Ten Reasons You Need to Visit Walt Disney World this Fall

Disney has been telling us that #NowMoreThanEver is the time to visit Walt Disney World, and I’m here to tell you that, in my professional opinion, the Fall of 2019 is really, really now more than ever. I’d call it the perfect storm, but there’s nothing stormy about what is brewing in the most magical place on Earth, unless you’d count Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party featuring some of the most infamous villains to ever take stage on the big screen.

But, enough said, let’s take a look at the proof. I’m counting down the top ten reasons you NEED to visit Walt Disney World this fall.

TEN

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy

This all-new show experience invites guests to step into the world of Pixar Animation Studios’ “Cars” films as Guests become rookie racers and learn the rules of the road from Piston Cup Champion Lightning McQueen himself!

During this 10-minute show, Lightning McQueen appears live on stage to share his racing knowledge – and if there’s one thing he’s learned over the years is that things don’t always go as planned. But with the help of Mater, Cruz Ramirez and other friends from Radiator Springs, Lightning is bound to get back “on track.”

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Disney is calling this new addition a step in a multi-year transformation for Hollywood Studio’s 30th anniversary, and I’ll all wheels!

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NINE

Celebrating 25 Years of The Lion King

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the original animated film, “The Lion King,” and now more than ever, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is alive with the magic of its story and characters.

Each day, Discovery Island jams to the Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party, a wild celebration where young adventurers can let out their inner animals on the dance floor. The party hosts engage everyone in entertaining dances and games inspired by “The Lion King” and some of the animals they’ve encountered in their travels.

A group of wildly talented musicians and a DJ provide the perfect soundtrack to the Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party, featuring animal-inspired popular songs and tunes from “The Lion King,” all performed in a World Beat style. Timon, Rafiki and their Disney animal pals Baloo, Koda, Meeko and Terk stop by, too, living their best “Hakuna Matata” life! If you want to enjoy this celebration, be sure to get there before September 30 when the sun sets on this celebration.

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EIGHT

Rivers of Light: We Are One Debuts as Animal Kingdom’s revamped Nighttime Show

Since its introduction more than two years ago, “Rivers of Light” has enchanted Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park Guests with a nighttime pageant of beautifully illuminated lantern floats, grand theatrical imagery, a soaring musical score and innovative special effects. This summer, the next chapter of this spectacle will unfold with the debut of “Rivers of Light: We Are One.”

“Rivers of Light: We Are One” introduces additional, stunning imagery from Disneynature films, along with classic moments from Disney animation, to express our connection with animals and our journey through the great circle of life.

“Rivers of Light: We Are One” comes to the Discovery River Amphitheater at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, beginning Memorial Day Weekend 2019.

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SEVEN

Disney’s newest resort: Riviera opens in Fall 2019

On his extended tours of Europe, Walt Disney fell in love with European art, architecture, food and, of course, stories. Disney’s Riviera Resort will reflect a European theme with a Disney twist!

While not everyone is going to make a point to stay here, it demonstrates Disney’s commitment to opening more options for travelers to enjoy all the magic of Disney – from the moment your head hits the pillow at night and when you wake up again in the morning. Like all popular brands, Disney experiences a supply and demand model that makes it necessary to book early. Here’s hoping that by adding this gorgeous deluxe resort, we will find even more options on Disney’s plate of accommodations.

This resort will feature a full range of options from cozy Tower Studios to spacious 1-Bedroom Villas, 2-Bedroom Villas and 3-Bedroom Grand Villas, as well as Topolino’s Terrace, and new rooftop dining experience. Enjoy Italian and French Riviera dishes served along side views of nighttime spectaculars at Epcot and Hollywood Studios. While we are still waiting to hear who will host, guests will also be able to enjoy a prix-fixe character breakfast.

Disney’s Riviera Resort is projected to open December 16th, 2019.

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SIX

Mickey and Minnie’s 90th SURPRISE celebration!

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I remember watching Mickey make a surprise birthday cake for her birthday when I was 5-years-old. Talk about reliving the glory days! This year, the dynamic duo celebrates 90 years of magic on Main Street USA. In addition to some excellent dance parties, Minnie and Mickey are suited up in birthday attire for a special meet-and-greet. If ever there was an excuse for a grown woman to wear a polka dot tutu, this is it! Get there before September 30 to make it happen!

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FIVE

For the first time in – EPCOT – Forever

We’ve been hearing about the end of Illuminations for some time now. With everyone rushing to see it one final time, I would venture to say that those who get that limited window of opportunity to see “Epcot Forever” are truly the lucky ones. Debuting October 1, 2019, this limited-time nighttime show will be an all-new, spectacle of fireworks, music, lighting, lasers and choreographed, special effects kites. The show will take us on a journey through the past, present and future of Epcot. Featuring a stirring collection of songs that paint a colorful picture of the park, this nighttime extravaganza will offer both a trip down memory lane and a look towards the future and all the magical possibilities still to come.

