Epcot International Festival of the Arts is set to return for 2020. It will kick off on January 17 and run through February 24. This festival is a celebration of Art and how different cultures celebrate it through many different expressions including visual, culinary, and performing arts.
During this event, guests can experience art through the Broadway Concert Series, different culinary kiosks where food seems to jump right off the painters palate, view many different Disney artist’s work, as well as let their inner artist show. It is a fun event and entrance is included with your admission.
Disney on Broadway
The Disney on Broadway Concert series starts off with the beautiful music from “The Lion King”. The talent for this year is bountiful. Here is the schedule:
Jan. 17, 20, 21, 24 and 25 – Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White (“The Lion King”)
Jan. 18, 19, 22, 23 and 25 – Heidi Blickenstaff (“The Little Mermaid”; “Freaky Friday”) and Gavin Lee (“Mary Poppins”) Jan. 25 – Special performance featuring Simmons, White, Blickenstaff and Lee
Jan. 26, 28, 29; Feb. 1, 2, 5, 6 and 9 – Kara Lindsay (“Newsies”) and Kevin Massey (“Tarzan”)
Feb. 10, 12, 13, 18, 19, 22, 23 and 24 – Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins”; “Beauty and the Beast”) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan)
Additional dates & artists still to be announced so stay tuned!
New for 2020
A new Brunch will be offered at Le Cellier in the Canada Pavilion. Reservations are required.
Purchase beautiful art throughout World Showcase
Visit and observe artists that are creating right in front of you
Family Fun
The “Green Landing” Family play zone where guests of all ages can explore an area dedicated to Wall-E & Eve
Several different photo opportunities where guests can “jump right in” to some of their favorite stories
Add color to a beautiful wall mural located along World Showcase Plaza
Take part in a fun scavenger hunt featuring my favorite; Figment! Travel through World Showcase and find Figment. Hint: He has painted himself into some very famous paintings
Create your own artwork!
If you are interested in visiting Disney World and any of Epcot’s wonderful festivals, contact me today! I would be happy to assist in planning your amazing vacation and my services are always free. See ya real soon!
Give the wonderful gift of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa to your family this Holiday Season! This resort in Ko Olina, Hawai’i is a beautiful place to spend a magical vacation with your O’Hana! With the promotions Disney has been offering and the new flights through Southwest Airlines, this vacation is more affordable than ever!
New Aulani Offer:
Save up to 30% on 5 nights of stay or more or 25% on 4 nights when you stay from March 1-June 13, 2020 when you reserve by May 8. (Talk about a great getaway for Spring Break!!)
Book by January 8 and guests will receive a $250 resort credit on 5+ nights of stay and $150 resort credit on 4 nights of stay.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is a breathtaking setting for the most amazing family vacation. There is fun for the whole family and the amenities and recreation are first class. Read more about the resort HERE.
For more information on Aulani and this promotion or to reserve your stay, contact me today! My planning services are free of charge and I can save you time and money! I look forward to hearing from you! Aloha!
Thanks to a very busy October with the gift card giveaway I ran, I have been crazy busy dedicating my time to new and current guests and unable to update my blog as much as I like. I wanted to do a little recap of all the things I would have posted about.
Disney Villain After Hours
The Disney Villains are returning to the Magic Kingdom in 2020 for more Evil Evenings at After Hours. This Extra-Ticket event is a fantastic time in Magic Kingdom. Lines are short, entertainment is fabulous, merchandise & food is themed after your favorite villains and you never know who you may run into! Treats such as popcorn & soda are all-you-care-to-eat at this event as well so you will not go hungry!
Hades & Meg will be leading a stage show that will showcase some other Disney greats. Hades & Meg! Where else do you get to see these guys?!? So exciting. With this After Hours ticket, you can enter the park as early as 7 pm – this means you can catch the fireworks before heading off to enjoy attractions and Villainous fun! The events will take place select evenings from February 7th – July 10. This is a great add-on to any vacation package. You can get SO much done in the time you have because of the lower crowds.
If you are traveling during this time and would like to discuss adding it to your vacation package, contact me today!
After Hours
After Hours dates for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom have been released for next year. Here are the dates that are currently available –
Magic Kingdom
January 23, 27 & 31
February 3, 10, 17 & 24
March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
April 5, 13, 20 & 27
May 5, 11, 18 & 25
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
April 1, 7, 14 & 22
May 2, 9, 16, 19 & 26
This event also allows guests into the parks at 7pm, has lower wait times, and provides complimentary ice cram novelties, popcorn and select beverages.
runDisney Race Calendar
Dates have been released into 2021 for your favorite Disney Races. Below you will find Disney’s graphic with dates including when they go on sale.
These race entries can be added to a Disney vacation Package. If you are interested in an upcoming race, contact me and we can discuss putting this together with a resort stay & ticket package.
