WDW Daily News

Take a look at this photo featuring Princess Anna in the Royal Welcome at Disney’s Hollywood Studios from Stacy Degaro.

Guests  can save up to 30%* on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels for stays most nights Oct. 4-Nov. 25 and Nov. 29-Dec. 23, 2014, when they book by Oct. 3, 2014.

Contact Travel Agents, Scott and Becky Donahue, of Once Upon a Vacation to plan and book your vacation.

Booking Window:
July 23-Oct. 3, 2014

Travel Window:
Oct. 4-Nov. 25 and Nov. 29-Dec. 23, 2014

Contact Travel Agents, Scott and Becky Donahue, of Once Upon a Vacation to plan and book your vacation.

Depending on the time of year and the location I’m staying I have developed several “morning routines” when visiting Disney World. Sometimes a visit to the Polynesian for Tonga Toast gets my day started. The waffle bar at Wilderness Lodge is always a winner, not to mention a cup of coffee at Pixar Place to watch the morning guests arrive.

But one of my favorite things to do is hit the Hole in the Wall! For those of you that don’t know, the Hole in the Wall is one of the exterior bars at Raglan Road, Downtown Disney. This is a great place to start out a day with a bloody Mary and even a light lunch from Cookes of Dublin.

They open the bar at 11am and there is usually no one around but the bartender. This is a great opportunity to chat them up and make a connection while they are getting set up for their day. This is one of the best locations to get the “inside scoop” on what is happening at Downtown Disney. It’s also a good source for information on other events going on in the area, restaurant recommendations, and a spot for great people watching!
This spot has a great selection of domestic and imported beers and ciders, and is one of the only locations on Disney property that has happy hour! You will also notice a lot of “dads” here that like to rest a bit while the family hits the shops.

Check it out the next time you’re wandering around Downtown Disney. It really is a great spot to take a break or in my case, start your day. And if you don’t have time to stop and chat, they can make you a beverage to take with you! Slainte!

How many Magic Bands do you have? I happen to have one in every available color now! And I keep getting new ones each time I make a reservation. I asked at my hotel recently about how to manage them and if I can STOP getting them. On this trip we were able to use the bands we already had our Annual Passes linked to and were used to wearing/using.

I was told that you can manage your Magic Bands on you’re my Disney Experience Account. I went home and looked at my account to see if I could figure it out. I could see all my bands by color. From this screen I was able to activate or deactivate any of my bands. It is also possible to report a band that has been lost and customize bands before they are shipped. If you activate a new MagicBand or card it does not mean that you must deactivate an existing MagicBand or card. All active MagicBands or cards assigned to a Guest have access to the benefits and entitlements for that Guest. And just because you add new MagicBand or card, it does not add new entitlements, such as additional theme park admissions or additional FP+. I am hoping to link my next reservation number to existing Magic Bands before my next trip in order to ward off getting another one!

My next question for the Cast Member was what to do with any MagicBands a Guest does not need or want. I was told that unwanted MagicBands can be returned to Guest Relations at the Resorts. They will be deactivated, wiped clean of all data and recycled. Something to keep in mind if you have extras! Remember that you must have ID with you to confirm that you have an Annual Pass or are a DVC Member………..MagicBand slider alone is not enough!

I will have to admit having multiple bands has been one of my biggest issues with the program. I am glad to know that I might be able to manage all my Bands with a little effort. For the most part I haven’t other issues with them. I do know that Cast Members are still getting used to them but think they are great for Guests. I believe they are still a work in progress and will get better and better. Look for more articles from WDW Daily News as we cover any updates or enhancements.

Now if they can just help me figure out how to keep from sweating so bad under that band!!! Let me know if you have any magic to share on that topic!!!

It never fails that every time I go to the parks I see at least one miserable family. It just breaks my heart to see the frustrated parents and disappointed kids because that shouldn’t ever be anyone’s experience in Disney World. Every time I see this I just want to walk up and say “Hey there! I’m going to be your guide so you can truly experience the magic because you’re doing this all wrong” but that’s rude so I’m writing this article instead. I’m going to break down how I go about getting the most out of my Disney World experiences, and I hope that it will help others enjoy their time in the parks too.