“Epcot Forever” will continue into 2020, when the next epic nighttime extravaganza makes its debut. Keep reading Disney Parks Blog in the months ahead for more.

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FOUR

The Gondolas are coming!

I recognize that not all who take advantage of Disney transportation are excited to be transported so high in the sky with nothing but land and water below. But, I for one, canNOT wait to take a ride – or two – on Disney’s Skyliner Gondolas. I feel like it’s a bonus ride without even having to enter the parks!

Moving at a pace of 11 mph, the cables will connect Disney’s Hollywood Studios and International Gateway at Epcot to the following Resort hotels: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Riviera Resort.

Guests will be able to enjoy easy access to Disney’s BoardWalk entertainment district and a fun way to travel between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Plus, the Disney Skyliner provides a relaxing trip to dining locations across Disney Resort hotels—including Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.

Although no official date has been announced, Disney reports that they will be transporting guests in Fall 2019.

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THREE

Epcot Food & Wine Festival

I really don’t feel like I need to say anything else, because if food and wine don’t get you excited, you’re reading the wrong blog. But, to further make my case for Fall 2019 being the best time to travel to WDW, this year’s Epcot Food & Wine Festival will be the longest Food & Wine Fest in the park’s history! This means you have the opportunity to experience even more of those limited time experiences AND food and wine on the SAME TRIP.

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Taking place Aug. 29-Nov. 23, this year’s festival will continue its tradition of offering tasty dishes, fine dining events, and appearances by favorite Disney culinarians and top celebrity chefs. The festival’s Eat to the Beat Concert Series will run Aug. 29-Nov. 19 and will feature a lineup of pop, rock, R&B, country, Christian, swing and Latin artists.

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TWO

Mickey’s -Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

It’s not-so-scary and it’s a must do! Where else will you find a line-up of Disney’s top villains and traditional characters adorned in their very own Halloween costumes? With enchanting entertainment, boo-tacular nighttime shows, specialty eats, trick-or-treating, and more, this special ticketed event brings out the kid in everyone! So, grab your costumes and set your course for a Hallowishes celebration!

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ONE

Do I really have to say it?

If you don’t know the number one reason to visit Disney World this fall, you’re going to need to reboot your circuits because you’ve been living on Ahch-To for too long.

In a Galaxy far, far away – just past Echo Lake and south of Toy Story Land – you’ll find droves of Jedis seeking to learn the ways of the force. Opening August 29, Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run will be the first of two rides featured at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and launch the beginning of a new obsession for park-goers around the world.

This much anticipated addition to Disney parks will offer an immersive experience for fans of all ages. Feast on galactic grub and libations, adorn yourself in authentic apparel, build droids and lightsabers, and simply take time to steal yourself away to a land where darkness and light meet.

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We’re still waiting on word for the second part of Galaxy’s Edge to open, so don’t turn your backs on the First Order just yet! Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is coming soon!

The Planning Stages…

You’re ready to pull the plug on a Disney World vacation, but where do you begin? (Hopefully with a Disney vacation planning agency like Hi Ho Vacations.)

With so many things to consider – dining, fast passes, park days, special events, memory makers, transportation and more – having an outline and taking things a step at a time is the best way to keep your head from spinning like the teacups at the Mad Tea Party.

At this point, you’ve booked your resort, decided on your ticket package, and possibly added a dinning plan. You’ll also need to secure your spot by making a $200 deposit. At this point, nothing else is due until 30 days before you travel.

Now, you WRITE down your important dates:

Create reminders in your phone, post-it’s on the fridge, and write it on your calendar.

• When you can begin making your dining reservations (180 days in advance).
• When you can reserve your FastPass+ (60 days in advance).
• When you can check-in online (60 days in advance).
• When your final payment is due (30 days in advance).
• Also make note that you need to order your magic band colors. Getting mail from Mickey is super exciting and Magic Bands delivered to your home are the best! If you forget to do this, your bands will be given to you when you arrive at your resort.

Set up your My Disney Experience account:

It can take up to 24 hours for your reservation to show up in the Disney System. After that, you’ll need to register with your email and password at mydisneyexperience.com. Be sure to have your confirmation number handy, because this is how you’ll link your reservation to your account.

Once your set up with your My Disney Experience (MDE) account, its a good idea to play around and get to know where things are. If you haven’t already, you’ll want to download the app on your phone so that you can use it in the parks. You’ll be able to check wait times for attractions, modify dining reservations, pull up your itinerary, see information about special events, and snag more Fast Passes after you’ve used up your initial three passes for the day. The MDE app also features information on bus stop times and waits. This new feature is going to be especially useful when you’re trying to get to your dining reservation on time.

