Rain, Magic & Utilidors: Our Keys to the Kingdom Tour Experience at Magic Kingdom

After years of Disney trips, I finally got to check off a big item on my personal bucket list: the Keys to the Kingdom Tour at Magic Kingdom. This behind-the-scenes walking tour dives deep into the stories, logistics, and history that make Walt Disney World run like a dream. And while we had a few surprises along the way—including torrential rain—it was still a magical and unforgettable experience.

Keys to the Kingdom Tour
Photo: Brooke Hudson

✨ What is the Keys to the Kingdom Tour?

This 5-hour guided walking tour is designed for the ultimate Disney enthusiast. It’s available to guests ages 16 and up (no exceptions), and it offers a rare peek into backstage areas—including the legendary Utilidors, the tunnels beneath Magic Kingdom that most guests never see.

Here’s what’s included:

  • A knowledgeable guide
  • At least two included rides
  • Access to backstage areas (including the Utilidors!)
  • A quick-service lunch
  • A name tag and souvenir
  • Tons of insider Disney history, storytelling, and operational details

Guests are advised to check in at least 15 minutes before their tour is scheduled to begin. Check in is at the Main Street Theater. Each guest will receive a nametag and a listening device. The listening device make it easy to hear your tour guide, regardless of proximity.

Pricing & Discounts for the Keys to the Kingdom Tour

Standard Price: The tour is priced between $149 and $169+tax per person, depending on the date and season.

When to Book: You can book your Keys to the Kingdom tour 60 days before the date you want to reserve. Disney Resort Guests can make reservations starting 60 days before their first reserved night for the entire length of their reservation.

Discounts Available:

*Annual Passholders: Eligible for a 15% discount.

*Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Members: Also receive a 15% discount.

*Disney Visa Cardholders: Entitled to a 15% discount when using their Disney Visa Card for payment.

These discounts can be applied during the booking process through the My Disney Experience app or the official Disney World website. You can also book this tour with your favorite Travel Advisor and also get these same discounts. Email me to book or for more information.


Touring Through a Downpour: Our Day Begins

We met our guide, Kevin, promptly at 8:00 AM. He’s been with Disney for 8 years and brought an impressive mix of storytelling, humor, and cast member pride to the experience. Our group included 21 guests, and though the skies were gray, the forecast had only called for a 10% chance of rain. Famous last words.

Kevin, our Keys to the Kingdom Tour Guide. Photo: Brooke Hudson

By 8:30 AM, light rain began falling. By 9:30 AM, it was absolutely pouring. Kevin, ever the pro, guided us to a covered seating area in Adventureland, where he kept the stories flowing despite the rain cascading around us. Unfortunately, many in our group had no rain gear at all. Mom and I had small umbrellas (thank goodness!) but no ponchos—lesson learned.


Ride Highlights: Jungle Cruise & Haunted Mansion

One of the big perks of this tour is that you get to experience two attractions—usually using a “back door” Lightning Lane-type entrance—and they’re hand-picked to match the theme and history focus of the tour. For us, the choices were perfect.

Jungle Cruise

This version of the Jungle Cruise was unlike any I’ve ever experienced. While a Jungle Cruise team member piloted the boat, Kevin himself did the narration, focusing on the history, evolution, and little-known trivia about the attraction. He did sprinkle in a few classic puns (because it’s not the Jungle Cruise without at least a groaner or two), but overall, this was a rare opportunity to experience the ride through a totally different lens. For Disney history lovers, it was a dream.

Keys to the Kingdom Tour, Utilidors
Jungle Cruise, Photo: Disney Parks

Haunted Mansion

Kevin used to work at Haunted Mansion, and his affection for the attraction was obvious. While the ride portion itself was standard (we boarded after the Stretching Room and rode like regular guests), Kevin prepped us with fascinating details about its development, backstory, and legacy. After the ride, we regrouped outside to continue the tour with fresh insight and spooky smiles.

Keys to the Kingdom Tour, Haunted Mansion
Haunted Mansion, Photo: Disney Parks

⚠️ Note: Ride experiences may vary on different tour dates.


🍴 Early Lunch at Columbia Harbour House

By 10:15 AM, the water in the streets was 1–2 inches deep, and Kevin made the call: we were heading to lunch, rain or no rain. We walked (ok, semi-ran) through the downpour to Columbia Harbour House, our shoes completely soaked through.

We were welcomed upstairs to a cordoned-off dining space, where our name tags were waiting at our tables—and so was our food. We had pre-selected our meals when we checked in that morning.

Keys to the Kingdom Tour, Columbia Harbour House, Lobster Roll
Columbia Harbour House, Lobster Roll Photo: Disney Parks
  • Mom had the lobster roll, which she said was fresh and tasty.
  • I had the chicken tenders with fries—good, but definitely not hot. Not cold, exactly… just theme park lukewarm.

We had a much-needed 30-minute break to dry off, rest our feet, and regroup.


The Utilidors: Underground Magic

Around noon, we made our way into the Utilidors, the fabled “tunnels” that run beneath Magic Kingdom. It was a fascinating look at the real Disney—less fairy tale, more fine-tuned logistics machine.

We saw:

  • Dozens of cast members going about their day
  • Motivational and safety signage everywhere
  • The Main Street Philharmonic Band, casually walking underground (we saw them later, in full performance mode, above ground in the Hub!)

It was surreal and oddly moving. You get a sense of how many people work tirelessly behind the scenes to make the magic happen seamlessly “onstage.”


Our Guide: Kevin Deserved a Tip (But Couldn’t Take One)

Kevin handled the downpour, the pacing, and the questions like a total pro. He was warm, experienced, and clearly passionate about Disney’s history and operations. We tried to tip him at the end, but he politely declined. (Cast members on these tours aren’t allowed to accept tips.)

We did submit a cast recognition through the My Disney Experience app, but I wish we could’ve done more. He truly went above and beyond.


Keys to the Kingdom Tour, Utilidors, Magic Kingdom Ferry
Magic Kingdom Ferry, on our way to Keys to the Kingdom, Photo: Brooke Hudson

Things to Know Before You Go

  • Weather happens. Always pack a poncho or rain jacket—even if the forecast says it’s clear.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking and standing for nearly 5 hours. I am not kidding–the tour was fascinating, but surprisingly very tiring. It was a LOT of standing. Our feet and legs were really complaining by the end of the tour. Imagine waiting in line for an attraction for an hour–and doing it roughly 4 times in a 5-hour period. EXHAUSTING. I can’t imagine how Kevin does this AND talks the whole time!!!
  • Photography is strictly forbidden in all backstage areas.
  • Lunch is included but basic—don’t expect a hot gourmet meal.
  • This is ideal for Disney lovers who crave the “why” behind the magic

✨ Final Thoughts

Even with the downpour, the puddles, and the not-quite-hot lunch, the Keys to the Kingdom Tour was absolutely worth it. The exclusive ride experiences, peek inside the Utilidors, and Kevin’s thoughtful storytelling made it an incredibly rich and rewarding experience.

If you’ve ever walked down Main Street and wondered, “How does it all work?”—this tour is your answer.

Would I do it again? Absolutely. But next time, I’m bringing a poncho.

Disney World Summer Savings 2025. Topolino Terrace Character Breakfast
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The Beak & Barrel: Adventureland’s New Pirate Tavern Sets Sail at Magic Kingdom!

Ahoy, Disney adventurers! Big news from the Seven Seas…

There’s a new gathering place coming to Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland, and it’s sure to be the spot for swashbucklers, scallywags, and pirate fans of all ages. The Beak & Barrel, a richly themed pirate tavern, will soon drop anchor and open its doors later this year—and Disney just shared a treasure trove of new details!

If you’ve ever dreamed of living the pirate’s life (without the seasickness), this might just become your new favorite Magic Kingdom hangout.

Meet Captain Merry and Rummy the First Mate

Disney has shared that The Beak & Barrel has quite the backstory. It was founded by the infamous pirate rumrunner, Captain Meridian “Merry” Goldwyn, and her feathered first mate, Rummy.

Beak and Barrel. Pirate Tavern in Magic Kingdom
Concept Art: Disney Parks

Rummy will be keeping a close watch over the tavern from his perch above the bar. Disney history buffs might recognize him—Rummy is a clear nod to the beloved Barker Bird who once welcomed guests to Pirates of the Caribbean. Though he “flew the coop” years ago, it seems he’s returned to Adventureland in this exciting new role!