My first piece of advice is something everyone has heard, have a plan. Now, when I say have a plan I mean something very loose like Captain Jack Sparrow, not a minute by minute itinerary. I just simply want you to look at a map and become acquainted with the layout of the park and then do it. I’ve found that picking a direction in the park and just going all the way around is the best way to go. This allows you to spend time in each land and truly experience them. If you’re always bouncing around you won’t get immersed in these settings, and you’re cutting the magic short. On another note, choose your Fastpasses wisely. Spread the times out or pick attractions next to each other. Otherwise, you may end up spending most of your day trying to make Fastpass times. I know tickets are expensive. You want the most out of your day, but if you speed through the park you’re not truly experiencing Disney World. Every detail in Disney is carefully planned and placed. Take the time, just a moment, to look around you and take in your surroundings. You won’t regret it.
The next thing you should know is Cast Members are your friends, so treat them like so. They’re wouldn’t be a Disney World without them. Walt said so himself, “You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” Every single Cast Member plays a part in bringing Disney to life, and they are there to help you. If a Cast Member asks you to move further down the row or to not sit on a ledge; they aren’t trying to rain on your parade. Please do not yell at them. I see this happen way too often, and experienced it myself when I was a Cast Member. Everything a Cast Member asks you to do is for your and every other guests’ benefit. Please be respectful towards them.

My final words of advice are “let it go.” This applies to several things. Have a work issue hovering in your mind? Let it go. Is the ride you’ve been waiting in line for down now? Let it go. Just let everything that might drag you down go. The only way to experience the magic is to be there in the moment. Unexpected things will happen, but don’t let it ruin your day. We always feel the need to be in control of things. That thought process will only lead to stressful times in the park. It will be hot. There will be crowds. I think Timon and Pumba said it best, ” hakuna matata.” It means no worries. You are there with your family and/or friends. Get through the day by being present with them and just go with the flow. Let your inner child loose and I swear magic will happen before your eyes.

This advice might not be what you’re looking for. I didn’t tell you how to get the most rides done or the best places to watch fireworks, but I hope these words help someone. I see so many adults who think Disney World is just a theme park. It’s not, you’re just doing it wrong. Disney World is more than just the rides. There are so many details created by the Imagineers and the Cast Members are all so wonderful. Take the time to appreciate these things. Don’t rush through the park, experience it. Making the most of your trip to Disney World is all in the mindset.

“And a Whole Can of Whipped Cream!”… “A Whole Can?!”

“Treat yourself to that last cookie, you deserve it!” -Laura Weyand(me)

Hello Disney lovers from all over! My name is Laura and this is my first article for the newsletter! Naturally I will be informing you about my two loves; Disney and Dessert. They go together PERFECTLY! The infamous “Kitchen Sink” has been served up at Beaches and Cream for years located at the Epcot resort The Beach Club. This is an ice cream sundae that I’m all too familiar with and it’s one of those Disney World “Must do’s” when visiting. Nothing gets me more excited than ice cream. But what about when it’s eight scoops of ice cream, every topping in the shop and yup you guessed it, a whole can of whipped cream! So, if you’re a dessert lover like myself, prepare your stomach and skip that extra roll at dinner and get over to the Beach Club stat! The atmosphere is another aspect you will truly fall in love with while visiting. A friendly staff, an old school ice cream parlor and an AMAZING lunch/dinner menu completes this quaint restaurant. As a kitchen sink “veteran” (does completing the challenge three times qualify me?) I definitely recommend this massive sundae. At a whopping $28.99 you better believe you don’t want to spoil this delicious sundae. The contents of this master piece includes 8 scoops of ice cream; two vanilla, two chocolate, two strawberry, one coffee and one mint chocolate chip. But, do not be afraid to ask you server to switch up some of the flavors! Beaches and Cream is considered a quick service restaurant so sorry folks but that means no reservations! Make sure you plan accordingly with your party!

Fine ice cream sundaes are nice and all but there are other ways of getting a quick Disney dessert fix! Everyone has their quick snack of a dessert they love right? I can never pass up a chocolate covered banana or a Mickey Premium bar but let’s get a little more specific, shall we? I have three words for you. Carrot. Cake. Cookie. AKA DELICIOUS. My favorite spot to get this delicious treat would have to be the Writer’s Stop at Hollywood Studios. This treat includes cream cheese icing sandwiched between two carrot cake style cookies. You just have to try it my description will never do it justice!

Lastly is the plaza sundae at The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor (The Cone Shop). Get any flavor (or two) of ice cream with hot fudge or peanut butter with whipped cream and a cherry. Sounds simple right? But nothing beats indulging in a delicious sundae while watching the Castle Show with Minnie, Mickey and friends! Disney just knows how to make the simple things in life extra magical!

Well, to cut this short I will leave it at that. But I will be continuing my favorite Disney treats in my next article so stayed tune because this may take a while!!! It’s never a bad time to treat yourself at Disney :).
See ya real soon!
Laura 🙂

Hey guys! I was just in Disney World from June 12th-20th with friends. This was the first time I had gone to Disney World without my family. Our party stayed at Pop Century Resort and had the Basic Dining Plan with Park Hopper. I was more exhausted on this trip than I had been on any other. I will tell you why, and how to avoid making the same mistakes I did on my trip.

Every morning, my party and I would wake up at 7am. We would use a snack for breakfast, most often I got a bagel. Then we would rush to the park. By noon we would use a quick service in the parks, and then have a table service towards 7 or 8pm. We would then remain out in the parks until the last park closed (including extra magic hours). Typically we returned to the hotel and were in bed by 3am, only to wake up at 7am the next day.

The itinerary I just listed is the absolute worst way to go about your Disney vacation. Here’s why…
Obviously, lack of sleep was a huge drawback of the vacation. Your body needs time to recuperate after being in the heat and walking through the parks. Our exhaustion left us with body aches and pure grumpiness.
When it comes to the meals, a quick service during the day was plenty filling. The issue later on was the fact that we couldn’t finish our table service dinners. You don’t realize how much you actually get with a quick service. You get an entrée, drink, and dessert (most of the time I was too full to eat the dessert). Table services are much larger in portion so you would imagine that I couldn’t finish that entire meal either. It wasn’t an ideal situation.

After this experience, I have come up with a routine that will be beneficial and enjoyable for anyone in your party. This will save you from being hungry (angry and hungry), tired, and will rid the aches. Overall you will be able to appreciate the small moments a little bit more this way also.

1. Wake up when you want to. The parks aren’t going anywhere and there are extra magic hours if you stay on property.

2. Using FastPass Plus will allow you to see everything you want to. I promise.

3. When you do wake up, use your quick service as a breakfast if you can. Find a nice seat and just relax with some coffee and big morning meal. It will fuel you for the day ahead.

4. If it’s too hot out (which it probably will be if you are going in the summer), hang by the pool or around the resort until you are cool and ready to hit the parks. Usually hitting the parks by 2 or 3pm is ideal because the sun has already reached its peak. It can only get cooler from there.

5. Schedule a table service dinner for around 5 or 6pm. (If you used your table service for a breakfast, then use your quick service around this time). You should be done with dinner in time to find ideal seating for the fireworks you plan to view that night! You will have time to enjoy the attractions before dinner and then after fireworks if you plan accordingly with extra magic hours.

** This may not work for everyone. Typically this plan is best for Walt Disney World Resort Guests with the Dining Plan.

Just try it for one day and see what a difference it makes. I can guarantee your party will be happier and enjoy the magic a little bit more

Any further questions feel free to ask me!

Keep the magic in your heart,

Katie @Foreverkatastic (Twitter and Instagram)

Disney Magic was traveling cross country this past June for the third year with the Disney Social Media Moms On the Road Celebrations! The annual half day event was held this year in Chicago, Philadelphia and Phoenix. Hosted by Disney Social Media and Public Relations, and the amazing crew from Maria Bailey’s (of Mom Talk Radio, Mom TV and Mom Select) BSM Media, the celebration brought together mom and dad bloggers from all over the country to learn and be inspired!

While the On the Road Celebrations are only a short four hours, the presentation time was jam packed with a variety of presenters. Our hosts for the event were Jamie Langdon, Walt Disney World Public Relations and Social Media Manager and Leanne Jakubowski O’Regan, Director, Social Media at Disney Parks.
One part of the event I was looking forward to was meeting and hearing from Gary Buchanan, Walt Disney World Social Media Managing Editor. Unlike a lot of behind the scenes Disney folks, a lot of you may be familiar with Gary from his fun adventures and antics in videos for the Disney Parks Blog. From searching for dragons over Magic Kingdom for the New Fantasyland opening, wading through cranberry bogs at Food and Wine Festival, dancing down Main Street USA or interviewing galactic heroes for Star Wars Weekends, Gary always seems to be up to something fun and crazy. Gary brought us an update on “What’s New, What’s Next at Disney Parks”. Between My Magic+, The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and two new runDisney races this fall there was a lot to talk about!

Jenn Fickley-Baker Walt Disney World Social Media Manager gave us some behind the scenes info on the Disney Parks Blog, and how what Disney has learned can help us improve our own blogs and social media presence. One story that particularly touched hearts was the story of “Toby the Bear”. Many readers may be familiar with the story of Toby, who was given to a little girl by her now deceased father. On a trip to Walt Disney World, Toby was misplaced. Social media was abuzz in the online Disney community with folks trying to find Toby, last seen at Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. Toby was thankfully found by Disney, and sent home, complete with a vacation photo album of his Disney adventures!

Other conference highlights included previews of the latest and greatest products and services coming from Hewlett Packard such as web-enabled printers that order ink for you when you’re getting low! What a time saver that would be! Prior winners of Huggies Mom Inspired Program were in attendance, and presented as a panel of Mompreneurs offering advice on starting and running your own business. Applications for the $15K grants are currently open through September 30th if you have an idea for a great product to make parents’ lives easier. You can apply at: www.huggiesmominspired.com.

By far, at the highlight of the Chicago On the Road Celebration was our final speaker of the day, Ramon De Leon. While his official title is Sr. Social Strategist, Rise Interactive, Chicago pizza fans know him as “The Pizza Guy”. Starting with Dominos in the late 1980’s as a delivery guy, Ramon De Leon saw the opportunity in social media even before it had a name, and used it to expand Domino’s business in the Chicago area. You could order pizza online in Chicago a full 8 years before it was introduced nationally by corporate Dominos, thanks to Ramon! Speaking on customer service and using social media to expand your brand he ended the day on a high note of excitement and inspiration. He has his own hashtag, and it suits him perfectly: #RamonWOW!

To end the Celebration in Chicago, we were treated to a very special surprise guest, the man himself, Mickey Mouse! Visiting with an old friend like Mickey was the perfect way to end such an amazing experience.

If you are interested in attending a Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, either the main conference or On the Road, be sure to fill out an application next winter/spring on their website, then cross your fingers for a magical email! The event is invitation only, and I am honored that I was able to attend. Thanks to Maria Bailey and Valika Shivcharran of BSM Media, as well as Jamie Langdon and Leanne Jakubowski O’Regan from Disney Social Media for hosting and giving me the opportunity to attend the celebration!

Every visit to Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World begins the same way. You press you brightly colored magic band to a glowing Mickey head, it turns green and the kind cast member wishes you a magical day. As you pass under the Train Station your day begins in what are some of Walt’s fondest memories of his childhood. Main Street USA is a living, turn of the century town complete with all the shops and fun places Walt recalled from growing up in Missouri. But, what most guest don’t notice, as they barrel down Main Street to rocket to the stars on Space Mountain or sail the world on The Jungle Cruise are the fine details and little elements which make up the theming on Main Street. This, the undiscovered Main Street, is part of what makes this one of my favorite places at Walt Disney World.

As you make your way into this first themed land of the park, take a look at the ground around you. Although the street is dark, the sidewalks are red. Now we are pretty sure the sidewalks in Marciline were not paved red in the early 1900. So you may ask yourself, “Why are the sidewalks red here then?” During the construction of the Magic Kingdom, Kodak, the former official photo sponsor for the Walt Disney World Resort, was consulted regarding paint colors for the all parts of the park. When it came to the sidewalks, the folks from Kodak suggested a warm red tone, as it would improve picture quality when the bright Florida sun bounced off of it. Hesitant at first, those in charge finally found fun in the idea of “rolling out the red carpet” for their guests. So the red stuck, and over 40 years later is still one of the first colors to greet guests today.

One of the first things that draws you attention on Main Street, beside the towering castle of course, is Town Square. Home to the flag pole and some park benches. But of all the park benches, one in particular is unique. Seated on the bench closet to Cinderella Castle is a statue of Roy Disney, Walt’s brother, and Minnie Mouse. Most people are familiar with the Partners statue of Walt and Mickey at the hub just in front of the castle, but that is what makes this statue of Roy and Minnie so special. The statue by Blain Gibson is titled “Sharing the Magic” and was placed in the Magic Kingdom in 1999. Gibson created the statue of Minnie sitting next to Roy to show Roy as more approachable as he tended to fade into the background while Walt was the face of the company. Also, take note that Roy is supporting Minnie’s hand from the bottom. This was Gibson’s way of of showing Roy’s support for Walt in his new business venture. It has been said that while Walt and Mickey will always steal the show, just down the street, will forever be, their biggest supporters.

Before you get to far away from Town Square, wander toward the Fire Station. Nestled between the Emporium and the horse stalls is one of the best kept secrets of Walt Disney World. When Main Street opened at Disneyland in 1955 you could find just about any shop along the path. Yes, people could even buy their groceries or ladies undergarments, just before taking a spin on Dumbo. One of the shops was however, was a barber shop, complete with a barber shop quartet. Most everyone knows of the quartet, but did you know, the barber shop still exists on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. The cast members inside are happy to offer cool dos to all the cool guys and gals in your group. They will even help you celebrate your little one’s first hair cut, complete with a clipping and a special certificate. Oh and of course a sucker for the brave little kiddo.

Wandering down Main Street may make you feel like you have stepped back in time, to turn of the century America. The Victorian style of the shops, the old timey music, even the cast members costumes will make you feel like you’ve made it back to a simpler time. But did you know that each step you take towards the castle is taking you into the future. Don’t believe me? Just take a look at the lamps on either side of the street. As you start your journey down Main Street the lamps look like they might have someone come by and light the gas inside just before night fall. These old style gas lamps would have been the means for lighting the streets at the the beginning of the 20th century. Closer to Cinderella Castle, the lamps make a change. With the popularity of electricity during this time, the lamps would change from gas lamps to electric ones. Those at the end of Main Street are just that. Replicas of turn of the century electric street lamps. Only at Disney World can you walk down the street and end up in a totally different time.

Ever wonder who all those names belong to on the windows in Main Street. Or maybe you just thought they were faked to make the street look more realistic. Truth is, the windows of Main Street are labeled with the names of those who have helped the company and the Magic Kingdom become all that it is today. There is even a window dedicated to all the cast member of the Magic Kingdom. One man, and I’m sure you can guess who, has 2 windows in very special places on Main Street. Walt Disney passed away before he could see the completion of the “Florida Project” which became Walt Disney World. As a special honor 2 windows were given Walt’s name. The first appears just above the train station facing Bay Lake. The window reads “Walt Disney World Railroad Office – Keeping Dreams on Track – Walter E. Disney, Chief Engineer”. The window here serves as Walt greeting to all his guests as they enter the Magic Kingdom. The 2nd window sits just above the Plaza Restaurant at the end of Main Street facing the castle. This window reads “Walter E. Disney – Graduate School of Design & Master Planning – Instructors, Howard Brummitt, Marvin Davis, Fred Hope – Headmaster, Richard Irvine – Dean of Design, John Hench – Instructors, Vic Greene, Bill Martin, Chuck Myall”. This window is said to forever leave a place for Walt to look out over all that he, and his amazing team of imagineers, have done to bring joy and happiness to all who come to their Magic Kingdom.

So as you can see, Main Street USA is full of secrets hidden all around you. Some may be in plane sight and you’ve never noticed them before. Other may be waiting for you to discover. Thanks for taking a trip through Walt’s home town with me. Until next time, remember, there’s a great, big beautiful tomorrow, just a dream away!

Well. It’s official. My family and I are going to be fine dining at Walt Disney World. We got every reservation we wanted. It was way easier than expected. My father and I woke up at 5:45, in order to make them precisely at 6 am. At that time we selected everything. We got are first choices, all within 20 minutes of the times we wanted. This week we also celebrated the fact our entire vacation is paid off. Dining plan, park tickets, resort, everything! Only thing we need to worry about now is what attractions to get fast passes for. I know for sure Soarin’, and Space Mountain. If anyone has any suggestions to things I should get FastPasses for. Or anything I should even try.

Tweet me @MissBaileyKay