DISNEY PARKS & RESORTS RECEIVE TOP HONORS IN 2016
Disney Parks & Resorts have once again been named among the top destinations around the world to stay and play in the 29th annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. These awards celebrate the best of the best in travel according to travelers.
Visit www.SAVEatWDW.com/resorts for special savings.
Mosquito Prevention at Walt Disney World
For the past several weeks Disney has set up mosquito prevention stations in various locations throughout it's theme parks. Guest rooms also contain a complimentary can of insect repellant. As the cooler, less humid weather approaches, mosquitos are much less common.
New Princess Meet and Greet for Magic Kingdom
Meet Princess Elena of Avalor at Magic Kingdom Park Beginning November 24, 2016.
Beginning Nov. 24, 2016 Princess Elena of Avalor will begin to greet Guests alongside other royal friends at Princess Fairytale Hall at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort. At Princess Fairytale Hall, you can choose between a meeting with Elena and Cinderella or a visit with Rapunzel and Tiana. FastPass+ reservations for dates that include Elena appearances will become available today, Oct. 14, 2016
Darren Wittko is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Replacement for Osborne Lights Announced - Hollywood Studios
All-New Holiday Nighttime Spectacular “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios November 14.
The all-new Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! holiday spectacular comes to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort starting on Nov. 14, 2016. Santa Claus is missing and the search-and-rescue mission to get The Big Guy back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve is all part of the fun. The show comes to life on, above and around the Chinese Theater with state-of-the-art projections, special effects, fireworks and a rousing seasonal musical score.
Also announced is the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Dessert Party, which includes reserved viewing, desserts, specialty beverages and more. Each dessert party guest will get a pair of 3D HoloSpex glasses to use while watching the show. The glasses create spectacular holographic illusions of gingerbread men, candy canes, snowflakes and ornaments on any bright point of light.
>> Check out available Walt Disney World Resort hotel offers
Darren Wittko is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
New Stage Show Planned for Magic Kingdom
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration Coming in 2016 to Magic Kingdom Park.
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, will make its debut for the 2016 holiday season. In this brand new stage show, Mickey and his pals invite some of their friends for an unforgettable Christmas party filled with music, dancing, color and fun. Woody and Jessie from “Toy Story,” Fantasyland friends such as Peter Pan and Snow White and many more will join the show. Presented on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration features special effects, magical projections and festive holiday music.
Exclusive Offers for the 2016 Holiday Season
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Event Nights 2016
November – 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27 and 29
December – 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18 and 22
Darren Wittko is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World Tropical Weather Update & Hurricane FAQ
Special Weather Statement From the Walt Disney World Resort and Hurricane FAQ.
October 5, 2016
Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions as we continue to monitor Hurricane Matthew. Recent forecasts indicate that there could be rain and wind in the Central Florida area as early as Thursday evening, Oct. 6, 2016.
Hurricane Policy for Magic Your Way Packages and Most Room-Only Reservations
What does it mean for my vacation plans if a hurricane warning is issued within 7 days of my arrival date?
If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area—or for your place of residence—within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may call in advance to reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Magic Your Way vacation package and most room only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney.
If you have products and services provided by third-party suppliers included in your vacation—such as airlines, hotels, car rental agencies or vacation insurance companies—you will continue to be responsible for any non-refundable payments, as well as cancellation or change fees assessed by those suppliers. The policy does not apply to certain special events or dining experiences.
Will I be responsible for any cancellation or change fees or other amounts if a hurricane warning is issued within 7 days of my arrival date?
If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area—or for your place of residence—within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may call in advance to reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Magic Your Way vacation package and most room only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney.
If you have products and services provided by third-party suppliers included in your vacation—such as airlines, hotels, car rental agencies or vacation insurance companies—you will continue to be responsible for any non-refundable payments, as well as cancellation or change fees assessed by those suppliers. The policy does not apply to certain special events or dining experiences.
If I reschedule my vacation to a different date because of a hurricane warning, will I be able to get my same accommodations?
If you are scheduled to arrive within 7 days of a hurricane warning, you may call Disney in advance to reschedule without a Disney imposed change fee. Disney cannot guarantee availability of similar accommodations for the new travel dates. All amounts you paid to Disney for rooms, theme park tickets, dining plans and other Disney products and services will be applied toward your new reservation.
Any discounts or special offers applicable to your original confirmed vacation will not apply to the rescheduled vacation travel dates. You are responsible for applicable package pricing for the new vacation dates.
