American Idol Experience Sees First Anniversary
A little over a year ago, a new attraction was launched at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. With huge fanfare, including “Idol” celebrity appearances and visits from former contestants of the top-rated musical reality show, The American Idol Experience debuted on stage for the first time.
The experience allows for guests at Walt Disney World Resort (map) to watch and vote for their favorite singers as they perform on an elaborate stage, just like on the live television...
March 21st, 2010 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Disneys-Hollywood-Studios, featuredarticle, live entertainment, Walt Disney World Resort
Best Chocolate Indulgences Disney Style
Memories of visits to my grandmother’s house swirl around a certain candy dish that sat atop a large oak buffet and was always filled with Chocolate Stars or Sno-Caps. As a young child that buffet seemed as tall as Mt. Everest and sneaking a morsel from that dish without getting caught was almost as challenging.
I must confess, in any shape or form, I LOVE CHOCOLATE!! I crave it after almost every meal, and while I don’t consider myself a chocolate snob, I have learned that if...
January 27th, 2010 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Disney-Dining, Disneys-Hollywood-Studios, Downtown-Disney, featuredarticle, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain, Magic Kingdom, Main Street Bakery, Smores
A New Blank Calendar Full of The Best Disney Events
I love January for one thing… a new, clean, blank calendar. A calendar that is not marked with meetings, appointments and commitments. I love the idea that all those fun things you were “going to do” the year before, but couldn’t squeeze into the agenda, suddenly seem doable once again on this year’s calendar.
Before your calendar becomes filled with dentist appointments, PTA meetings and little league sporting events, might I suggest you pencil a few...
January 9th, 2010 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Disneys-Hollywood-Studios, Epcot, featuredarticle, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort
Dishing Up New Year’s Luck for Disney Diners
Almost every culture advises the eating of certain foods to mark the beginning of a New Year and to insure good luck, health and happiness. Superstitious? Maybe. Tradition? Definitely!
If you happen to be at Walt Disney World Resort this New Year’s Day, might I suggest a few dining options that you might live long and prosper?
Noodles- and not just any noodles, but long ones, are believed by many Asian cultures to bring long life, and incidentally, be sure you don’t break them...
December 31st, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Disney-Dining, Disneys-Hollywood-Studios, Epcot, featuredarticle, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney Resorts, Walt Disney World Resort
The Best Disney Tidbits of the Week
From time to time I see a little tidbit here and a little morsel there relating to my favorite Mouse, Mickey, of course, and the Disney parks that he calls home. Here are some little bits of information I uncovered this week that I think are certainly worth mentioning …..
According to Studios Central, a blog site devoted entirely to happenings at Walt Disney World Resorts, Hollywood Studios theme park (map), a new ticketing system is being tested for Rock n’ Roller Coaster.
In...
December 19th, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Disneys-Hollywood-Studios, Fastpass, Magic Kingdom, Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney World
History Behind Disney’s Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
Ask any Disney Traveler who visits Walt Disney World through the holiday season, what was the most amazing thing they saw during their visit, and I bet the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be high on their list!
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights didn’t start out as a spectacle, in fact, it was simply the wish of a 6-year old girl, to have some lights on their Little Rock, Arkansas home.
The hard working family had always enjoyed...
December 1st, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Disneys-Hollywood-Studios, Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, top-feature, Walt Disney World Resort
Holiday Happenings at Walt Disney World Resort
At Walt Disney World Resort the decorations are up, the music is playing, the gingerbread is baked and the snow is flying — that’s right, snow! So let the holiday celebrations begin, because with special events scheduled at all of the Disney theme parks, you will not want to miss a thing.
Main Street U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom offers:
Castle Dreamlights! Cinderella and friends dress in their holiday finest and take to the stage for a special light show as 200,000 sparkling,...
November 18th, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Animal Kingdom, Candlelight Processional, Disneys-Hollywood-Studios, Downtown-Disney, featuredarticle, Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Walt Disney World Resort
It’s Beginning To Look Alot Like a Disney Christmas
Sometimes the thought of decorating for the holidays can be a bit overwhelming. Just imagine if your job was to decorate Walt Disney World Resort. It takes miles of garland, ribbon, twinkling lights and glitter to magically transform the vacation kingdom into a winter wonderland.
Holidays Around the World at Epcot World Showcase
150 tractor-trailer truckloads of decorations are needed for 24 resorts, 4 theme parks and Downtown Disney to achieve that special holiday glow. Throughout the property...
November 10th, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 1Filed under: Cirque de Soleil, Disneys-Hollywood-Studios, epcot world showcase, featuredarticle, Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, Walt Disney World Resort
10 Things To Experience at Walt Disney World in Fall
I have said it before and I will say it again— I love Walt Disney World in the fall !!! While anytime is a great time to visit, trips in the fall are especially delightful because of the smaller crowds and beautiful weather.
