EPCOT – Page 2 – threestrandswdw

What Is It About Walt Disney World?

With all of the places we could choose to take a vacation, why do we continue to visit Walt Disney World? The reasons can be varied, and many time very simple! My love for the Disney product began when I was a kid watching “The Wonderful World of Color” on Sunday evenings before getting ready for school the next day, and going to bed. I loved the stories, the visuals, and the commentary by Walt Disney himself! If they ever decide to run the shows again, you would see in color what was in Black and White when originally aired. Walt was a forward thinking man, and always working to stay ahead of the curve.

When I first heard of Walt Disney World, I would have been about 11 years old at the time, I wanted to go, but my parents said there was no way we could afford the trip. It wasn’t until I was 21, that I made my first entry into The Magic Kingdom! And, as an added bonus, the next day we went to the newly opened, 2 day old, EPCOT Center! And, all I could say was WOW!

Walt Disney World, as a whole, is an attraction! It attracts people from all walks of life! It pulls people from all around the world to spend their vacation time, and money! And, once we are exposed to the magic, many of us return time and time again. Personally, there are only a few other places in the world I want to see, and they happen to also be Disney Destinations!

The anticipation begins the first day you decide to make your trip, and continues beyond your last day of your vacation. When you decide to go, will affect how much time you have to nurture your excitement. I typically plan 9 months to 1.5 years in advance. And, that is determined by the time of year I plan to visit! Spring breaks, 4^th of July, and Christmas are times that may require more advanced planning because of the heavy crowds.

What is hardest is to have to wait so long between visits to WDW! But, thanks to the digital age there are ways to soften the heartache! One way, is to listen to WDW Podcasts, such as the Disney Parks Podcast, to keep up on changes, planning tips, and even some Disney World “celebrities” who may drop by for a visit! You can also make use of YouTube to watch some of your favorite attractions, jog good memories, or just forget about real life for a moment or two. There are WDW specific Facebook groups, many dialog boards, and other social media outlets to talk and share your experiences and questions about Walt Disney World!

But, the best way I know to soften the blow between trips, is to begin planning the next one. Even if you don’t have a specific date to travel, start talking about what resort you may want to try? When do you want to go? Are there any special events you may want to try to include? Do you want to celebrate a special occasion? Then, start asking questions in Facebook, or other source. Send questions to Disney Parks Podcast, or other resource. Or, contact a Disney Specialized travel agent!

Planning is a big part of the fun for the Disney enthusiast! Almost as much fun as the trip, itself…okay, maybe not! And, there are many who are content with just visiting anything Disney for their vacation! Are you one of us? You will be…You WILL be!

Matthew Wallace is a Travel Planner for Magical Starr Travel, living in Ohio, and specializing in Disney Destinations! You can contact Matthew by email at matthew@magicalstartravel.com or by calling 888-534-3569 ext 1. Visit our website at www.magicalstartravel.com.

This JUST In…Arendelle is coming to the Norway Pavilion and MORE

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman, Tom Staggs, announced today that Frozen will indeed be moving into the Norway Pavilion with a target opening in early 2016. The new attraction will be replacing Maelstrom, the popular attraction currently occupying the space where Arendelle will be taking up residence.

The attraction will present the looks and music made popular in Disney’s record-breaking hit, Frozen! And, there will also be, what is being called, a royal greeting area where Anna and Elsa will greet park guests! There is no word, yet, on how this may affect the meet and greet currently taking place at The Magic Kingdom.

The Frozen Summer Fun attractions are also being extended at Disney’s Hollywood Studios…well, some of them anyway. the Sing-along is set to continue and Wandering Oaken’s is going to be moved to a new location closer to the same area. It will have a larger play area, and will have real snow!

Finally, the holiday season at The Magic Kingdom will take on a bit of a different feel and Queen Elsa will transform Cinderella’s Castle into a real Ice Palace in the evenings. And, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf will join the queen in the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade during the party.

Cinderella's Castle Ice Palace — Cinderella’s Castle
Ice Palace

Disney Dining Plan…Snack Time at WDW!

