Here's what we've been up to...
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Disney Dream Christmas Cruise - This winter we took a trip of a lifetime on Disney's Dream! Our cruise was only 3 days, but the memories will last a lifetime. What made this voyage the most amazing was that we were accompanied by our children and grandchildren - 19 of us total! We enjoyed the ship as we traveled to the Bahamas and Disney's Castaway Cay. Our adventures were plentiful but the highlights included a family viewing of Frozen, island time relaxing while the kids braved the waterside, and dinners together while we shared the days activities. Clearly, we could have extend the trip and never run out of things to do or fun to have. 
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New & exciting!
Starbucks on Main Street - Experienced Magic Kingdom visitors will quickly recognize that the old Main Street Bakery has been re-opened as the first Starbucks in Walt Disney World. And while you can no longer get some of your favorite tastes, the bakery has retained its charm and ambiance. It still has the dark wood and chandeliers which are reminiscent of the turn-of-the-century and cast members still wear Victorian costumes. The dining room seating has been removed to accommodate larger crowds and ease the flow of traffic. It serves the same items found at regular Starbucks locations, including the full drink menu and baked goods.
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We are excited for this new addition to the Magic Kingdom; not because we love the coffee but because our daughter is the Manager and has been instrumental to the development and roll-out of store. Well, and who doesn't like a good cup of coffee.
**UPDATE** Fountain View at Epcot & LA Prop Cinema Storage at the Hollywood Studios have been renovated and reopened as a Starbucks. |
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Here's what's happening
WDW Closures and Refurbishments for November 2015 & Beyond - Information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available at the Disney World website.
Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Non-Park Experiences
Magic Kingdom
- Splash Mountain 1/10 - 1/14
- Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin 01/18 - 2-11
Epcot
- Re-Imagination of Maelstrom to Frozen - Now through 4/16
- Sum of All Thrills 11/30 - 12/4
- Soarin' 1/4 - Summer 2016
Non-Park Experiences
- Blizzard Beach 10/4 - 1/2
- Typhoon Lagoon 1/3 - 3/12
- Downtown Disney is currently in the process of a major transformation. Many of the parking lots, restrooms, bus stops, entrances and stores could be closed at any time.
helpful hints & things not to miss
Florida is a smorgasbord of FUN - we would like to share a few of our favorites - we hope you enjoy!
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You are coming to see MICKEY - then off to Walt Disney World you will go. You will want to visit all 4 parks!! They each have “MUST SEE” attractions. I will mention just a few of our favorites.
MAGIC KINGDOM: This is truly my favorite of all the parks. To me, this is what Walt Disney World is all about - the Castle, the parades, the music and the fireworks. You must NEVER MISS the fireworks here! *TIP: the best place to watch them is on Main Street standing between the Ice Cream Shop and Casey’s Hot Dogs. The name of this fantastic show is Wishes. DO NOT MISS THIS!!! I will not begin to mention the rides because I think they are ALL excellent. The new 3:00 parade is a must! The best places to watch are in Liberty Square and on the balcony of the Train Station. Take your time and enjoy the beauty of the park in addition to the entertainment. |
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EPCOT:
This is a park like no other. This park offers a variety of showcase entertainment and events throughout the year. If you visit in the spring, do not miss the Flower and Garden Festival while fall visitors can experience the delicious International Food and Wine festival. If you are lucky enough to visit Walt Disney World during the winter holidays, DO NOT MISS the Candlelight Processional!! It is a spectacular show of talent with a mass choir, orchestra, heralding trumpets and celebrity narrator. Epcot also has a range of attractions for all age groups and adrenaline levels. Soarin’ in the Land pavilion is my personal favorite. Their night spectacular is called “Illuminations” and is absolutely fantastic. |
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DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS (formally MGM):
Two “musts” for this park are the Extreme Stunt Show and Sci-Fine Dine-In Theater. The stunt show is a fast action spectacular with screeching tires, daring stunts and FIRE! (Harlan thinks it is the best adventure in the park.) *TIP: This attraction might be a bit much for the little ones to enjoy, sit near an exit, just in case. The Sci-Fi dining experience is a blast from the past, it’s as if you are in a real drive-in! The evening show is called “Fantasmic” and is a must, must, must see … totally incredible. *TIP: Get there EARLY if you want to get a seat.
Two “musts” for this park are the Extreme Stunt Show and Sci-Fine Dine-In Theater. The stunt show is a fast action spectacular with screeching tires, daring stunts and FIRE! (Harlan thinks it is the best adventure in the park.) *TIP: This attraction might be a bit much for the little ones to enjoy, sit near an exit, just in case. The Sci-Fi dining experience is a blast from the past, it’s as if you are in a real drive-in! The evening show is called “Fantasmic” and is a must, must, must see … totally incredible. *TIP: Get there EARLY if you want to get a seat.
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ANIMAL KINGDOM:
Get there early and hop on the Safari ride if you can, it’s the best time to see the animals. The Lion King show is amazing - definitely this park’s “must see”! The character experience is probably the best of all the parks. The lines are shorter and all of your friends will be in a shady location. The Mt. Everest ride is a thrill and “It’s Tough to be a Bug” show inside the Tree of Life is awesome. This park normally closes earlier than all others so be sure to get an early start in order to see it all! |
I haven’t even begun to mention the restaurants and dining experiences – I could go on and on!! If you are considering a character experience CALL EARLY for reservations: 407-WDW-DINE!!! A meal with the Princesses in the Castle is unforgettable but our personal favorite is dining with Pooh and Friends in the Crystal Palace. The characters are fun and you will rave about the food!
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We encourage you to go beyond the Disney parks (gasp ... who ever knew there was more to Central Florida)! If you want to “get real”, take an airboat ride - we recommend the Lone Cabbage Air Boat Rides. Keep in mind the time of year and time of day. Early mornings in the summer are the best time to see gators. If you are down here in the winter, your best time is the afternoon while they are trying to warm themselves. The airboat rides are a great stop on the way to the Coco beach and other east Florida attractions.
I have found a new respect for Universal Studios as of late. If you have tweens, teens and twenty-something’s, take a day or two and visit this park! It is hard for me to admit, but it’s an adventure you just don’t want to miss. The "Must See" attraction at Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure is Wizarding World of Harry Potter! I took our 4 oldest grandkids (ages 8 - 12) & we had a GREAT adventure!! The kids LOVED this park (& the Butter Beer). |
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