Disney has told us that we expect Rummy to share some salty tales of piracy and maybe even lead a toast or two.

Step Inside “The Mess”

The heart of The Beak & Barrel is called The Mess—once the mess hall for Spanish soldiers, now transformed into a lively gathering place for pirates and adventurers.

Beak and Barrel, Pirate Tavern in Magic Kingdom
Concept Art: Disney Parks

Long communal tables encourage guests to swap stories over grog and grub, while a massive anchor draped in candles and wax drips overhead, setting the perfect piratey mood.

The bar itself looks like it will be a work of art, cobbled together from pieces of a cursed shipwreck. Look closely and you might spot the Enchanted Rum Bottle, a magical relic gifted by none other than Tia Dalma herself! Rumor has it this mystical bottle powers the tavern’s specialty brews.

Keep an eye out for Rummy—he may be spotted hopping along the bar, keeping everything ship-shape in Captain Merry’s absence.

The Captains’ Quarters: For Pirates with Refined Taste

For those who prefer a touch of luxury with their adventure, the Captains’ Quarters offers a more upscale (but still delightfully weathered) retreat.

Beak and Barrel, Pirate Tavern in Magic Kingdome
Concept Art: Disney Parks

Once the private quarters of the Spanish comandante, this room now showcases artwork, drapery, and—of course—signs of pirate mischief like slashed curtains and scorch marks.

Above the fireplace, five miniature ships in glass bottles tell their own mysterious tale. Legend says they represent pirate crews from around the world who united to fight oppression. And if the legends are true… these tiny vessels might just come to life when you least expect it. I’m excited to see what Disney has in store for us with these.

What’s on the Menu? Stay Tuned!

While Disney hasn’t yet revealed the food and drink lineup, we do know The Beak & Barrel will serve a sea-worthy selection of drinks and bites fit for pirates of all ages. I’ll be keeping a weathered eye out for more details as soon as they’re announced. I’m betting that Disney will offer some sort of limited edition souvenir mug or glass themed to The Beak and Barrel a la Trader Sam’s.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Visit for Pirate Fans

Whether you’re a Pirates of the Caribbean superfan or just love a fully themed Disney experience, The Beak & Barrel sounds like it’s shaping up to be a standout addition to Magic Kingdom.

Between the rich backstory, immersive decor, and nods to Disney history, this tavern promises to be more than just a spot to grab a drink—it will be an experience.

So, polish up your cutlasses and practice your best “Arrr!” We’ll all be gathering at The Beak & Barrel soon. Stay tuned for updates—and maybe I’ll see you there, mateys!

Coming soon: As soon as Disney releases the official menu and opening date, I’ll share all the details here. Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter so you don’t miss out!

Email me for a free, no obligation quote today!

Cool Kid Summer Is Coming to Walt Disney World! (Plus New Florida Resident Summer Magic Ticket Details)

Cool Kid Summer is headed to Walt Disney World from May 27 through September 1, 2025! Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a quick getaway, or just want to enjoy some amazing Florida Resident ticket deals (spoiler alert — they’re really good this year), there’s a lot to love about Disney’s summer plans.

If you’ve been dreaming of long summer days filled with Disney magic, get ready — Cool Kid Summer is headed to Walt Disney World from May 27 through September 1, 2025! Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a quick getaway, or just want to enjoy some amazing Florida Resident ticket deals (spoiler alert — they’re really good this year), there’s a lot to love about Disney’s summer plans.

Here’s what’s in store and how to make the most of it.


Cool Kid Summer at WDW
Photo: Disney Parks

🏖 Florida Resident Summer Magic Tickets Are Back!

Let’s start with the news Florida locals will be most excited about:
The Summer Magic Ticket returns May 6 — and this year’s prices are a steal!

4-Day Ticket – $60 per day ($240 plus tax)
3-Day Ticket – $75 per day ($225 plus tax)
2-Day Ticket – $105 per day ($210 plus tax)

➡ Valid for visits May 18 – September 27, 2025 (with a park reservation).

Seriously, these prices are so good, they almost warrant a move to Florida! (Ok, we all know that’s my master plan anyways, but $60/day??? That’s less than HALF a standard one-day park ticket!!). As always, you’ll want to grab these early because some dates will book up fast, especially weekends and holidays.


🌸 EPCOT: GoofyCore & Summer Fun

Cool Kid Summer at WDW
Photo: Disney Parks

Starting May 27, CommuniCore Hall is transforming into a Goofy-themed dance and play zone. Expect DJ dance parties, silly games like Loopy Limbo, and lots of family fun.

I think this is an inspired choice by Disney: Goofy is always such a fun character to interact with, and he’s always so much fun to be silly and play with. I think the kids are going to really love this “dance and play zone”. I can’t wait to see all the hijinks!!

If you’re visiting EPCOT before May 27, note that CommuniCore Hall will temporarily close starting May 12 for the makeover — but CommuniCore Plaza and Mickey & Friends meet-and-greet will stay open.

🌼 Flower & Garden Festival tip: Check out Florida Fresh for some bonus Farmer’s Feast treats while you’re there!


🐾 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Wilderness Badges & Crafting

Cool Kid Summer at WDW. Animal Kingdom
Photo: Disney Parks

Rafiki’s Planet Watch will host hands-on craft activities all about pollinators (perfect for your little nature lovers).

Plus, there’s a special, limited-time Wilderness Explorers badge up for grabs — and a new interactive sing-along show at Discovery Island at day’s end.

Pro tip: Keep an eye out for some of Animal Kingdom’s lesser-known animal residents like okapi and tigers during your badge quest!


🎬 Hollywood Studios: Dance Parties & All-New Shows

Cool Kid Summer at WDW
Photo: Disney Parks

Animation Courtyard will be buzzing with games, crafts, street performers, and surprise character moments.

Little ones can dance the day away with Mickey Mouse and Disney Junior pals at a DJ party.

🖤 Two new stage shows debut May 27: (I am so excited about BOTH of these, I can’t even tell you!)

  • Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After (your favorite baddies get the spotlight)
  • The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure (a fresh, magical retelling with songs and special effects)
The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure

🎪 Magic Kingdom: Storybook Circus & Galactic Beats

At Storybook Circus, Pluto will be hosting a Big Top Bash dance party, complete with jugglers and stilt walkers.

Cool Kid Summer at WDW
Photo: Disney Parks

Over in Tomorrowland, dance with Stitch at the Galactic Blast and enjoy a cool new craft inspired by the upcoming Pixar movie “Elio.”

Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away Encanto Float
Concept Art: Disney Parks

And later this summer, keep your eyes peeled for the debut of Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away — a brand-new nighttime show featuring characters from Encanto, Frozen, Coco, and more.


💦 Bonus Perks for Resort Guests

If you’re staying at a Disney Resort Collection hotel this summer:

✔ Get free water park admission on your check-in day (starting May 21).
✔ Enjoy 30-minute early theme park entry every morning.
✔ Expect extra activities, character visits, and more at Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Wilderness Lodge.

Cool Kid Summer at WDW
Photo: Disney Parks

💰 More Summer Savings to Know About

Disney has rolled out several other deals families can combine with the Florida Resident tickets or room stays:

  • Kids’ Tickets 50% Off (ages 3-9) on 3-day or longer tickets (May 27–Sept 20).
  • 3-Day, 3-Park Ticket – $89/day for EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
  • Resort Room Deals – Save up to 30% (Aug 1–Oct 11). Disney+ subscribers can snag rooms from $99/night at select resorts (June 29–July 31).
  • FREE water park visit on your check-in day for all Resort Guests. BOTH Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will be open all summer, so you get to CHOOSE which water park you want to play in!
Cool Kids Summer at WDW
Photo: Disney Parks

🏰 Final Thoughts

Between the new shows, extra character moments, and dance parties galore, Cool Kid Summer 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most fun — and affordable — summers at Disney in a while.

If you’re a Florida Resident or planning a visit this summer, this might be the perfect time to jump in.

Want help planning your summer trip or grabbing those Florida Resident tickets? I’m always happy to help! Contact me today!

Email me for a free, no obligation quote today!

GEO-82 Lounge Opening at EPCOT This June!