We all keep our eyes open for it! We hope and pray it happens! Sometimes it comes in time! And, sometime it doesn’t! Some pay for it! Some catch a break and get it when it is offered free! What is it, you ask? The Disney Dining Plan offered with your Walt Disney World Vacation Package!

One of the most popular plans is the Plus Dining option! With this plan you get one quick service meal, one sit-down meal, and one snack per night, for the entire length of your stay. We’ll talk about quick service and sit-down meals another time. For this article, let’s look at the Snack portion of the deal!

Did you know that there are many snacks that can be a meal? And, some are even large enough to share between two our three people. Let’s look a a few ideas, shall we?

Toluca Legs Turkey Company Sunset Blvd. Disney's Hollywood Studio — Toluca Legs Turkey Company
Sunset Blvd.
Disney’s Hollywood Studio

Turkey Legs are popular at The Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios! They are considered a snack when on DDP, and easily shared by more than one person. They can be messy, but also filling.

Another idea are Chili Cheese Fries at Pecos Bills in The Magic Kingdom! And, talk about YUMMY!! Well worth it, if you are in the area!

Many of the items on the Yak and Yeti Counter in Disney’s Animal Kingdom are considered snacks. Try the Egg Roll or Chicken Fried Rice to keep you going!

If you are attending the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, many of the samplings at the World Showcase kiosks are able to be purchased as a snack. So, you can give your mouth an international experience all in one day!

And, finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mentioning a very wise use of snack credits might be to get a taste of the world famous Walt Disney World Popcorn!! It’s filling, satisfying, and the smell fills up the parks! Easily shared, and delicious, too!

Magic Kingdom Popcorn Cart — Magic Kingdom
Popcorn Cart

These are just a few ideas, I’m sure there are many other! Please add your thoughts below in the Comments section! And, as always, have a Blessed and Magical weekend, my friends!

Is The Freeze On For Norway at WDW?

As you may have heard by now, the Norway Pavilions in the World Showcase at EPCOT may be going under an extended refurbishment during the off-season. What does this mean? That is the question that many in the Disney community is wanting an answer to, and quickly!

There has been some speculation that Maelstrom may receive a FROZEN overlay, others think it may be completely turned into a FROZEN attraction. Still others are hoping that it will be a simple update, with some fresh paint and a few screws tightened up.

What I have heard, is that the country of Norway has ceased any support for the pavilion from a financial standpoint. I hope that the officials of this beautiful country decide to help supplement any refurbishment that may take place, if they hope to have a say in what type of changes might be made. Otherwise, there may be a bit of Sven and Olaf in the place of some of the Vikings!

It is only my opinion, at this time, but I think that FROZEN should NOT be a part of the Norway pavilion, as I believe it cancels out the original ideas of the Disney Imagineers in presenting something about the cultures of the countries of the World Showcase! I like Maelstrom as it is! It is a bit of a unique experience, and I get chills when I see the scenes, as portrayed, in this attraction that allows me to see just how beautiful this land is, and the hard work it has taken to make Norway the country that it is today!

So, where should FROZEN go? I truly think the best place would be at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! With the closing of the American Idol Experience, one has to wonder if the success of the Frozen Summer Fun may be getting a more permanent venue? Makes sense to me, but at this point, we will just have to see how it all comes together!

For now, we’ll just sit back, and see what develops! If you have any thoughts, please share them in the comments section below!

Thanks for reading and may you have a Blessed and Magical day, my friends!

Dinner Package for Candlelight Processional

The Candlelight Processional at EPCOT is one of the highlights of the year at Walt Disney World. And, this year’s will be no exception! We don’t know all of the guest narrators who will attend this year, but we some have been confirmed! So far, we have:

Jodi Benson November 28 and 29, 2014
Whoopi Goldberg December 5 and 6, 2014
Sharon Stone (NEW!) December 15 to December 17, 2014
Ana Gasteyer (NEW!) December 18 to December 20, 2014
Marlee Matlin December 21 to December 23, 2014
Steven Curtis Chapman December 28 to December 30, 2014

The question that many ask? “Is it worth paying for the Dinner Package to get a seat for this event?” My short answer is: “Yes”!

