in place before arriving for the evening.

Please note that I have NOT covered all of the special attraction overlays or character meet and greets. It is impossible to do everything the party has to offer in one evening. If there is something you really want to do but I have not listed please swap your priorities with an item on my touring plan you don’t want to do.

Notes: Trick or Treating and dance parties (Monstrous Scream-o-ween Ball and Storybook Circus Disney Junior Janm) should be attended as you pass by them on the way to your next prioritized location.

* notates characters that are popular and may have extremely long waits

3:45 pm – 4:30 pm

Be at the ticket gate and entering Magic Kingdom at 3:45 pm.
Follow Cast Member directions and enter the bypass street to collect your Trick or Treat bag and first set of goodies.
Don’t be distracted by the many picture opportunities as you enter. Save these pictures for later in the night.

4:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Pick one of the three early character arrivals and head that direction.?
- Jack Skellington & Sally* (5 pm arrival), Seven Dwarfs* (6:15 pm arrival) or Moana* (5:45 arrival). You should be in line at least 30 minutes prior to your top character’s arrival possibly sooner for Jack Skellington & Sally or the Seven Dwarfs. These are the two most popular character meet and greets at the party and the lines easily have 2-3 hour waits throughout the night.
Depending on how long your first character meet up took you can choose a second character to meet. Ideally, it would not be one of the most popular characters unless your party priorities are only meeting rare characters.

7:00 pm – 10:15 pm – Ride attractions that have “Halloween Fun”

Note: choose the attraction you are most interested in riding. If there is the time you can choose your second choice and so on.

Ride Space Mountain with it’s Halloween Fun!
Meet Stitch or Lots-o-Huggin Bear *

Ride the Mad Tea Party Tea Cups (if the line is more than 30 minutes I would skip this)
If you have the time or interest meet with Alice in Wonderland, The Mad Hatter, Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum, Queen of Hearts you won’t have time to meet with all of them.

Ride Haunted Mansion
Take the Magic Shot after you get off Haunted Mansion
Look for the roaming characters and request a picture with them.
Watch the Cadaver Dans perform at 7:45 pm or 8:30 pm

Ride Pirates of the Caribbean
Meet Captain Jack Sparrow, Jasmine, Jafar, Genie, Tarzan, Jane & Terk or Moana*

9:30 pm

Find your place on Main Street for Hallowishes. I suggest sitting somewhere near Casey’s Corner for the best view of the fireworks. If you find a spot on the curb you can easily sit right there and wait for the Boo-to-You parade after the fireworks.

10:15 pm – 10:45 pm

Hallowishes

10:45 – 11:15 pm

Find a spot on the curb on Main Street to watch the Boo-to-You parade. The parade route will fill up quickly so it’s best to get a spot as soon as the fireworks are over. One person can hold the spot while another grabs a treat from the Boardwalk Bakery or other nearby locations or wander in the stores to pick up party merchandise.

11:15 – 11:45 pm

Boo-to-You Parade
After the parade is over move towards Cinderellas Castle forecourt stage and find a spot to see the Hocus Pocus Villian Spelltacular. If you are in front of the Partner’s statue you’ll have a good viewing spot.

12:00 am – 12:25 am

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular

12:25 am until late

After the Hocus Pocus Villian Spelltacular, you can use this time to take your Magic Shots on Main Street and shop in the stores for party merchandise.
All attractions will be closed but Main Street remains open until the wee hours of the night letting guests shop and enjoy treats down Main Street.

More Information

For more information or help planning your Disney vacation email me at Jamie@lotmv.com

Also, follow along for Disney updates at fun on my Facebook and Instagram pages @loveofthemagic

August 27, 2018