Big news, Disney foodies and cocktail connoisseurs! A brand-new adult-exclusive lounge is coming to EPCOT — and it’s tucked inside Spaceship Earth itself!

Geo-82 Lounge
Photo: Disney Parks

Opening June 4, the GEO-82 Lounge promises a sophisticated escape filled with incredible drinks, stunning small plates, and gorgeous views of the World Celebration Gardens. I’m already picturing myself relaxing here after a day of wandering around World Showcase — and if you’re a fan of creative cocktails and beautiful bites, you’ll definitely want to add this new spot to your must-visit list!

GEO-82, a new adults-only lounge at EPCOT, Spaceship Earth Adults-only lounge
Concept Art: Disney Parks

Even better? Reservations for GEO-82 open on May 6, so get ready to snag your spot!

Let’s dive into everything we know so far about this exciting addition to EPCOT…

A Luxe Lounge Inside Spaceship Earth

First of all, can we take a moment to appreciate how cool it is that GEO-82 is located inside Spaceship Earth? The design of the lounge is inspired by the iconic architecture of the geosphere, blending EPCOT’s classic futuristic vibes with a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for an afternoon break or a relaxing end to your park day.

And speaking of endings — if you’re looking for a truly memorable night, GEO-82 will offer a Fireworks Viewing Experience as part of Disney’s Enchanting Extras Collection! More on that in just a bit…

Innovative Cocktails (and Mocktails!) to Savor

The GEO-82 beverage program is truly something special. Here are just a few highlights:

Geo-82 Lounge
Photo: Disney Parks
  • Brown Butter Old Fashioned: Bourbon lovers, prepare yourselves — this twist on a classic features brown butter-infused bourbon and Mexican chocolate bitters. Rich, smooth, and decadent.
  • Clarified New York Sour: A visually stunning cocktail that’s equal parts beautiful and delicious, made with bourbon, sherry, and a red wine float.
  • Strawberry-Black Pepper Sour: A flavor explosion with strawberry, lemon, and a spicy black pepper twist.
  • Caramelized Leek Martini: I’m intrigued (and a little obsessed already) by this inventive mix of gin, vermouth, caramelized leek, and pickled onion.
Geo-82 Lounge
Photo: Disney Parks

And for my fellow non-drinkers (or those looking for a refreshing break between sips), GEO-82 offers two gorgeous zero-proof cocktails:

Geo-82 Lounge
Photo: Disney Parks
  • A Walk Through the Garden: Basil, fennel, lemon, and bright botanicals.
  • Manhattan in the Morning: Cold brew coffee meets maple, cherry, and walnut bitters.

Of course, you’ll also find an impressive selection of wines (including Champagne and Rosé) and a curated list of beers, including non-alcoholic IPA options!

Geo-82 Lounge
Photo: Disney Parks

Small Bites Worth the Hype

The GEO-82 culinary team clearly understood the assignment — the food menu reads like a dream for anyone who loves gourmet, global flavors:

Geo-82 Lounge
Photo: Disney Parks
  • Jumbo Lump Crab Gâteau: Elevated with smoked cheddar, pickled mustard seed-lemon vinaigrette, and topped with Siberian Supreme Caviar.
  • Truffled Ahi Tuna: Featuring whisky barrel-aged soy-truffle ponzu, citrus, scallions, and black sesame.
  • Cannellini Hummus (Plant-Based!): Served with heirloom radish, pumpkin seed pistou, and crispy pappadam.
  • Funghi Flatbread: Roasted mushrooms, miso-mascarpone, mozzarella, fontina, pickled onions, and a drizzle of black garlic molasses.
Geo-82 Lounge
Photo: Disney Parks

There’s also a Chef’s selection of artisanal cheeses and cured meats — perfect for nibbling while you sip!

Fireworks + Champagne = A Night to Remember

Now for one of the most exciting parts: The GEO-82 Fireworks Experience!

If you’re looking for a truly special way to end your EPCOT day, you can book this exclusive experience and enjoy:

  • Reserved seating with incredible views of Luminous: The Symphony of Us
  • A tasting tower filled with savory and sweet bites
  • Champagne poured tableside
  • Event-exclusive cocktails

This could be such a fun date night, anniversary celebration, or just a perfect self-care treat. We do not have any pricing for this experience yet, but I’m expecting this will be priced similar to the Seats & Sweets Dessert Parties at the Magic Kingdom [Currently, $119-$129 for Adults, $75 for Kids]. I’m basing this on the fact that Seats & Sweets includes reserves seating, beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and dessert stations.

The current description of this experience at GEO-82 Lounge currently sounds a little more “limited” and includes champagne–but it sounds like the treats will not necessarily be “all you care to enjoy” like they are at Seats & Sweets–so it will definitely be a different experience. I could justify a lower price or a higher price–especially once we get a look at the seating for this, and the actual view of the fireworks. And of course, get an idea of what exactly will be included in the “tower” of savory and sweet bites. I will say that Seats & Sweets is one of my favorite “extras” at the Magic Kingdom–I love being able to actually sit down to watch the fireworks, and the views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks from Seats & Sweets are outstanding. If you’d like to read more about THAT experience, please click here.

I’m very excited to see inside the lounge and check out the fireworks viewing potential. As soon as Disney shares pricing for this experience, I will share it with you.

Souvenir Alert!

If you fall in love with the vibe at GEO-82 (and I think a lot of us will), you’ll even have the chance to purchase beautiful souvenir glasses inspired by the lounge itself. These collectible glasses will be available for guests with reservations, and you can mobile order them during your visit!

Geo-82 Lounge
Photo: Disney Parks

I really like the look of these, especially if the GEO-82 logo is etched and not a sticker or layered on. We do not have prices on these yet, but I suspect there will be “limited-edition” specialty drink specials at outrageous prices that will include a souvenir glass with purchase. And of course, it sounds like Disney will also make the glasses available for purchase without a drink. I’m very curious to see what these prices will be.

Geo-82 Lounge
Photo: Disney Parks

Final Thoughts

I’m really looking forward to the opening of GEO-82 Lounge. I am a BIG fan of places to sit and relax in the middle of a busy theme park–especially if they are air conditioned or have fans for those crazy hot Disney days!

I love that EPCOT continues to evolve, offering new spaces that blend innovation, relaxation, and unforgettable flavors. Whether you’re popping in for a quick mid-day pick-me-up or ending your night with bubbles and fireworks, GEO-82 sounds like a must-visit for adults who love a little magic mixed with their martinis.

I am a little disappointed that Mom and I will not get to check it out when we are at EPCOT for the International Flower & Garden Festival next week. I was hoping GEO-82 Lounge MIGHT open in May…but the excuses for a quick mid-Summer trip are just adding up!

Don’t forget — reservations open May 6! Let me know if you plan to check it out — maybe I’ll see you there, sipping on a Brown Butter Old Fashioned! 😉

EPCOT, Les Chefs de Paris, Cocktails in France
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Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration

The Magic Turns 70! Everything You Need to Know About Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration

Hello my Disney-loving friends! ✨ Can you believe it? Disneyland is turning the BIG 7-0 this year, and you know what that means—a celebration that’s going to be absolutely MAGICAL! Disney really does love their celebrations, don’t they? They are really pulling out ALL the stops for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration–and I have to tell you, if you weren’t already planning a visit to Disneyland for this coming year, you soon will be!

This celebration kicks off May 16, 2025, and runs through summer 2026, giving you plenty of time to plan your visit to experience ALL the happiness!

Entertainment That Will Make Your Disney Heart SING!

Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration is starting off with a bang! The entertainment lineup for this celebration has me literally bouncing in my seat! Let’s break down what you can look forward to:

🎵 “Celebrate Happy” by the Jonas Brothers! 🎵

So for all my Gen Z and Millennial readers, this one is for YOU. The Jonas Brothers have created a special theme song for the anniversary called “Celebrate Happy” that will be heard throughout the resort! You’ll be able to stream it starting May 13th, so you can get in the celebratory mood before your trip! This comfortably coincides with the Jonas Brothers 20th Anniversary tour, “Living the Dream”. No, we’re not feeling at OLD by this announcement. Not at all. {sigh}. But I love the call back to the Disney Channel content of days (long) gone by…

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration, Jonas Brothers
Jonas Brothers                                                                                                                                         Photo: Disney Parks

“World of Color Happiness!” at Disney California Adventure

This all-new World of Color show is going to be AMAZING! Hosted by Joy and the Emotions from “Inside Out” and “Inside Out 2,” this spectacular nighttime show will feature moments from favorite Pixar and Disney Animation films including “Turning Red,” “The Incredibles,” “A Goofy Movie,” “Tangled,” and “Encanto.”