By purchasing the Dinner Package for the Candlelight Processional, you are being assured of a seat for one of the three performances. There are two lines for the show. One for Dinner Package guests, and one for stand-by guests. The stand-by line may only get a handful of people into the seated area. There is some standing room at the rear of the America Gardens Theater.

You can choose to have lunch or dinner at The Biergarten, Chefs De France, Coral Reef, Garden Grill, La Hacienda de San Angel, Nine Dragons, Restaurant Marrakesh, Rose and Crown, San Angel Inn, Teppan Edo, Tokyo Dining, Tutto Italia, or Via Napoli restaurants. The time you choose to eat, will determine what your show time will be for the Processional.

The line will start at the America Gardens Theater and move toward Morocco and France for Dinner Package guests. The stand-by line runs the opposite direction toward Norway and Mexico. In my opinion, the Dinner Package is well worth the investment for this fabulous event! So, eat up, get in line, and enjoy the Christmas Story from the Scriptures!

Have a Blessed and Magical Day, my friends!!

MyMagic+ Update!

There are some updates involving Magicbands, Fastpass Plus, and other enhancements that I wanted to take a look at today. I’ll also try to give a few strategies with these changes. Some that you may have heard elsewhere, and some that may be new thinking.

First, you may have heard about the new Check-In Bypass being tested at some of the resorts. This test, and probable add-o to the Magicband, will allow you to make use of the Online Check-In system and when you arrive at your resort, you will be texted or emailed a room number. You can then proceed to your room, scan your Magicband, and enter your room without visiting the Check-In desk at your resort. I am curious to hear input from those who have done this to see what THAT experience was like, and how they made the transition! I am also curious to know how you know where to go to find your room, especially at the larger resorts like Port Orleans – Riverside! If you have taken part in this test and would be willing to share input, please email me at threestrandswdw@outlook.com! I’ll pass the information along!

There has been a change in the tiered rides at EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios! At EPCOT, in addition to Test Track, Soarin’, Maelstrom, and Illuminations! Reflections of Earth, you can now choose Living With The Land in Tier One! At DHS, We add The Great Movie Ride to the Tier One list along with Toy Story Mania, Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster, Beauty And The Beast, and Fantasmic! However, another recent change allows you to select additional Fastpass Plus reservations once you have used your initial three selections! This will let you choose any Tier One ride for a first, or even second, ride! This is a significant move toward feeling like the ‘Classic’ Fastpasses.

Finally, it is rumored that you can now order specially designed Magicbands for your WDW vacation. A few of the designs I have seen are Star Wars and Frozen. I suspect this is just a first look idea, and there will be many more variations becoming available as the use of Magicbands becomes more the norm! Not sure what type of design I would want to wear..hmmm!

One side note from MyMagic+, Disney has recently announced that the Wilderness Lodge, Silver Creek Springs Pool, will be closed for a lengthy refurbishment from Sep 3 – November 27, 2014. Alternatives offered at this time are: the leisure pool at The Villas At Wilderness Lodge, the Meadow Swimming Pool at Ft. Wilderness, or the Main Pool at the Contemporary Resort. Complimentary transportation is scheduled to be available for you during that time. I’ll add this to the Refurb Page of this blog!

As always, thanks for reading! May you have a very Blessed and Magical weekend, my friends!! Keep dreaming!

DDP – Quick-Service Dining

We hear about it all the time! Is it free? Do I pay extra? What does it include? In this short series, we will look at each dining plan that is offered at Walt Disney World. We will attempt to get into the details about what is included and how it affects your costs, if you pay to include it on your Magic Your Way package.

Today, we look at Quick-Service Dining!

Quick-Service (or Counter) Service locations are generally places you can eat at on the run, without an Advanced Dining Reservation (ADR), and there may or may not be seating areas provided. The Disney Dining Plan offers a package that includes two quick-service meals and one snack per night of your stay. It also includes a resort-refillable mug usable at your resort food court and can be refilled as often as you like! One thing to remember about the mug is that it is RFID equipped, just sit it under the spout of the drink you desire and press the button, the display will tell you everything you need to know after that.