The policy does not apply to certain special events and dining experiences.
I received a special offer when I booked my vacation with the Walt Disney Travel Company. If a hurricane warning is issued within 7 days of my arrival date and I reschedule, will I get the same special offer?
Only if an identical special offer is available for your rescheduled vacation dates. All amounts you paid to the Walt Disney Travel Company for rooms, park tickets, dining plans and other Disney products and services will be applied toward your new reservation.
Any discounts or special offers applicable to your original confirmed vacation may not apply to the rescheduled vacation travel dates. You are responsible for applicable package pricing for the new vacation dates.
This policy does not apply to certain special events and dining experiences.
If a hurricane warning is issued within 7 days of my arrival date and I want to cancel or reschedule my vacation, what should I do with my airline tickets?
If you booked your air travel through the Walt Disney Travel Company and you want to reschedule, Disney will attempt to rebook your air travel. However, you will be responsible for any cancellation or change fees imposed by the airline. If you did not book your air travel through the Walt Disney Travel Company, you should contact your airline.
A hurricane warning has been issued within 7 days of my arrival date and I did not book my package through the Walt Disney Travel Company. Does the Walt Disney Travel Company cancellation policy apply to my package too?
You should contact your Travel Agent directly for information relating to the cancellation and change policies that apply to your package.
If a hurricane warning is issued within 7 days of my arrival date and I have a sports or group package, does the Walt Disney Travel Company hurricane cancellation policy apply to my package?
No. The policy only applies to Walt Disney Travel Company Magic Your Way Packages. It does not apply to sports, youth, or other group or special event rooms or packages and does not apply to meetings and conventions.
New Show Coming to Magic Kingdom
Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear and The Great Gonzo arrive at Magic Kingdom Park on October 2, 2016 for the opening of their all-new, live show “The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History.” Hosted by James “J.J.” Jefferson, town crier of Liberty Square, and Sam Eagle. This wacky new show is set to take place several times daily, just outside The Hall of Presidents. Throughout the day, J.J. and the Muppets share their own unique take on the founding fathers as they recount the tale of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, complete with an original song and plenty of humor.
Darren Wittko - is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
New Fall Finale for Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire at Magic Kingdom
New Fall Finale for Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire at Magic Kingdom
Beginning Sept. 2, 2016 at Walt Disney World Resort, the finale scene in “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” will feature new costumes, décor and choreography. You'll also hear an original song celebrating autumn, from the songwriting duo of Valerie Vigoda and Brendan Milburn who composed the show’s catchy tune “On This Day.”
Darren Wittko - is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
New Bus Service Offers Direct Access to Disney Springs from Theme Parks After 4 p.m
Walt Disney World transport buses are now available to transport Guests to Disney Springs from Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting at 4 p.m. daily. With a drop-off location in the heart of the property, the new service puts you in the middle of Town Center, the newest neighborhood at Disney Springs.
Darren Wittko - is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Disney World Explores Premium Resort Transportation Options
There have been several reports of a survey being sent to select individuals inquiring about a fee-based, or premium resort transportation service at the Walt Disney World Resort. Based on examples provided in the survey, it would appear that a resort-to-resort transportation option is being explored, especially for the purpose of early-morning dining reservations. For example, say you have a dining reservation at Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort at 8:05 AM, but you're staying at Disney's Port Orleans Resort. There's no transportation option that takes you between the hotels. You would have to go to Magic Kingdom and transfer to a monorail or boat to get to the Contemporary. This could take over an hour. Alternatively, you could take a taxi or Uber but it appears Disney is looking to set up their own transportation options.
Other questions in the survey were asking about when a guest would be most likely to make transportation arrangements such as at time of booking, after dining reservations have been made, after FastPasses have been selected and so on.
So what are your thoughts? Would you support a premium resort transportation option?
Darren Wittko - is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
August 19 is #DisneyPhotoPassDay at Walt Disney World
On Friday, Aug. 19, 2016 the Walt Disney World Resort will celebrate the art and fun of photography at Disney Parks through the first-ever #DisneyPhotoPassDay, a one-day celebration that will feature exciting offerings and experiences, including:
Special Character Experiences at Magic Kingdom Park & Epcot
Special character experiences will be available at Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot, where Disney PhotoPass photographers will capture you encounter with Pinocchio, Gideon and Foulfellow in Storybook Circus from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At Epcot, a friend or foe will join some favorite Disney Characters around World Showcase, including Mushu and Mulan in the China Pavilion; Snow White and Dopey in the Germany Pavilion; and the Queen of Hearts, who will join Alice in the United Kingdom Pavilion.