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration, World of Color Happiness, Inside Out! Joy
Concept Art: Disney Parks

And wait for it…Boyz II Men will lend their incredible vocals to “Rainbow Connection,” and FITZ from Fitz and the Tantrums will debut a new original song called “Makes Me Wanna Move”!

Plus, The Muppets (including Joe the Legal Weasel) will kick off the show with special projections and fountains! I CANNOT WAIT!

And is there ANYONE that doesn’t LOVE that the Muppets are getting a little “front and center” treatment here for this celebration? Especially after we’re losing Muppet Vision 3D and the Muppets Courtyard and the fabulous Miss Piggy fountain in Hollywood Studios at Disney World. {No, I will NOT cry about this again, thank you very much.}

“Paint the Night” Returns to Disneyland!

YES! One of my absolute FAVORITE nighttime parades is making its grand return! With over a million LED lights, this stunning parade features characters from “Monsters, Inc.,” “Cars,” “Toy Story,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and more! And the “Frozen” float with Anna and Elsa is coming back too!

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary, Paint the Night Parade, Elsa
Paint the Night Parade at Disneyland Photo: Disney Parks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Because Disneyland is located so close to residential areas, they can’t have fireworks every night like we do at Walt Disney World in Florida. Winds are a serious fire risk with fireworks when you are so close to where people live! As a result, Disneyland puts a LOT into their nighttime parades, and I’ve been so jealous! The Paint the Night parade is particularly spectacular and I’m really thrilled to see it’s coming back for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration.

“Wondrous Journeys” Nighttime Spectacular

This beloved show celebrating Walt Disney Animation Studios is returning with incredible projections on Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, “it’s a small world,” and the Rivers of America. On select nights, there will even be fireworks! It features moments from classics like “Hercules,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Peter Pan,” “Frozen,” “Big Hero 6,” “Moana,” and “Encanto.”

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary celebration, Wondrous Journeys
Wondrous Journeys at Disneyland                                                                                                   Photo: Disney Parks

More Entertainment Magic!

  • “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” parade returns to Disney California Adventure with more than two dozen Pixar characters!

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration, Better Together Pixar Pals Celebration
Better Together Pixar Pals Celebration                                                                                         Photo: Disney Parks

  • “Tapestry of Happiness” will bring the façade of “it’s a small world” to life each night with light, music, and projection effects inspired by Mary Blair’s art style.
  • Mickey and Friends in New 70th Outfits that are specifically designed for the celebration! These are SOOOOOOO cute!

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration, Mickey and Friends Celebration Outfits
Photo: Disney Park

  • “The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade” is a new character cavalcade at Disneyland with rare characters like Duffy and ShellieMay!

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration, Celebrate Happy Cavalcade
Concept Art: Disney Parks

Décor That Will Make Your Instagram POP!

The 70th celebration décor sounds absolutely STUNNING:

  • A 50-foot sculpture inspired by Sleeping Beauty Castle in the esplanade with colorful glass panels

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration, Sleeping Beauty Sculpture
Concept Art: Disney Parks

  • Vibrant floral Mickey at the entrance of Disneyland

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration
Concept Art: Disney Parks

  • Special installation featuring Mickey and Minnie in Town Square
  • Elegant medallion on Sleeping Beauty Castle

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration, Sleeping Beauty's Castle Decor
Concept Art: Disney Parks

  • Carthay Circle Restaurant decked out in 70th colors with special nighttime lighting and projections
  • Celebration décor extending to Downtown Disney and the Disney Hotels

New Additions to Beloved Attractions!

Even the attractions are getting Disneyland 70th celebration magic!

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration, Coco in It's a Small World
Coco joins It’s a Small World at Disneyland Concept Art: Disney Parks

  • Miguel and Dante from “Coco” will join “it’s a small world” in the Mexico section (reopening April 25, 2025). How cute is this?
  • Toy Story Midway Mania! will feature special 70th anniversary touches.

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration, Toy Story Mania gets 70th Anniversary elements
Toy Story Mania Concept Art: Disney Parks

Merchandise That You’ll NEED in Your Collection!

You know I’m a sucker for Disney merchandise, and the 70th celebration collections look INCREDIBLE! There will be ears, apparel, accessories, plush, toys, home décor, and so much more. Disney will be sharing more details in the coming weeks, but they’ve already teased some items from the Celebration Collection that will be available even before the festivities begin!

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We all know that this is just the teeny tiny tip of the iceberg when it comes to special celebration merchandise. Disney wants to make sure they get ALL our money. I think we can expect special merch from all their brand partners as well. I remember a really cute Dooney and Burke bag I HAD to have from Disneyland’s 45th anniversary…I can’t wait to see what they come up with for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary celebration! And Loungefly? Oh boy. Her Universe? …heck even Starbucks will likely design some special tumblers for this event. There will be LOTS more to report on, and I can’t WAIT!

Special Offers to Make Your 70th Celebration MORE Affordable!

So now that we are all scrambling to figure out how to find the time and the money to make sure we can visit Disneyland during this amazing celebration, it’s time to look at special offers. Disney is offering some AMAZING deals to help you experience the 70th celebration without breaking the bank:

  • Limited-Time Multi-Day Tickets: Starting March 11, 2025, you can get a special 3-Day, 1-Park per day ticket for as low as $120 per day (total of $360) OR save even more with a 4-Day, 1-Park per day ticket for only $100 per day (total of $400)!
  • These special tickets are good for visits from May 16-August 14, 2025
  • You can use these tickets consecutively OR separately throughout the summer (perfect for multiple visits!)
  • Options to upgrade to Park Hopper and add Lightning Lane Multi Pass
  • For all the details, email brooke@wdwmagicalcastlestravel.com visit Disneyland.com/70TicketOffer (park reservations still required)

PLUS there are incredible hotel savings too:

  • Save up to 30% on select stays of four or more nights (May 16-Sept. 26, 2025) at the Disneyland Resort Hotels if you book by May 15, 2025
  • Additional offers coming soon, with savings up to 20% on select summer stays

Keep in mind: as the celebration goes on, Disney is likely to present additional/different offers. This will depend on demand, of course. These may be the best offers we see all year, or there may be new offers later on that are even better. If you know you want to go, start thinking about this NOW and reach out to me so we can make it happen!

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration, Mickey and Minnie
Photo: Disney Parks

Planning Your Visit

As your trusted Disney travel planner, I cannot emphasize enough how important it will be to plan ahead for this celebration. Here are my top tips:

    1. Book early! This is going to be a HUGELY popular time to visit Disneyland Resort.
    2. Make your theme park reservations as soon as your tickets are purchased. Reservation availability for special tickets may be limited.
    3. Check the Disneyland app or website for entertainment schedules. Some shows and experiences may temporarily pause for seasonal offerings.
    4. Consider staying on property at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels to maximize your time and immerse yourself in the celebration.

As always, I’m here to help you plan the PERFECT Disneyland 70th celebration trip! Send me a message and we can start creating your magical anniversary vacation today!

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration
Concept Art: Disney Parks

The Bottom Line

Disney is really honoring their “Happiest Place on Earth” mantra with everything they have planned for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration. The “Celebrate Happiness” theme seems to run through everything, from entertainment to décor to merchandise. I think we can safely say that they’ve learned lessons from each celebration they’ve held around the world so far.

So: are you excited for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration? I know I am! Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary might just be the excuse I’ve been looking for to sign up for a Disneyland runDisney event! Hmmmmm. I can feel my wallet smoking already!

Please let me know below with what you’re most looking forward to experiencing at Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebrations!

 

 

 

 

runDisney, Princess Half Marathon, Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
Are you ready to plan your next Magical vacation? I’d love to help! email Brooke@wdwmagicalcastlestravel.com for a free, no obligation quote today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Choosing Where to Stay on Your Disney Vacation

One of the earliest planning decisions you need to make is choosing where to stay on your Disney vacation. There are many facets to this decision: staying on Disney property or staying off Disney property? If staying off property, do you want to stay at a hotel or rent a house (Air B&B)? If staying on property, do you want to stay at a Value Resort, a Moderate Resort or a Deluxe Resort? Do you want to stay at the Swan, Dolphin or Swan Reserve? Another option to consider: You could rent points and stay at a Disney Vacation Club Resort.