Your quick-service breakfast is one entree or complete combo meal and a single-serving, non-alcoholic beverage. For lunch and dinner just add a dessert! You also get one snack credit that can be used for Mickey Bars, Ice Cream, bottles of soda or water, or anything that has the official DDP logo next to it (see above).

When you check into your Walt Disney World Resort, you will receive a total number of entitlements according to the length of stay and type of meal package in which you are participating. Keep an eye on those entitlements, your receipts will show your balance, because many people end up with extras at the end of a trip, and it can be a bit overwhelming to use them all in a few short hours before your vacation ends!

A few examples of quick-service (counter-service) restaurants in the parks are: Flame Tree BBQ in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Sunshine Seasons or Tangerine Cafe in EPCOT, Starring Rolls at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Pecos Bills at The Magic Kingdom. Downtown Disney, soon to be Disney Springs, has some good offerings in this area, as well. You can try Wolfgang Puck’s Express, or (my fav) Earl Of Sandwich!

The added cost to your package, if you purchase the Quick-Service Dining Plan is $41.99 per adult per night and $16.03 per child per night ages 3 – 9. Look at the eating habits of your family, and check the menus out online at http://www.disneyworld.com to see if this would be a benefit to your trip.

The Quick-Service Dining package is often giving at Value level resorts, if a free dining or special package rate is announced by Disney. These meals are really good for those who don’t want to be strapped to a dining schedule and just want to grab on the run. And, many of these locations do offer significant seating areas in shade or air conditioning, if you need time to just chill and recover before moving on to the next attraction.

One more thing, your entitlements are connected to your MagicBands, so make sure all is well before you leave the check-in desk at your resort.

I hope this is helpful for you all, and I’ll be back soon with a look at the Plus Dining Package! For now, have a Blessed and Magical evening, my friend!

Walt Disney, A Memorial Day Tribute

When Walt Disney was 16, he tried to join the Army, but when he was turned down, he lied about his age and signed on with the ambulance service of the American Red Cross. Why, you may ask? Because Walt Disney believed that the freedoms of this country were worth defending, so he chose the only way he could, at the time, to fulfill his desire to do his duty!

On this Memorial Day, in the United States, it seems appropriate to look at ways that patriotism is represented at Walt Disney World. There are three items that jump to mind when considering this line of thought. Let’s take a look at those, now!

In the Magic Kingdom, The Hall of Presidents is an obvious choice when considering how the US is represented in the parks at WDW. Based on Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at the 1964 World’s Fair, the Hall of Presidents offers a look at every president who ever held office in the United States of America. And, it is in Liberty Square, so it’s easy to find. One of the coolest things about this attraction, is that it is one of the coolest places to cool off in the Magic Kingdom!

Also in The Magic Kingdom is the Flag Retreat Ceremony! This takes place everyday at 5pm and is the official retirement of the US flag for the day. The respect and care of this 10 minute event reflects the importance of the American Flag as a symbol of the freedom we have here in the states. It is an awesome experience, and I highly recommend it! Here is a YouTube video from Undercover Tourist of the Flag Retreat, http://youtu.be/cIOG1iln7S0 Enjoy!!

Finally, we travel to EPCOT for the last attraction for today. The host pavilion for The World Showcase is also a giant representation of the patriotism and spirit of The United States. Of course, I am talking about The American Adventure! Most days, you can catch the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps. as they bring a unique sound to a couple of patriotic melodies. Inside, you will be greeted by the Voices of Liberty who will welcome you with beautiful harmonies that will raise the hair on the back of your neck, and raise a flag in your heart!

It seems fitting on this Memorial Day, to look at the patriotism that Walt Disney displayed in his lifetime and the legacy of patriotism he gave us all through these experiences in the parks of Walt Disney World!

For now, have a Blessed and Magical Day, my friends!!

Holidays at WDW

About this time last year, we were beginning to plan our visit to Walt Disney World for the first week of December 2013. I had my ADRs already made and we were following the developments of the Magicbands with deep interest…well, at least I was!