Check the My Disney Experience app or the Epcot Times Guide on Aug. 19 for these Disney Characters’ schedule.
Complimentary Photo Locations at All Disney Parks & Disney Springs
There will be one location at each of the four theme parks (and Disney Springs) at the Walt Disney World Resort where a Disney PhotoPass photographer will capture you special moment. That photo will be available in the My Disney Experience app at Walt Disney World Resort to download and share at no charge as part of the #DisneyPhotoPassDay celebration. (Normal My Disney Experience registration is required to access the image).
Participate in a Disney PhotoPass Challenge
You can complete a Disney PhotoPass Challenge at any of the Parks at the Walt Disney World Resort to get a Disney PhotoPass photo on us. All you need to do is get their photo taken by a Disney PhotoPass Photographer at each of the designated challenge locations on Aug. 19. Once you've stopped by all of the locations, you can visit a Disney PhotoPass Sales Center to claim your Disney PhotoPass photo. At the Walt Disney World Resort, participants will receive a voucher for one Disney PhotoPass download.
Darren Wittko - is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
The Disney That Didn't Get Built - Live Show This November
Discover why the Persian Resort and many other projects were scrapped in a live show with Jim Hill and Len Testa in, "The Disney That Didn't Get Built" coming November 12, 2016 to New York.
New York: Attend a live recording of "The Disney That Didn't Get Built" with Len Testa and Jim Hill on November 12, 2016. "From the Persian hotel resort on Bay Lake back in the 1970s, to the Spain pavilion at World Showcase in the 2000s, and lots of interesting examples in between, you’ll hear what was supposed to happen–and why it didn’t."
Cost is $60 per person. Contact E.T.C Custom Events for more information and to register.
E.T.C is also offering a kids' activity corner with age-appropriate, curated activities for kids 8 and up for $10 per child.
Darren Wittko - is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Disney To Pull Plug On Main Street Electrical Parade
The Main Street Electrical Parade's farewell show will be Oct. 9, 2016.
The Main Street Electrical Parade, will take its farewell trip through Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort on Oct. 9, 2016. After its last run The Main Street Electrical Parade, will next travel cross-country to Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, where it originally premiered in 1972.
The Main Street Electrical Parade at Walt Disney World Resort will not appear during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party nights. Parade dates and times are available on the My Disney Experience app.
What would you like to see replace this parade?
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
What Disney Doesn't Want You Know about Disney Springs
Disney Springs | Walt Disney World Resort
It was getting painful to watch Downtown Disney slowly die on the vine at Walt Disney World. Pleasure Island, the once popular nightclub district had closed in 2008. By 2012, after more closures, the three sections of Downtown Disney felt disconnected and it was suffering badly. Eventually, after weathering economic uncertainty for several years, Disney went ahead with the project and Disney Springs opened to guests in 2015 - a much needed and aesthetically pleasing refurbishment to Downtown Disney. Disney Springs has a connected backstory now and a true “Disney” feel. Major improvements have also been made to parking with new “smart” parking garages (signs notify drivers where to find open spaces) and traffic congestion on Buena Vista Drive has been addressed with dedicated car and bus lanes.
However some of the feedback about Disney Springs is that the stores are, “pricey” or “just like the mall we have back home.” To be fair, tourists generally like to shop while on vacation so it’s not a far-fetched idea to offer a shopping district at Walt Disney World. But you might not know that there's actually a better place to shop while in Orlando if you're looking for great deals.
What Disney Doesn't Want you to Know
Orlando Vineland Outlet Mall
While Disney Springs is certainly fun, you'll find a more comprehensive shopping experience just 3 miles away at the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets. This outlet mall has over 100 name brand stores offering big bargains compared to regular retail locations - although much of the merchandise today is made specifically for outlet retailers. But the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets are located just five minutes from Disney Springs and it even has some of the same stores as Disney Springs - here's what they have in common:
- Kate Spade
- Kipling
- Oakley
- Tommy Bahama
- Ugg
- Under Armour
- Vera Bradley
There's also an official Walt Disney World outlet store, Disney's Character Warehouse. The prices are deeply discounted compared to the retail locations on property and it's a true outlet store (overstocks, past-season, etc).