Polynesian Resort Room
Photo: Destinations in Florida

Advantages of Staying on Disney Property

Once you’ve decided WHEN you want to go to Disney, your next big decision is WHERE to stay. Choosing where to stay on your Disney vacation is a HUGE decision.  Where you stay will have a big impact on your vacation budget, whether you need to rent a car, how much time you spend at the parks, how early you need to get up in the morning–You’d be surprised what an impact where you decide to stay will have on your overall vacation experience.

Some of the advantages of staying on Disney property include:

      • Proximity to the Disney World theme parks.
      • Free parking at the resort and at each theme park.
      • Free Disney transportation within Walt Disney World.

Monorail at Exit; Choosing where to stay for your Disney Vacation; Staying on Disney Property
Monorail at EPCOT                                                                                                                 Photo: Linda Harkness

      • You don’t need to rent a car, unless you want to.
      • Early park entry: Disney resort guests can enter 30 minutes before official open time every day at every theme park.
      • Extra evening hours: Disney resort guests can stay 2 hours after park close at select theme parks 2 nights per week.
      • Advance dining reservations can be made 60 days in advance of your stay for the entirety of your vacation–up to 10 days.
      • Great Disney gift shops at each Disney resort.
      • All Disney resorts offer lots of family friendly activities every day. There are craft activities, movie nights, s’mores, character visits, and more!
      • Restaurants and food courts: All Disney resorts feature some dining options. Value Resorts feature food courts with counter service meals, while Moderate and Deluxe resorts usually feature both counter service and table service meal options.
      • Resort Mug with Free Refills for the duration of your stay. All Disney resorts offer refillable mugs for purchase. These mugs can be refilled at no additional charge at beverage stations at several locations around your resort. Note: you cannot get refills in these mugs at the theme parks–but you can get free water throughout each theme park, and the refillable mugs work great for that, too.
      • Room service: some Disney resorts offer room service options.

Old Key West, Pool, five key tips for a magical Disney vacation
Old Key West Pool                                                                                                                    Photo: Brooke Hudson

Intangible Advantages of Staying on Disney Property

There are additional, less tangible advantages to staying on Disney property as well. There’s nothing like being in the Disney bubble for your entire vacation. Even the highway signs on Disney property are themed! Each resort has it’s own theme, and you can count on Disney to carry the theme throughout your resort. And you gain time by staying on Disney property. You don’t have to get up as early, or get back to your resort as late if you’re staying on Disney property.  You’re avoiding Orlando traffic, which can be pretty challenging.

Disney resorts are SO CLEAN. We’ve been visiting Walt Disney World for more than 50 years, and we’ve stayed at MANY different Disney resorts. We’ve never had an issue with a room not being clean, or with the resort public areas being clean. I’m not saying there are never exceptions to this–but they are exceptions. Disney has very high standards, and cast members are held to those standards.

When evaluating whether to stay on or off Disney property, you need to consider those “intangibles” in addition to the more tangible advantages. If budget is the most important thing to you when you are planning, you can definitely save money by staying off Disney property. But you may not save as much as you think.

Disney Transportation Why rent a car at Disney?
Magic Kingdom Ferry: Free to Disney Resort Guests                                                Photo: Brooke Hudson

Things to Consider if Staying Off Disney Property

There are a lot of great hotels located off Disney property, in every possible budget. And Central Florida offers a TON of vacation rental homes and condos. Again, in almost every possible budget. Every time we plan a longer Disney trip, we always consider staying at a vacation rental home–especially for our big family trips.  There are twelve of us–and the inventory of vacation homes with 5 or more bedrooms is plentiful.

For our most recent trip, we very strongly considered it. But ultimately, we decided the advantages of staying on Disney property outweighed the cost savings of staying at a vacation rental. But everyone’s priorities are different and you have to consider what is important to you when making this decision.

Considerations

      • You HAVE to have your own transportation if you stay off property. If you’re driving to Disney, this is no big deal.  However, if you’re flying, you will need to rent a car.
      • You will need to pay to park at the theme parks. Currently, parking at each theme park is $30 per vehicle, per day.

Choosing where to Stay on your Disney Vacation. Magic Kingdom Gate
Magic Kingdom Gate

      • Travel time to and from Disney World. Depending on where you are staying, you may need to allow as much as one hour for travel time to the theme parks. Traffic in the Orlando area can be brutal. I live in Chicago, so Orlando traffic is no big deal for me–but generally, most Orlando visitors and residents complain a lot about the traffic in Orlando.
      • If you have read any of my previous blogs, you know I’m a big proponent at getting to the parks EARLY. The crowds are lightest first thing in the morning, so if you want to avoid long lines, your best bet is to arrive at the parks before opening.  This means getting up earlier to allow time to drive to Disney, to park and to walk in from the parking lot.
      • Keep in mind that at the end of the night, you’ll have more of a drive back to your hotel or vacation rental.
      • You can make Advance Dining Reservations for meals on Disney property 60 days before your trip, but only one day at a time. (When you stay on Disney property, you can still make your reservations 60 days out, but you can book all your reservations for up to 10 days).
      • You won’t have access to Early Park Access (30 minutes per park per day if you’re staying on property).
      • You won’t have access to Extra Evening Hours (2 hours after park close at select parks 2 nights per week for Disney resort guests).

Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort; Choosing where to stay on your Disney Vacation
Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort                                                             Photo: Linda Harkness

The Bottom Line

Choosing where to stay on your Disney vacation is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your Disney vacation. Deciding whether to stay on Disney property or off Disney property will have a major impact on both your budget and your overall vacation experience.

Art of Animation Resort
Photo: Disney Parks

If you are working with a tight budget, the most economical options are off Disney property. However, it’s important to consider the costs of renting a car, parking at the theme parks, and the time-cost of driving to and from Disney.

In our next blog, we’ll discuss the different types of Disney resorts to choose from.

Where do you like to stay when you visit Disney? Are there any Disney resorts or any off property resorts that you’re wanting to visit?  Please share below!

 

 

 

 

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent

Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com

P.S: The name of this blog is going to be changing soon. Our new name will be Magical Castles Travel or WDW Castle Dreaming Travel.

Disney Fireworks Cruises

If you love Disney fireworks like I do, trust me, you want to know about Disney Fireworks Cruises. These exceptional experiences offer some of the best fireworks views around AND you get to avoid the crowds!

I am a Disney fireworks junkie, I admit it. Over the last 20 years, I have seen ever incarnation of Disney fireworks at all of the Florida Disney World parks, from regular shows to limited runs to holiday spectaculars. I LOVE Disney fireworks. If my fellow travelers would allow, we would watch Disney fireworks from SOMEWHERE every night of our Disney vacations.

Fireworks Waiting in line
Magic Kingdom Fireworks                                                                                                (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Where to watch the show from is just as important as which show on what night. And I have watched from every location I could. In front of the castle, behind the castle. The rooftop at Bay Lake Tower, the catwalk at the Contemporary Resort. The porch at Narcoossee’s. The Beach at the Polynesian.

Disney Fireworks From Bay Lake Tower
Magic Kingdom Fireworks from Bay Lake Tower                                                 Photo: Brooke Hudson

We’ve watched EPCOT fireworks from every country around the World Showcase and have watched from the spot between Port of Entry and Mexico or Canada. I’ve even watched from parking lots and the Skyliner.

Epcot Illuminations Reflections of Earth Fireworks
Illuminations Reflections of Earth, Wedding Dessert Party                          Photo: Vicki and David Arndt

Until last night, I would have told you that the very best fireworks viewing to be had was from Disney fireworks dessert parties. We hosted a fireworks dessert party in the UK after our wedding and it was AMAZING—and offered a wonderful view of the fireworks. We’ve become big fans of the Seats and Sweets Fireworks Dessert Party over at the Magic Kingdom (Click Here to read my blog post about fireworks dessert parties.) While I would still highly recommend Disney fireworks dessert parties, the Disney fireworks cruise is has climbed to the top of the list for me. This is the BEST way to view Disney fireworks—and to have a terrific overall experience as well.