Disney Wonder Update
The Disney Wonder has added new spaces for guests to enjoy and they look fantastic. The French Quarter Lounge is a new space for families to enjoy. This lounge brings your favorite Bayou Princess to life and has several nods to “The Princess and The Frog”. If you are looking for an “adult only” area, cafe cove is the newest spot added to the ship. In addition, Disney’s Teen guests will enjoy a club exclusively to them at Vibe. Here is a short video that discusses these wonderful new enhancements:
In Holiday New, Disney World & Disneyland both came out with some great announcements:
Mickey’s very Merry Christmas Party is a truly magical event that begins in just a few short days. This year, a new Fireworks show will debut! “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmas Fireworks” will have you swept up in Holiday magic with an amazing projection show set to some of your favorite holiday classics. This is a great way to get into the Christmas Spirit!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will take place select nights in November and December. Let me know if you would like to add this event to your vacation!
In just a few short days, the Festival of Holidays will begin at Disney California Adventure. This festival celebrates the holidays by sharing the festive culture of Southern California. There will be dance parties, a Holiday Foods Marketplace, Live Music, and so much more. This runs through January 6. I will be visiting this weekend and will be sure to report back!
Lunar New Year and Food & Wine Festival – Returning in 2020
This year from January 7 – February 9, come celebrate the Year of the Mouse with beautiful decor, delicious cultural cuisine, multicultural performances, and a crowd favorite; “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession”.
February 28 – April 21, Guests can experience Food & Wine Festival at California Adventure. Live entertainment, culinary seminars and delicious bites & sips await you at this annual festival. Kid’s can get in on the fun with a “hands-on” cooking experience with chef Goofy!
If you are planning a trip to Disneyland, these dates are a great time to travel there. One of the many festivals or experiences can just add that much more magic to any vacation!
October Gift Card Giveaway
Drum roll Please!!! Miss Kristen Mayle, you have won a gift card for your vacation in 2020. Thank you for trusting me to reserve your trip and help you plan!!
That is all for today! I will be traveling to Disneyland this weekend with the Agency I work for and look forward to sharing all that I learn and see with you!
Disney has just announced several new discounts for this winter and spring. There are a few different ones available but the offers are limited so if you think you may want to take advantage, contact me today! Any of these offers would be fantastic to take advantage of. Add in the fact that if you book this month, you are entered in my $50 gift card giveaway and you can really save some $$! Here is what was announced:
Walt Disney World
Book now through January 1, 2020 and receive one of two offers:
For travel January 1, 2020 – March 7, 2020, get a FREE dining plan for kids ages 3-9 when adults purchase their dining package. This also includes a Frozen Welcome Pack which comes with a voucher for one stroller rental for the length of your stay, one in-park 5×7 photo print per room and one merchandise bag per room including a plush, book and 2 treats.
For travel January 1, 2020 – April 25, 2020 on most nights, save up to 25% on your room. Add a 6-day or longer theme park ticket to your vacation package and each member of your family ages 3+ will receive a $30 Disney gift card!
Aulani: A Disney Resort & Spa
Book now through November 13 and travel most nights January 5, 2020 through February 29, 2020 (Get away from the cold!)
Save up to 30% on 5 or more consecutive nights
Save 25% on stays of 4 consecutive night
Plus, enjoy a $250 Resort Credit on stays of 5 or more nights or a $150 Resort Credit on stays of 4 nights.
Adventures by Disney
Book now through March 25, 2020 for select departures January 5 through April 30, 2020 and save up to $400 PER PERSON on select Disney Destinations around the world.
Destinations include Africa, Australia, Europe, Asia, North America, Central America, South America – you can travel to almost any corner of the Earth with Disney’s attention to detail, customer service, and the desire to provide magic to every member of the family.
Take advantage of one of these promotions to save big on your Disney Dream Vacation. Qualifying reservations will also receive the Minnie Box! Our gift to you for choosing us to be your planners. It is full of magic and surprises and is specially tailored to each family. I look forward to helping you turn your dreams into memories!
Disney After Hours has added several dates to both the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom calendars.
After hours is a time for guests to enter the parks when most guests are heading out. The park is open late for just these specific ticket holders. Guests will have access to many of their favorite rides and will also receive unlimited ice cream novelties, popcorn, and fountain beverages. Here are the dates as posted directly from Disney:
Magic Kingdom Park
November 18, 2019
December 9, 2019
January 6, 2019
January 13, 2020
January 17, 2020
January 20, 2020
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
October 5, 9, 19, 26 and 30, 2019
November 5, 13 and 19, 2019
December 7, 14 and 18, 2019
January 9, 16, 22 and 30, 2020
February 6, 13, 19 and 27, 2020
March 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2020
If you have a trip planned during this time, this is an excellent way to see a lot of a park in a short period of time. We experienced it in the spring and we did every ride the kids wanted to and also several meet and greets. At one point, it felt as if we were the only guests in the park. It was truly awesome.