But rest assured, these are not the only reasons to love Disney World in the fall, and to prove it here are 10 more:
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – this after hours additional ticketed party held on select nights at Magic Kingdom is a big hit with...
September 17th, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Arts and Entertainment, Disney's live entertainment, Disneyland & California Adventure, Disneys-Hollywood-Studios, Downtown-Disney, Eat to the Beat concerts, Epcot, Epcot events, Epcot Food & Wine Festival, Festival of Masters, golf, Haunted carriage rides, Hints & Tips, Hotels & Places to Stay, Liberty Belle Riverboat, Magic Kingdom, Magic Kingdom events, Mickeys-Not-So-Scary-Halloween-Party, Pleasure Island & Downtown Disney, Princess Tiana, Recreation & Sports, Restaurants & Bars, Tiana's Showboat Jubilee, Walt Disney World, When to visit Disney World
Disney Attractions Closed for Rehab? Avoid Saying Oh-No-No!!
Have you ever described every detail of an attraction at a Disney theme park so much that everyone in your party is so excited to experience this amazing feature and as you round the corner with anticipation dripping from your pores you are greeted by a sign declaring that the attraction is closed while undergoing refurbishment?!! Oh! No! It can’t be!
Space Mountain closed for updates until 11-21-09
Avoiding this dreadful situation can be easily accomplished by doing a little research before...
August 31st, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Animal Kingdom, closed attractions, Disney operational updates, Disneys-Hollywood-Studios, Epcot, Extra Magic hours, Hints & Tips, Magic Kingdom, park hours, Pleasure Island & Downtown Disney, Shopping, theme park calendar, Walt Disney World, Walt Disney World attractions
Group Fun For Less at Disney’s Night of Joy
If you are a Christian music-lover, grab nine more of your friends to enjoy a weekend full of uplifting music and Disney theme park fun during Disney’s Night of Joy group offer. This value-packed package includes admission to both nights, September 11-12, 2009, at the contemporary Christian music event, plus two one-day, one-park admission to a Walt Disney World theme park during the Night of Joy weekend (Sept.11-13) at less than $100, plus tax, per person.
Multi-Platinum P.O.D. to perform...
August 5th, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Animal Kingdom, Arts and Entertainment, Christian Concerts, Christian music at Disney, Christian Music Event, Disney's Night of Joy, Disneys-Hollywood-Studios, Epcot, Group special rates, Magic Kingdom, Night of Joy, Walt Disney World
Disney Hospitality For Even The Youngest Guests
Leave it the Disney to think of everything and everyone, as even the very youngest of guests will feel magical at the complimentary Baby Care Centers located in each of the four Theme Parks. These centers provide a relaxed area to change and feed the littlest Mouseketeers.
While there are changing tables in most of the men’s and women’s restrooms to take care of business, these Centers offer a place for not only changing, but to take a break from the crowds. A special area is set...
July 14th, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 1Filed under: Animal Kingdom, Baby Care Centers, comfort stations, Disneys-Hollywood-Studios, Epcot, Hints & Tips, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World
4th of July Fireworks
A near disaster at a neighborhood fireworks/Bar-b-que last night has made me keenly aware of a holiday fact, LEAVE THE FIREWORKS TO THE PROFESSIONALS!! What better fireworks or professionals are there than at Walt Disney World Resort?! Guests celebrating the 4th of July at Disney World will have a choice as three of the theme parks will hold fireworks shows.
Magic Kingdom – “Celebrate America Fireworks” will light up the sky at 9 pm followed by Disney’s SpectroMagic parade...
July 4th, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Arts and Entertainment, Disneys-Hollywood-Studios, Epcot, Fantasmic!, fireworks, Illuminations, Magic Kingdom, spectromagic, Walt Disney World
Disney’s Endurance Series
When you hear the phrase Disney’s Endurance Series, what comes to mind? No, it is not arriving at Magic Kingdom for the Morning Extra Magic Hours and staying until the final Wishes Nighttime Spectacular. The Endurance Series is actually a variety of recreational athletic events held around Walt Disney World.
From marathons to road races to triathlons, athletes of all ages and abilities and from across the country compete to achieve personal goals. Popular events in the Disney Endurance...
June 6th, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 5Filed under: athletic events, Disney's Endurance Series, Disneyland & California Adventure, Disneys-Hollywood-Studios, Epcot, Hotels & Places to Stay, Magic Kingdom, Marathons, Pleasure Island & Downtown Disney, races at Disney, Recreation & Sports, Restaurants & Bars, Shopping, transportation, Walt Disney World
Bring Along Your Disney Souvenirs to Save Money and Patience
Souvenirs! They are inevitable. You can’t go on vacation without bringing at least a few back home. But how can you buy those little reminders of the trip without breaking the trip’s budget? How about picking up a few before you leave home? !
I am a huge fan of the dollar sections that many stores are now offering. If you keep a careful watch you can often spot Disney items, like stickers, themed crayons, fairy lip gloss, and character socks, all for around $1.00 each.
Think...
June 2nd, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 5Filed under: Disney apparel, Disneys-Hollywood-Studios, Hotels & Places to Stay, Magic Kingdom, Restaurants & Bars, Shopping, shopping at Disney, souvenirs, transportation, Walt Disney World
Disneyland Resort Hosts SUMMER NIGHTASTIC!
Sparkling summer entertainment will run June 12 – August 23 at Disneyland Resort as it hosts SUMMER NIGHTASTIC! full of nighttime shows and parades that are bigger, better and brighter. This special summer event will feature an all-new fireworks show and sparkling entertainment.
Fantasmic! ignites the night with awesome, lifelike creatures, including a 40-foot tall, fire-breathing dragon in HD animation that practically leaps off the giant mist screen
Disney’s Electrical Parade is more...
May 28th, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Disney's Electrical Parade, Disneyland & California Adventure, Disneys-Hollywood-Studios, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Pleasure Island & Downtown Disney, Recreation & Sports, Summer Nightastic
Traveling with Small Children to Walt Disney World
Traveling to Walt Disney World with small children can be a bit overwhelming with so much to see and do and eat, yet, it is AMAZING! I recently heard from several readers seeking advice for their upcoming trips with their young travelers. Here are my suggestions:
What attractions are best?
The post, Top Ten Attractions for Toddlers, has some great suggestions. The beauty of Walt Disney World is that it is always changing and adding to the theme parks. Here are some attractions that I would...
May 13th, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Animal Kingdom, Character meals, Disneys-Hollywood-Studios, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, monorail, Restaurants & Bars, Traveling with small children, Walt Disney World
Can You Keep a Secret?
So you are taking the family to Walt Disney World. You have made all the decisions and all the reservations are set. But, there is one burning question — Do you tell the children you’re going or keep it a surprise?
On one hand, if you tell the children, they can help in the planning and really feel apart of the trip. They can help select the dining options - which characters do they really want to see at a meal? They can help choose what theme parks to attend and even help design...
May 9th, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 1Filed under: Dining at Disney, Disneys-Hollywood-Studios, Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney World, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort Show Appreciation for Teachers
This week, the first week in May, has been dedicated as National Teacher Appreciation Week. Hopefully, your little students told their teachers thank you for their hard work and dedication.
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort would like to show their
appreciation for all educators by offering a very special room rate for their next vacation to Walt Disney World Resort.
Rates for teachers and all school support staff will start at just $129.00 per room, per night, through 12/24/09,...
May 8th, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Disney's Friendship Launch, Disneys-Hollywood-Studios, Epcot, Extra Magic hours, Hotels & Places to Stay, Teacher Appreciation, Walt Disney World Resort, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
Use a FASTPASS — Skip the Wait
You are having a great time at a Disney theme park and at the entrance to certain popular attractions you will notice two times posted- (1) the wait time using the regular standby line and (2) return time for FASTPASS tickets — so what is a FASTPASS?!
Disney’s FASTPASS gives guests of an alternative to the standard lines at many popular attractions in all of the Disney theme parks at no additional charge. At FASTPASS attractions, guests can choose to enter the regular wait line or...
April 20th, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 4Filed under: Animal Kingdom, Disneyland & California Adventure, Disneys-Hollywood-Studios, Epcot, Fastpass, Magic Kingdom, popular attractions, theme parks, Walt Disney World
Recent Top Features
-
The United Nations Headquarters in NYC
The New York City Traveler—March 1, 2011
-
5 Great Los Angeles Hikes
The Los Angeles Guide—February 28, 2011
-
A Memorable Visit to the Saguaro National Park
The Phoenix Traveler—February 28, 2011
-
Five Reasons to Get Up and Go With Go City Cards
Rest of the World—February 28, 2011
-
What’s Stonehenge Like in Person?
The London Traveler—February 27, 2011
-
Visit Haunted London
The London Traveler—February 26, 2011
-
A Trip to Limelight Marketplace in NYC
The New York City Traveler—February 25, 2011
-
Family Fun At British Columbia’s Sun Peaks Resort
The Ski & Snowboard Guide—February 25, 2011
-
Where to Eat: Venice, Florida
The Culinary Travel Guide—February 24, 2011
-
The Beatles & More in Liverpool
The London Traveler—February 23, 2011