Plan your transportation:

Are you flying or driving? If you’re driving, keep in mind that Disney resort guests now pay to park on hotel property. The costs vary based on resort with a value resort costing $13/night, moderate resort costing $19/night, and deluxe resort costing $24/night. You can read more information online.

If you choose to fly, rest assured that you won’t need a car until you touch ground at home after your Disney vacation. Disney’s Magical Express will pick you (and your luggage) up from the airport and transport you to your resort. Just be sure to link your flight information in your MDE account so the bus will be waiting on you. In my client’s cases, I take care of linking flight information to be sure that it is done correctly. Disney will send you luggage tags that you will attach to your checked bags. Your bags will arrive at your resort within three hours after they are picked up from the airport, so be sure to pack items in your carry on that you’ll need for the day (swimsuits AND MAGIC BANDS included).

Read as little or as much as you’d like between now and 180 days before your trip.

If you have a Disney-related question, you can find an answer online. Just be sure that you pay attention to the date the information was posted. Years ago, you could meet Elsa and Anna at the Magic Kingdom, but now, if you want to meet the Frozen sisters, you’ll have to wait in line at Epcot. It would be a real run away sleigh if you wore your coronation gown to Fantasyland when you should have saved it for Norway.

Don’t stop researching, but share you goals and dreams for your Disney vacation with your travel agent. Not only will she have the most up-to-date information, but she will also help you plan out your days to ensure that you check off all of your must-do’s.

Book your dining reservations 180 days before you travel.

My clients get a list of dining options when they book their Disney vacations, but a lot of times, it ends up getting lost in inboxes. I like to check-in about a week before their dining window opens so that we can discuss their first, second, and third choices OR encourage them to take a look at dining options before their reservation window opens. Once we narrow down their dining spots, we talk a little about what days and times would be best. It’s always a good idea to take a look at the park hours when you’re dreaming up your park days. Might as well take advantage of early morning or late night magic hours whenever possible!

Snag those FastPass+ reservations 60 prior to your travel date.

You’ll get your FastPass+ advice from me as well, but in the end, you pick what works best for you or your family. Some of the hottest, new rides include Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey, Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Midway Mania, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Soarin’, Test Track, and Expedition Everest. If you’re planning to attend character meals, you’ll get a chance to meet some of your favorites, but don’t forget to prioritize meet and greets too.

Customize your Magic Bands.

Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink, or grey. Be sure to select your colors prior to ten days before your travel. You’ll receive your bands in the mail if you’ve customized them in enough time to arrive before your trip; otherwise, you’ll be able to pick them up at the check-in desk on your arrival. Don’t forget to pack your bands in your carry-on! Once you enter the Disney bubble, those are your keys to the kingdom.

Happy planning!

Let me plan your vacation – for FREE

Fail to plan, plan to spend time on hold.

One of the biggest misconceptions about working with a vacation planner to book your Disney vacations is that you have to pay additional fees. That’s simply not the case. I’m always telling potential clients that Disney pays me so you don’t have to. It’s not that you can’t do it yourself, it’s a matter of whether or not you want to study up and comb the web for deals and discounts, spend – potentially – hours on the phone and internet booking reservations, and making changes to your trip. Disney wants to you enjoy every moment of your vacation from the beginning stages to the very end when you’re downloading your photo pass photos for your memory book. As a travel agent, I’m there to help even after your return flight brings you home.

Here’s why you should let a vacation planner handle your Disney vacations for FREE…

• It’s FREE, FREE, FREE. I can’t say that enough. Many moons ago, I too, was skeptical. But, when my family first began traveling to Disney, I never once regretted booking with a planner AND I actually paid less because she knew the in’s and out’s of discounts and when to travel.
• You’ll get the best tips and tricks. Not only does your agent travel to Disney on a regular basis, she attends training and webinars with the most up-to-date information. Disney is constantly changing and it is not an easy thing for your average traveler to keep up. Don’t waste fast passes on rides that don’t have lines. Get insider information on the best table service spots and most delicious snack options.
• Customized itineraries are going to save your trip! Every family is different. If your family loves Star Wars and can pass on princesses, you’ll want to know which parks and attractions to add to your list.
• Feeling the pressure to get dining reservations and fast passes? Let me get up bright and early to snag those. At Hi Ho Vacations, we pride ourselves in making customer service our best quality and this is just one of the perks.
• Your planner is just a phone call away – even during your trip. I can fix things for you while you’re at the parks. Don’t wait to get home to share a snafu – let me know right away so Disney can fix it!
• I’ll price monitor details for your vacation up until the day you leave. While booking early ensures you get the best deal, discounts and add-ons often pop-up after you’ve booked your vacation. Don’t worry about keeping an eye out for those yourself. I’m constantly checking Disney for these things and I know who qualifies and if it’s going to give you the biggest bang for your buck.
• Decided to bring the grandparents along after all? Want to dine with some friends who happen to be in the area the same time you are? We can make changes to your reservation if you just ask! It isn’t always easy, so let me handle to tough stuff and link your parties without the hassle!

If you’re still not convinced, let’s chat! You honestly have nothing to lose! You can be in charge of as little or as much of you planning as you’d like. I’m here to guide to along the way. Consider me your personal concierge.

Contact me at Katieb@hihovacations.com.

Dads and Disney

We’re a family of four. With two rowdy boys (ages 5 and 8), we have to keep busy or our house will probably fall apart. Enter: the Disney Family Vacation. My husband was the one who took the Disney dive and planned our first trip more than three years ago. So, in honor of him and the upcoming Father’s Day holiday, I’m sharing a whammy of a gift idea.

When you book certain Disney packages by August 1 (and travel by August 30), you’ll save up to 20% on your Disney vacation!

I don’t know about you, but letting my hubs have an extra excuse to act like a kid would be the ultimate Father’s Day. And, to top it off, Disney is rolling out some pretty awesome attractions this summer, including Toy Story Land on June 30.

And, let’s not forget Mr. Incredible, himself…

With “Incredibles 2” coming to theaters on June 15, you’d better believe that Disney is going to streeeeeeeetch out all the guest appearances from you favorite superhero family. You’ll find them, along with Edna Mode in Tomorrowland (check out the delicious Incredibles-inspired food you can find) at the Magic Kingdom.

Other exciting guest appearances include Guardians of the Galaxy’s Star-Lord and Gamora in Epcot and a new “UP!” show in Animal Kingdom.

And finally, let me tell you from experience, summer is a great time to visit the park! You’ll see a dramatic decrease in crowds as opposed to other times throughout the year. Florida is always warm, and so long as you prepare and plan for a little pool time, the discounts and ease you experience are well worth a few more degrees!

Anyone who books this offer with me and mentions by blog post, gets a free gift!

Ch-EARS!

 

 

 

 

Toddlers and Disney: Elsa saves the day!

Traveling to Disney with littles can be challenging, but its also one of the sweetest moments you’ll experience with a youngster. Who doesn’t want to see their babies hug Mickey Mouse for the first time? Setting realistic expectations can make all the difference in the world. And even though the saying goes- if you fail to plan, plan to fail – I would encourage you to plan to ditch the plan when the going gets tough. Because there’s magic around every corner if you just let the pixie dust lead you.

Here’s my advice to surviving Disney with toddlers:

1. Strollers. Snacks. Enough said.
2. Don’t expect your child to love every ride – or any ride for that matter. When E was little, he loved the carousel and Tomorrowland Speedway. In fact, he loved the Speedway so much that he managed to tug the heartstrings of one of the pit crew members and ended up with an extra Fast Pass for the ride.  When you find your sweet spot, settle in and enjoy the ride. There’s a reason children under three are FREE.
3. Sometimes exhaustion wins and that’s ok. Our first trip involved a FREE dining plan. We literally dropped everything every time we had a reservation. By the time we made it to the final day, we decided that Chef Mickey could wait until next trip and a Mickey pretzel was a welcome sight. The kids were none the wiser.
4. When all else fails, go with plan B. When E was a toddler, he loved Frozen (he would deny it now). One of the best moves we made was to switch out a Fast Pass for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train for a chance to meet Elsa and Anna (we all knew just how lucky we were to snag four Fast Passes). We got to meet Elsa first, and after an initial greeting, he hugged her with a sweet little smile on his face. My trip was made at that very moment, but it wasn’t until we moved on to Anna that we really felt the pixie dust take hold of us. She was her charismatic self, asking both boys if they liked hot chocolate. They talked about Olaf’s carrot nose and how the boys only ate broccoli. And then, she planted a great big lipstick-stained kiss on each boy’s forehead. Every cast member we saw from that point on, pointed out my prince charmings.
5. Consider your transportation options. We rented a car a couple times while we were in Orlando, and it was nice to have control of our naptime schedule. However, staying at a resort on the monorail or finding a spot with exceptional bus service can make a huge difference in your day. The best way to be sure you’re in the right spot is to work with a vacation planner (it’s 100% FREE because Disney knows you need a little extra help planning your vacation).
6. Finally, PLAN TO HAVE A DAY OFF. Yes, you’re paying for a Disney trip, but everyone deserves a break and a few hours at that amazing resort pool. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.

The moral of this story is to expect the unexpected. Follow your kids’ leads and always be willing to let it go…

For more tips and trips, contact me at katieb@hihovacations.com.