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Disney Fireworks Cruises – The Basics

First off, let me caution you: this is not an economical experience. However, it is also not an exceptionally overpriced extravagant experience. The current price for a Disney Fireworks Cruise is $449 + tax, and you can include up to 10 people on your cruise. This is a private, chartered cruise, and includes the services of a captain. The cruise also includes snacks, as well as pop, juice and water. If you shared the cost over all 10 people, each person would pay less than $60, and that would include the tip for the captain!

Disney Fireworks Cruise
Disney Fireworks Cruise Oct 2024 Captain Kayleigh

You are also allowed to bring your own treats and/or alcoholic beverages if you wish.

Disney Fireworks Cruise
Disney Fireworks Cruise Family Time                              Photo: Brooke Hudson

Children under 12 must wear a life jacket—provided by the marina team. Your cruise can also include a birthday or anniversary banner (provided by the Marina team) at no additional charge and may also include balloons for no additional charge if the winds are not too high.

Disney Fireworks Cruise Happy Birthday Banner
Happy Birthday Banner Disney Pontoon Boats                                                    Photo: Deidra Ocampo

EPCOT Fireworks Cruises

EPCOT fireworks, currently “Luminous, a Symphony of Us”, are always at 9 pm. EPCOT fireworks cruises board at the Yacht Club Marina, located near the lighthouse at the Yacht Club on Crescent Lake.  Each night, up to five pontoon boats may be chartered for the fireworks cruise. Your group (again, up to a maximum of 10 people) will board your boat at approximately 7:45 pm, with your captain setting sail at 8pm.

Disney Fireworks Cruise
Crescent Lake Boat Tour – Swan & Dolphin Photo: Brooke Hudson

Your boat will tour Crescent Lake for approximately 35-40 minutes, traveling past the Swan and Dolphin to Disney’s Hollywood Studios before heading into EPCOT to tie up with the other fireworks cruise boats, just inside the park, between the UK and France.

Disney Fireworks Cruise
Crescent Lake Boat Tour                                           Photo: Brooke Hudson

Your group will float happily in this perfect location to watch the entire Luminous show. Once the show is over, the boats will separate and gradually return to their home dock. The entire experience lasts about an hour and a half.

Disney Fireworks Cruise
Disney Fireworks Cruise, Boats Tied Together Before Show Starts  Photo: Brooke Hudson

Disney Fireworks Cruise
Disney EPCOT Fireworks Cruise                                                                                         Photo: Brooke Hudson

Disney Fireworks Cruises Pontoon Boats
Disney Fireworks Cruises Pontoon Boats                            Photo: Brooke Hudson

Magic Kingdom Fireworks Cruises

Magic Kingdom fireworks start at different times, depending on sunset and/or holiday parties or special events. So the Magic Kingdom fireworks cruises are not quite as consistently scheduled as the EPCOT fireworks cruises are.  The experience is quite similar though. Your experience will last approximately an hour and a half, and your boat will depart approximately one hour before the fireworks are scheduled. Your cruise will board at the Marina at the Contemporary Resort. Your boat captain will tour Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon with your party, making sure that your party has a great view of the fireworks, once they are ready to begin.

Disney Fireworks Cruise Magic Kingdom
Disney Magic Kingdom Fireworks Cruise Boats                                                            Photo: Brooke Hudson

The main difference between the two experiences is that the Magic Kingdom fireworks cruise boats do not tie up together like the EPCOT fireworks cruise boats do.  The Magic Kingdom fireworks cruise boats continue cruising throughout the fireworks show, albeit at a much slower pace. After the fireworks are over, the captain will return your boat to the Marina.

Note: Some Magic Kingdom fireworks cruises will launch from the Marina at the Grand Floridian resort. Please confirm your launch location when reserving your cruise.

How to Book a Disney Fireworks Cruise

Booking a Disney Fireworks Cruise is relatively easy; however, you cannot book your cruise until 60 days before the date of your cruise. You can book a Disney Fireworks Cruise through the My Disney Experience app, through this link, or by calling (407) WDW-PLAY (407) 939-7529. Alternatively, if you are working with an authorized Disney Vacation Planner like myself, your planner may also reserve your cruise for you.

The cost of your cruise is $449 + tax (and a tip for your captain!).

Disney Fireworks Cruise
Disney Fireworks Cruise Family Photo Octo 2024

Rent a Pontoon Boat

Did you know that you can rent a pontoon boat during the day for up to 10 passengers during your Disney vacation? Rentals are available at the Yacht Club Marina, the Contemporary Resort Marina and the Grand Floridian Marina. You can rent the boat as long as you have a valid driver’s license, state ID or Military ID and are over 18 years old.

Things to keep in mind:

      • Cost $49 + tax for 3o minutes
      • Children under 12 years old must wear a complimentary life jacket
      • Reservations are not required
      • Rentals are available on a first come, first served basis
      • These boat rentals do NOT include a captain; YOU will be responsible for driving the boat.
      • Smoking is not allowed on board any Disney boat or watercraft
      • Only Resort guests or guests with Resort dining reservations will be permitted to park in the Resort parking areas

Final Thoughts

One thing to keep in mind. Once you have done a Disney Fireworks Cruise, you will have a hard time ever going back to standing shoulder to shoulder with 25,000 of your closest friends to watch Disney fireworks in a theme park! My mom and I were joking the other evening that we have been completely spoiled now–between the Seats & Sweets Fireworks Dessert Parties we’ve attended and now this amazing Disney Fireworks Cruise, regular old fireworks standing out in the Magic Kingdom or at EPCOT just isn’t going to feel as good as it used to!

Disney Fireworks Cruise
We all had such a wonderful time on our Disney EPCOT Fireworks Cruise!

What do YOU think? Would you like to try a Disney Fireworks Cruise sometime? Comment below.

I have a Magic Kingdom Fireworks Cruise on my Wishlist now. I’m going to see if I can collect a few friends next trip to split the cost with me…

 

 

Five Key Tips to a Magical Disney Vacation

Get an Early Start to Your Disney Days

This may be unpopular with some vacationers that prefer to sleep in while on vacation. However, trust me when I tell you that the benefits to getting up early and getting into the theme park early are HUGELY worth the inconvenience.

Five key tips to a magical Disney vacation
Wake up!

If you are staying on Disney property or in a Disney Good Neighbor hotel, you have access to Disney’s Early Entry — this allows you to enter the theme park 30 minutes before it opens to the general public. This may not sound like much time, but you would be surprised at what an advantage this is!

Disney vacation tips sleeping
Rise and Shine DeMarco                                                                      Photo: Linda Harkness

Number one, MANY people like to sleep late on vacation. These people will still be in bed while you are getting on rides with very short or non existent lines! I love to sleep in as much as the next person; however I love short lines on Disney rides a lot more. Generally speaking, the morning crowds are SIGNIFICANTLY lighter than the afternoon crowds.  Around 11 am, the crowd levels start climbing and they generally peak around 3:30 pm.

In the Florida heat and humidity, crowds can feel really intense and overwhelming. Especially as I get older, my tolerance for thick crowds on hot days has really shrunk!

I’m not promising that you’ll have NO lines all morning but the lines are markedly shorter in the mornings than they will be from noon on.

Five key tips to a magical disney vacation; Soarin'
Soarin’ All to Ourselves in the morning!

Plan to Sit Down in Air Conditioning for Lunch

People underestimate the benefit of taking 45 minutes to an hour and sitting down and getting rest in air conditioning for lunch. Often people are so focused on trying to DO everything, they rush through lunch and don’t take any time to rest. Generally, these are the same people that you will observe yelling at their crying four year old around 4pm.

I cannot stress enough how much everyone, all ages, benefits from taking the time to sit down, cool off and rest.  Yes, ultimately, you may end up doing one less ride during your day; however, you will actually ENJOY the rest of your day MUCH more. Now, if you are age 15 – age 30, this may not apply to you. However, I have traveled with families with young children, I have traveled with older family members and family and friends aged 2 to 80 and almost without exception–people were happier and had a much better time after taking a 45 minute lunch break to cool off and calm down.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ; five key tips for a magical Disney vacation
Roundup Rodeo BBQ                                                                                                              Photo: Brooke Hudson

This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to do a table service meal every day for lunch (although I highly recommend that if you can plan ahead and make reservations). There are many quick service restaurants that are inside locations that are air conditioned or have lots of ceiling fans.  I highly recommend taking advantage of mobile ordering whenever possible to minimize time standing in line, especially if the line is outdoors like at Flame Tree Barbecue (Animal Kingdom).