I do think everyone should take a day or perhaps just an evening to explore Disney Springs. Highlights are The Boathouse Orlando restaurant, Morimoto Asia (try the Peking Duck) the World of Disney Store, and even enjoy some of the live music and entertainment. If you're into bowling, try Splitsville Luxury Lanes.
But if you're a shopper and looking for a some deals to take back home, then it's worth a short ride over to the Orlando Vineland Outlet Mall.
Orlando Vineland Outlets Address
Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets Address: 8200 Vineland Ave, Orlando, FL. 32821. Located just off Route 535, about 3 miles from Disney Springs. Taxi fare is an estimated $15-$20 each way from Walt Disney World hotels. Uber, about $10 each way. With traffic, it could take about 10 minutes.
Finding your way around
Additional Orlando Outlet Mall
If you want an even bigger selection of savings at the outlet stores, travel a little further to the Orlando International Premium Outlets. Located about 20 minutes from Walt Disney World on I-4 East, Exit 75A, you’ll find an even larger outlet mall, also offering many of the same stores as Disney Springs mentioned above.
Video:
The Story Behind Disney Springs.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
New Restaurant Coming to Disney Springs
The Polite Pig coming to Disney Springs in spring 2017
I am a huge fan of smoked pork so I'm very excited to share with you that The Polite Pig will coming to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort in spring 2017. A sister restaurant to The Ravenous Pig of Winter Park, FL, The Polite Pig will feature a variety of wood-fired smoked and grilled items as well as an innovative beverage program that serves all drinks on tap, including locally-brewed Cask & Larder beer, wine and cocktails.
Disney Adds New Feature to My Disney Experience App
Now you can navigate Walt Disney World® Resort with the help of “Get Directions” – a new way finding feature on the My Disney Experience mobile app*.
“Get Directions” allows you to conveniently navigate to your favorite Walt Disney World destination whether walking or taking Walt Disney World Resort Transportation. Using GPS navigation, this new feature provides Guests with turn-by-turn walking directions to destinations across the Walt Disney World Resort including Theme Parks, Water Parks, select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels, Disney Springs and many other locations such as Restrooms, Guest Services, shopping locations and more.
How to use the new GPS feature in My Disney Experience
The “Get Directions” feature also provides information on transportation routes to and from Parks and select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels, along with bus, monorail and watercraft transit options.
I would like to remind you to please remain aware of your surroundings at all times while using “Get Directions” to avoid potential safety hazards.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Muppets Fans Take Note: PizzeRizzo Coming This Fall
First Look: PizzeRizzo Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios this fall.
PizzeRizzo will open this fall in Muppets Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. Rizzo The Rat owns and operates the pizzeria, which is located in the former Toy Story Pizza Planet. Here, you'll enjoy a casual Italian-American dining experience in a whole new way, through the eyes of the lovable, wisecracking Muppet.
Walt Disney Imagineering hid hints of Rizzo, his extended family and friends who have visited PizzeRizzo over the years throughout the two-story quick-service location. In addition to the expansive indoor and outdoor seating area, you'll be able to dine in a “cheesy” banquet room, or take five in a special booth designated just for Rizzo’s celebrity friends.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Club Villain Returns to Hollywood Studios
First Look: Club Villain returns to Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2016
Club Villain returns Fridays and Saturdays from September 2 – October 29, 2016 with an additional offering on Halloween, Oct. 31. This two-hour show experience will take place at 5:15pm and 8:30pm nightly inside the Sunset Showcase. Guests can check-in 30 minutes prior to the right of the entrance to Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith.
The price is $129 per person (tax and gratuity included) and includes decadent delicacies with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Advance reservations are recommended and can be made up to 90 days in advance by calling 407-WDW-DINE or online at Disneyworld.com/Dine. A separate ticket admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is required.
Club Villain provides a spellbinding evening for you to enjoy fiendish concoctions from the Potions Bar, savor culinary delights from New Orleans and beyond, mingle with the villains and dance the night away!
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
STAR WARS: A GALACTIC SPECTACULAR DESSERT PARTY AT DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
After enjoying an assortment of sweets — including themed cupcakes, cookies and brownies and a selection of savory snacks including cheese and flatbread and dip (as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages) — you'll be escorted to a VIP viewing area for the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular.
Dessert party check-in takes place in front of Star Wars Launch Bay, located in the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Check in begins at 7:30 p.m., and Guests can enter the party at 8:15 p.m.
The cost for Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party is $69 for adults, $39 for children age 3-9. Admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is required to attend, and is not included in the price of Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel.