Tuesday, September 27, 2016

The Muppets Come to Magic Kingdom October 2nd!

Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear and The Great Gonzo arrive at Magic Kingdom® Park on October 2 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, the fiercely patriotic American eagle who is forever trying to set a high moral standard for the Muppets, 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. You may even catch the Muppets’ version of the midnight ride of Paul Revere, presented in hysterical fashion as only the muppets can.
Want to go to Walt Disney World? Email me - lauren@magicaltravel.com - for a FREE, no obligation vacation quote!  Or fill out the fast and easy form below (click here to open it in a new page)! As a Disney vacation specialist, let me put my expert knowledge to your benefit and help you plan a magical vacation. Combine that with my free planning services, a free Disney Gift card and more - you're bound to have a magical vacation!

Monday, September 26, 2016

Adventures by Disney Spotlight: Ecuador & Galapagos Islands

With Adventures by Disney® worldwide vacations, there is so much more to do than sightsee.  Travelers experience firsthand the people, cultures and traditions of the places they visit. And the Adventures by Disney Ecuador and Galapagos itinerary is no exception.

On this 8-night vacation, you will discover Ecuador’s mainland with its natural splendor and remarkable culture. Then, you'll explore the Galápagos Islands and be immersed in a spectacularly beautiful world nearly untouched by human progress.
The adventure begins in Ecuador, where you will visit the giant Quitsato Equator Sundial, which sits precisely on the Equator. You’ll also learn about one of Ecuador’s biggest exports and an important part of the country’s culture on a Rose Plantation Tour. And, you’ll experience the Andean way of life at a festive dinner, complete with music played by a local flute-maker and dance performed by spirited folk dancers.
In the Galápagos Islands, you will enjoy an eye-opening voyage on the Santa Cruise II ship. During this 4-night cruise, you’ll explore the volcanic archipelago, enjoy stargazing, storytelling and more. And, as you hike and snorkel across the islands, you'll discover exotic underwater worlds and encounter animal and plant species that can’t be found anywhere else on earth!
If you're interested in this Adventures by Disney vacation (or any other ABD vacation) and want to experience the Disney Difference (Adventure Guides, VIP access, Disney service and more!), email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com for a FREE, no obligation vacation quote! When you book your Adventures by Disney vacation with me - you'll get a Magical Dollar Discount right off the price of the trip! 

Friday, September 23, 2016

September Refurbishments

Disney is always evolving, always changing. Walt Disney once said "Disneyland will never be completed. ... It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world." I imagine the same rule applies for Walt Disney World.  And with new growth comes refurbishments. So here is the current list of refurbishments at Walt Disney World for the month of September. 

(If there is a ** before the refurbishment this is a new listing from the prior month).



Magic Kingdom
  • Monorail: Undergoing refurbishment through Summer 2016.  Monorail may be on modified service and/or routes. Before you plan on using the Monorail, make sure it is the best option available, as alternative transportation options will be available.
  •  Swiss Family Tree House: Scheduled to Reopen September 29, 2016 (Changed date – pushed back 5 days. Originally scheduled to reopen September 24)
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Scheduled to Reopen November 18, 2016
  • “it’s a small world”: Closing August 22. Scheduled to Reopen September 15.


Epcot
  • No refurbishments scheduled.


Disney’s Hollywood Studios
  • Pizza Planet: Undergoing refurbishment to become PizzeRizzo.  Scheduled to Reopen “Late 2016.”
  • **Rockin ‘n’ Roller Coaster: Will be Closed October 27 – November 9, 2016


Disney’s Animal Kingdom
  • DINOSAUR: Scheduled to Reopen October 16, 2016
  • Dino Institute Shop: Scheduled to Reopen October 16, 2016


Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
  • Annual Refurbishment is Scheduled for December 25, 2016 – March 11, 2016


Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
  • Annual Refurbishment is Scheduled for October 23 – December 24, 2016


Disney Springs
  • Planet Hollywood: Scheduled to Reopen “Fall 2016”
  • Fulton’s Crab House (reopening as Paddlefish): Scheduled to Reopen “Fall 2016”


Disney Golf Courses/Miniature Golf:
None

Walt Disney World Resorts:
  • Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Soft Goods Refurbishment through September 24, 2016.
  • **Disney’s All Star Sports – Grand Slam pool refurbishment Oct. 10 – December 2, 2016. Surfboard Pool will be open.
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Kidani Village: Soft Goods Refurbishment through January 2017.
  • **Disney’s BoardWalk Villas: Roof Refreshments: May 16 – October 2016
  • **Disney’s Pop Century Resort – Computer Pool Refurbishment October 31, 2016-January 3, 2017. Hippy Dippy Pool and Bowling Pool will be open.
  • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter: Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory Refurbishment. Scheduled to Reopen “Late Fall 2016.”
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Villas: Extensive Resort Refurbishment Projects. Hidden Springs Pool, beach, marina, playground and more will be closed. Scheduled to occur “Through 2017.”
  • Disney’s Yacht Club: Room Refurbishments. October 29, 2016 – June 23, 2017
  • Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Convention Center: Expansion Work. Scheduled to Reopen February 1st.
  • Walt Disney World Dolphin: Guest Room Renovations. Scheduled to Reopen “September 2016.”