Pretty Christmas themed lighting for Cinderella Castle, Magic Kingdom Park

Because of the time we were going to be in The World, it was important to keep a finger on the pulse of yet to be announced events, particularly the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT. We had already determined that Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party wasn’t going to be on this trip! So, that actually made it easier to plan your five days in parks! Let me add here that if you are going to take in the Candlelight Processional, that you make and ADR for the dinner package as most of the seats at the America Gardens Theater are reserved for those plans and general seating is very limited. Details have not been released, yet, but should be available soon!

So, how do you plan for one of these holiday events? Let’s take a look at that, shall we?

Starting on September 1, 2014 and running on select dates through October 31, is Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom. Tickets for this event start at $62 per person and may be higher depending on dates, and certainly as you get closer to Halloween the cost will be a bit more. One benefit is that you can usually get into The Magic Kingdom at about 4pm, so you have time to take in some attractions before the event begins. Many of the attractions will also be available after the party starts at 7pm!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is slated to begin on November 7, 2014 and will be on select nights through December 19. Tickets for this event start at $67 per person, and the same benefits and hours are applicable as the Halloween Party. It amazes me how quickly they turn The Magic Kingdom around between parties! Watch a YouTube video sometime to see it in action!

These are the holiday events that probably need the most attention in the near future! Others take place, but only require you putting them into your plan of attack, if you wish to see them. And, with the Free Dining Offer in place right now, planning for the special events becomes a little more interesting!

Also taking place during these times will be: Nights of Joy September 5 – 6, 2014, and the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival September 19 – November 10, 2014. If you want a sneak peek at some of the Food and Wine offerings visit https://www.youtube.com/user/travelwithrick to see his 31 day tour from 2013! I believe you will enjoy his thoughts!

Happy Planning for those of you headed to the Vacation Kingdom of the World for the fall and holiday seasons. Wish I was joining you, but not this year! In the meantime, have a Blessed and Magical Day, my friends!!

A Journey of the Imagination

Today, I want to take a trip in my imagination to my favorite park at Walt Disney World. Welcome to Epcot Center! Yes, that is what I called it and will continue to call it the rest of my life!

After making Rope Drop, I am headed to Test Track! I love getting it done early when crowds are more manageable, and I can design my car without being rushed! I have been on both versions and don’t know if I really have a favorite, but this is what we have and I’m going to enjoy it on it’s own merit! After the high speed conclusion, I am headed to Spaceship Earth! To me this is the definition of a classic Disney attraction! I don’t like some of the changes, especially at the end, but at least most of the history is in tact and enjoyable.

Now to use my first Fastpass+ for Soarin’! Like many, I am hoping for an update to both the film and the theaters! Rumor of recent flyovers for filming are circling around, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed. Once my feet are back on the ground, it’s time to make a pass through Nemo.

Now, I know my choice for lunch can be somewhat controversial, but I love Nine Dragons! The Five-Spiced Fish is awesome, and the service we received on last visit makes it worth a second glance. And, it’s time to tour World Showcase…first stop, Norway and my second FPP on Maelstrom! Love the ride and this pavilion is beautiful!! I hope they leave the ride alone and dowse all of these Frozen rumors! They can stick Frozen someplace else!

Next stop, The American Adventure! My absolute favorite World Showcase stop! I don’t know about any of you, but I always cry at the sound of Golden Dreams! My patriotism comes out anytime I walk into this building. The Voices of Liberty and the Fife and Drum make the entire experience memorable and special!

A quick pass through Morocco to look at some of the mosaic tiling, and Japan for the drummers, then off to Canada for the O Canada movie and some Off Kilter, love this band!! A trip back to the America Gardens Theater for Starship at the Flower Power Concert, then I am headed to Garden Grill for dinner before using my final FPP for Illuminations! After the fireworks, I am going to Rose and Crown for the EPCOT Wind Down before headed back to my room at Disney’s Beach Club Resort!

Hey, If I’m using my imagination, I can do anything I want to, right?

How would your day go? I’d love to hear about it either in the comments below or by email at threestrandswdw@outlook.com.

Have a Blessed and Magical Sunday, my friends!