Epcot’s new space themed restaurant Space 220
Space 220 Concept Art, Disney Parks

Know the Shows or Rides Where You Can Rest

You may think I’m crazy when I tell you this, but take a few minutes in the morning to identify rides or shows in the theme park you are in where you know you can sit down for at least 20 – 25 minutes and get a little break.

Disney Parks News Festival of the Lion King Cast and Crew Laid Off
Festival of the Lion King                                                                                                     Photo: Brooke Hudson

For example, the Festival of the Lion King show is a 20 minute show. You’ll take your seats 15-20 minutes before start of the show. The theatre is air-conditioned, and you’ll be seated for approximately 30 minutes. The show itself is really good, and I highly recommend it. BUT, it’s also a great opportunity to get a little break.  Pay attention to how you are feeling. Your kids might not notice if they are getting overheated or over tired–but you will. There is nothing wrong with accomplishing two things at once! Enjoy an attraction or a show AND get a little break from the Florida heat and humidity at the same time.

Here are some of my suggested attractions that will double as a “break” for you and your family.

Magic Kingdom:

      • Walt Disney World Railroad
      • Enchanted Tales with Belle
      • Carousel of Progress
      • Mickey’s Philharmagic
      • Tomorrowland Transit Authority (People Mover)
      • Country Bear Jamboree
      • Honorable mention: Pirates of the Caribbean: This a really nice and air conditioned line once you get inside the building and the ride itself is fairly long for a Disney ride.

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EPCOT:

      • Living with the Land (ride)
      • Spaceship Earth (ride–usually shorter lines)
      • Awesome Planet (10 minute movie)
      • The American Adventure (really plush comfortable seats)
      • Impressions de France (18 minute movie)
      • Beauty and the Beast Sing a Long (movie)
      • Honorable mention: Japan has a very large very air conditioned store, Mitsukoshi. There’s no where to sit, but there is a LOT to look at and do while in the store.
      • Entertainment at Canada Mill Stage (Musical acts)
      • Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros: This is a relaxing boat ride in Mexico. This usually has a short line.
      • Honorable Mention: China has a movie in an air conditioned theatre that is definitely worth a watch–there are no seats but there are places to lean. There is also a large air conditioned series of shops in China. Again no where to sit down, but lots to look at.
      • Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

      • Festival of the Lion King
      • Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…And Beyond
      • Wildlife Express Train (Short Train ride to Rafiki’s Planet Watch)
      • Honorable Mention: Feathered Friends in Flight (35 minute show in Asia).  This is in an outdoor theater, but there are lots of shady spots, plenty of seats, and fans.

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Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

      • Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
      • For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing A Long Celebration
      • Walt Disney Presents (there is a movie at the end where you can sit down)
      • Vacation Fun – An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie
      • Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
      • Muppetvision 3D
      • Fantasmic!

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Take an Afternoon Break

If you follow my advice and have an early start on your park days, by lunch time, you may be starting to wilt a little bit. Especially if you are traveling to Florida from cooler climates–the Florida heat and humidity can have a really adverse effect on your energy levels.

Generally speaking, the hours between 12pm and 5pm are the hottest and most crowded in theme parks. we usually try to leave whatever park we are in by around 1-2pm and go back to our resort and relax for a few hours. We’ll take short naps or go hang out by the pool.  We might take the opportunity to get some laundry done. We might have afternoon cocktails on the patio or a late lunch by the pool. Sometimes we will even order pizza or DoorDash dinner in.

Old Key West, Pool, five key tips for a magical Disney vacation
Old Key West Pool Photo: Brooke Hudson

Later, we will either return to the same park for evening rides, fireworks or shows OR if you are an Annual Passholder or have park hoppers, you can visit a DIFFERENT theme park at night.

Disney cancels dining reservations and other experiences
Magic Kingdom Fireworks                                                                                                   Photo: Brooke Hudson

Build in a Rest Day

If you are visiting Walt Disney World for 4 days or more, I HIGHLY recommend building in a rest day. Multiple park days in a row can get exhausting. Trust me when I tell you that your whole group will benefit from a rest day at the resort. I don’t mean don’t do ANYTHING, I mean take a day off from the theme parks. Take advantage of the amenities at your resort. Enjoy the pool. Enjoy the bar. Visit one of Disney’s four miniature golf courses. Sleep late, have a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a more relaxed day.

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Many people don’t know that the average theme park visitor will walk more than 5 miles in a day during their visit to a Disney theme park. My family often averages 7 miles per day during our trips–and that’s with the breaks that I build in. (Read here for tips on training for your Disney vacation.)

I’m not kidding around when I promise that your vacation will be much more enjoyable overall if you build in some rest time. Not to mention: Disney resorts (and MANY of the non Disney resorts) are really nice places to spend time. The pools are usually beautiful. Disney resorts offer fun activities most days and show movies many nights out by the pool. You can even roast marshmallows at fire pits at many Disney resorts. You’re paying for all the amenities at your resort–but most Disney guests never take advantage of any of the amenities their resort offers.

Disney offers many activities throughout the resort that have nothing to do with the world famous theme parks. There are three highly rated, professionally designed golf courses. There are two fun miniature golf courses. There are boats you can rent. You can go bowling, go shopping, go see a movie…There are a TON of options outside the theme. Granted some are more restful than others, but active rest can be good too!

Winter Summerland; five key tips for a magical Disney vacation
Winter Summerland Miniature Golf                                                                                      Photo: Disney Parks

Five Key Tips for a Magical Disney Vacation — The Bottom Line

You are investing a lot of money in your Disney vacation. Most likely, you are also investing time planning your trip, thinking about your trip, getting excited about your trip, and budgeting for your trip. Once you are actually ON vacation, you would think you wouldn’t have to do any more thinking. And you will have a good time on your vacation as long as you pack some good shoes, a good attitude and a little bit of patience.  But these five key tips will help you to have a more magical Disney vacation.

      • Get an early start
      • Plan to sit down in air conditioning for lunch
      • Know the shows or rides where you can sit down and rest
      • Take an afternoon break
      • Build in a rest day

What do you think? Do you have any favorite tips that you will employ on your next Disney vacation? Please comment below.

 

 

 

 

 

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com

Changes Announced for 2025 WDW Marathon

Are you planning to run in January’s Walt Disney World Marathon? runDisney has announced changes to the January 2025 WDW Marathon.

Each year, runDisney kicks off their race season with the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. WDW Race Weekend includes a 5K, a 10K, a half marathon and a full marathon. There are also challenges: the Goofy challenge, for racers who complete both the half marathon and the full marathon; and the Dopey challenge, for participants the complete all four races: the 5k, the 10k, the half and the full.

runDisney 2025 WDW Marathon Weekend
runDisney 2025 WDW Marathon Weekend

runDisney: Consistency, year after year

There are many things about race weekend that are predictable that racers can count on to happen every year.  For example: the 5K is on Thursday, the 10K is on Friday, the half is on Saturday and the full is on Sunday. There is an Expo that will begin on Wednesday and run through Saturday. There will be a lot of limited edition, fairly expensive race weekend merchandise for sale. Some of it will sell out VERY quickly. All four medals (six, if you include the challenge medals) will look great and will have some weight to them. The races will all start REALLY early, and racers need to be in their corrals SUPER early.

runDisney announced changes to 2025 WDW marathon. 2025 Dopey Challenge
2025 Dopey Challenge

There will be hundreds, if not thousands, of porta potties near the starting corrals and throughout the courses. As many as 25,000 racers will be on the course for the races. There will be character photo opportunities throughout each course. We all know there will be water stations every mile or so throughout the courses.  Disney makes sure there are Disney PhotoPass photographers taking pictures of racers during the theme park sections of the races as well as at the finish lines and in the post race areas.

runDisney PhotoPass Photographers on course. 2024 Princess Half Marathon.
runDisney on course photo

There are many things you can count on with runDisney races. They are very consistent and dependable. They charge a lot for these races and the overall race experience does reflect that, at least to some extent. As a “back of the pack” walker, I’ve been able to see that Disney staffs their race courses with water and Gatorade through the end of the race (for the most part–there have been a few exceptions over the years). There are always enough snack boxes at the end of the race for those of us that take hours longer than the fast runners at the front of the pack. That hasn’t been my experience with some of the other races I’ve walked in, so I’ve always been very grateful that runDisney seems to appreciate the back of the pack as much as the frontrunners.

Changes Announced for the  2025 WDW Marathon

This year, however, runDisney has announced there will be some CHANGES to the January 2025 WDW Marathon. The first change? Instead of the usual 5 a.m. start time, this year’s Marathon will begin at 4:30 a.m.  I’m guessing this is so they can try to have the courses cleared a little earlier and to shorten the length of time theme park guests are impacted by the race.

runDisney announced changes for 2025 WDW marathon. 2025 Marathon Weekend 10K.
runDisney 10K Chip & Dale

runDisney is telling us that the change is based on guest feedback and leads us to the other big change: the course itself. runDisney has recognized that guests LOVE the portion of each race that is actually inside the theme parks, so for the marathon, they’ve modified the course slightly to accommodate a little more time in EPCOT and the Magic Kingdom. They’re saying that starting the race 30 minutes earlier is allowing them to do this.

EPCOT 2025 WDW Marathon Course Changes

What exactly has changed? Normally, the race begins in the EPCOT parking lot and heads immediately out onto the roads towards Magic Kingdom. This year, the race will still begin in the EPCOT parking lot, but instead of heading out to the roads, racers will head into World Showcase, where the course will wind most of the way around World Showcase and then exit out near the front of EPCOT. Once racers leave EPCOT, they will then head to the roads towards Magic Kingdom. In this new course, most of mile three is actually inside EPCOT.

runDisney 2025 January Marathon MaprunDisney 2025 Marathon Map

Grand Floridian/Polynesian 2025 WDW Marathon Course Changes

The next big change happens when racers head towards the Magic Kingdom. Past courses have approached the Magic Kingdom by traveling under the Seven Seas Lagoon (briefly) and climbing the hill leading up to Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower before turning in to enter the Magic Kingdom.  The 2025 course, however, goes the other way–passing Disney’s Polynesian Resort, the Wedding Pavilion, and Disney’s Grand Floridian before heading to the Magic Kingdom.

Magic Kingdom 2025 WDW Marathon Course Changes

There’s another change in the course to enable racers to see more of the Magic Kingdom during the race. In previous years, racers journeyed up Main Street, before routing through Tomorrowland to New Fantasyland, through Cinderella Castle, and then through Liberty Square and Frontierland before exiting out behind Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

runDisney 2024 Princess Half Marathon Castle
runDisney Castle on course photo

The new map allows racers a little more time (and distance, of course) in the Magic Kingdom. The new course still goes up Main Street, but instead of heading towards Tomorrowland, racers will go through Adventureland. Next, racers will wind through Frontierland and then Liberty Square. Racers will pass It’s a Small World, Peter Pan’s Flight, Mickey’s Philharmagic and Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel before racing through Cinderella Castle.  The course continues through Fantasyland and Storybook Circus before winding into Tomorrowland and passing TRON and Space Mountain before exiting the Magic Kingdom near the Carousel of Progress.  All of mile nine and about half of mile ten are inside the Magic Kingdom.

rundisney announced changes for 2025 marathon. Goofy's Race & a Half Challenge
runDisney 2025 Goofy Challenge

The rest of the course looks pretty similar to past years. I’m a little worried there may be some congestion in a couple areas where the course kind of crosses itself.  It looks, at least on the map, like the front runners and back of the packers may have a couple of intersections where they could all be in the same place at the same time. But I trust that runDisney will have it all figured out, and I’m sure once everyone is on the course, it will make more sense.

To learn more about the 2025 WDW Marathon weekend or other 2025 events, please visit runDisney.

What are your thoughts?

So what do you think? Are you excited about the changes announced for the 2025 WDW Marathon? Do they matter to you? I’m hoping that similar changes will be announced for the 10K and the half in coming weeks. And then for Princess…. But who knows?!? We will see. I think overall, these are positive changes. I’m always happiest during the theme park sections of the races, so I think trying to include more distance inside the parks makes a lot of sense.  Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

 

 

 

 

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Will Open This Summer 2024!

Great news today from the Walt Disney World Company! Disney has announced that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open THIS SUMMER 2024! Previously, Disney had promised that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure would open “Late 2024”–with most experts predicting an October/November opening day. However, there have been lots of signs that construction has been moving fairly quickly.  One of the most exciting recent visual clues that the reimagined attraction might open sooner than expected came last week, when visitors noticed water flowing through visible areas of the attraction.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Construction

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Construction has been in progress for just over one year so far.  Splash Mountain closed on January 23, 2023 to be reimagined as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.  You can read more about that closure here.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure will open summer 2024 construction 2024
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Construction/                                                           Photo: Destinations to Explore

From what we’ve learned so far, the basic ride system itself will remain basically the same. This will still be a log ride on water. Guests will ride in a log through the attraction, culminating in a drop near the end of the attraction where guests will most likely get wet.  What WILL change is the entire visual look and feel of the attraction. The attraction is being completely re-themed to The Princess and the Frog, featuring Princess Tiana and her friends.

External changes to the attractions that have been visible to guests include the repainted attraction/queue buildings, shown in the photo above. The primary attraction/queue building is now a bright cheerful yellow and features a mural showcasing Tiana’s jazz loving alligator friend, Louis.  Other visible external changes include the additional of the Tiana’s Foods Water Tower, topped with Tiana’s crown! There’s also been a lot of changes to the greenery and vegetation on the exterior of the “mountain”.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure will open summer 2024
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure/                                                                                                         Photo: Disney Parks

Astonishing Animatronics

Disney has told us that not only will Tiana’s Bayou Adventure open this summer 2024, it will include dozens of new animatronic characters! The behind the scenes glimpses we’ve seen so far of these new animatronics shows us that as technology continues to improve, so do these amazing attraction treasures.  Take a look at this video featuring Tiana herself.

Her movements look so natural, don’t they? It’s really fun to see her come alive from the concept art to this. I can’t wait to see her embedded in the attraction!

Tiana's Bayou Adventure will open summer 2024
Tiana Animatronic /                                                                                                                    Photo: Disney Parks

Here’s another really short sneak peek look at an animatronic for this attraction that Disney gave us, but it doesn’t give us anywhere NEAR as good a look. But I think I might be even MORE excited to see this one in action!

Can you guess who this one will be?

Concept Art for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Will Open Summer 2024 – What’s the Story?

Many Disney attractions based on a beloved Disney feature film retell the story of the film (in just a few minutes). Think ‘The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure’ for a great example of this. I’m excited that Imagineers are going a different direction with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. For this attraction, the story is picking up AFTER the movie ends!

Concept Art for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

While we don’t know exactly what the story is, we DO know that this adventure is taking place in the next chapter of Tiana’s adventures. She’s successfully opened her restaurant, Tiana’s Palace.  Now, she’s expanding her business with Tiana’s Foods. Tiana and her friends are throwing a big celebration during the Mardi Gras season. The attraction will be filled with fun music, characters, critters and adventure.  I’m so excited that we won’t have to wait too much longer to check it out for ourselves!

Tiana's Bayou Adventure will open summer 2024
Tiana’s Foods                                                                                                                     Concept Art: Disney Parks

Are YOU Excited to Ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure When it Opens This Summer 2024?

SO….Are you excited? Is this an attraction you’ve been waiting to hear about? Do you love that Disney chose to announce on Fat Tuesday  an opening season for an attraction with a Mardi Gras tie-in ?  Please comment below if this is an attraction you’re excited to ride!

Our big family trip is this October, so I’m VERY excited for this announcement. I’d previously been worried that the attraction would reopen AFTER our trip, and our family wouldn’t get to experience it. I know that everyone will enjoy this one, and I’m looking forward to the new theming. I loved The Princess and the Frog, and I’m really happy to see Tiana get some love in the parks.

It sounds like the Disneyland version of the attraction is going to open later than the Disney World version, most likely in the fall. I’ll be sure and keep you all posted.

Mom and I will be in the parks later this month for the Disney Princess Half Marathon (also Tiana themed–hmmm, I’m sensing a pattern here!), so I’ll be sure and come back with some construction photo updates for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. I’m excited to see what we can see from the outside!

 

 

 

 

 

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com