If you do not have a Disney Vacation Package scheduled yet, contact me today! I would be happy to assist you in getting your trip planned and reserved. My services are free of charge and I can save you lots of time and money too! Contact me today!
Disneyland’s Entertainment District has so much to offer. Disney has written up a quick guide for guests to have so that they can enjoy all that there is to offer.
Directly From Disney:
“PLAY!
Step into the Star Wars universe with the hyper-reality, multi-sensory Star Wars:
Secrets of the Empire by ILMxLAB and The VOID. Your Clients will go
undercover as a stormtrooper to capture Imperial intelligence vital to
the budding rebellion’s survival!
Bowl a few frames at one of the 20 lanes at Splitsville Luxury
Lanes, a one-of-a-kind dining and entertainment destination. Your
Clients can pop in anytime for lunch or dinner and enjoy the outdoor
patio with live entertainment!
After dark, Downtown Disney is bustling with live
music at the main stage, strolling performers throughout the promenade
and “meet the artist” events on select dates in WonderGround Gallery.
SHOP!
Sprinkled with pixie dust, magical moments and eye-catching
collections, the redesigned flagship World of Disney store is where your
Clients can step into the art of Disney storytelling and shop the
biggest selection of Disney wares on the West Coast.
The Disney Dress Shop has quickly become a fan-favorite boutique
with retro-designed apparel and accessories inspired by favorite Disney
characters and theme park attractions.
The family-owned boutique, Sugarboo & Co., features charming
home goods, paper products, handmade ceramics, candles, bath apothecary
and stamped jewelry—all with a touch of whimsy.
For pampering products, head to Rinse Bath & Body Co., a new
boutique featuring natural products, handmade soaps, body oils, bath
bombs, lip balms and more.
Disney Home offers fans a curated assortment of Disney-themed
treasures for the home—from glassware and linens, to kitchen goods and
more.
EAT!
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes opened its first California location in the heart of Downtown Disney. Along with award-winning burgers, signature CrazyShake milkshakes, hearty salads and appetizers, the atmosphere gives a trendy New York diner vibe,
Popular craft brewer Ballast Point Brewing Company’s first Orange County location serves 50 of its innovative beers across 100 taps, including its flagship Sculpin IPA and limited-edition beers exclusive to Downtown Disney. Your Clients can pair their favorite beer with brewpub-style dishes!
Enjoy expertly-crafted Italian meals at Naples Ristorante e Bar renovation. Its recent renovation upgraded the restaurant’s beautiful two-story dining venue, featuring twinkling chandeliers upstairs, a modern feel downstairs, gorgeous patios and an open kitchen.
Next door, Napolini offers create-your-own Neopolitan-style pizzas, to be enjoyed with a fresh salad and Italian soda on the patio.
The family-run scoop shop, Salt & Straw, is known for its taste-provoking, imaginative creations—handmade in small batches using local, organic and sustainable ingredients.
Wetzel’s Pretzels’ flagship location features a bright, breezy California-inspired design—complementing its full line of popular pretzels, Wetzel’s Dogs, Bitz, and fresh and frozen lemonade. “
There are so many wonderful opportunities to explore at Downtown Disney District. Plan a trip to Disneyland today and take full advantage of all that the Downtown Disney District has to offer. If you have a trip planned to Disneyland, be sure to check it out. If you do not yet have a trip planned and would like to look into pricing or have other questions, contact me today! My services are free of charge and qualifying orders will receive our Minnie Box. A gift to you as a thank you for letting us be a part of your magic. Full of wonder & surprises, our Minnie Box will provide treats and guide you through your stay. See ya Real Soon!
On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, The Pirates of the Caribbean Gave to Me::
Traveling for the Holidays
There are so many corners of the world to see and the Holidays are always a great time to do that. There is a Disney Destination for you that can take you to 3 different countries, experiencing 3 different types of traditions during Christmas. The Danube River Cruise with Adventures by Disney can take you on a luxury River Cruise to three countries and 7 different destinations within those countries. Highlights include-
8 Days/ 7 Nights
Germany, Austria, & Hungary
Amazing accommodations
20 meals
Stops at local Christmas Markets for shopping & gifts
See historical landmarks including the rolling Hills from “The Sound of Music”
Meet real Hungarian Cowboys
Private Sightseeing
Insider Access Opportunities
Personal Adventure Guides
and more!
Adventures by Disney can take you to almost any corner of the Earth. I can’t think of anything more magical than visiting during the holidays!
Giving a Disney Destination as a Gift for the Holidays
There are so many ways to gift a Disney Destination for the Holidays. A very simple way is just to have an invitation sent to your loved ones from their favorite Disney Character – you can go crazy with all different types of fun stationary and stickers or you can keep it simple. There are many different types of stationary that can be printed out on or you can just use plain paper and decorate on your own. Have fun with it! Let them know that their favorite character can’t wait to see them on such-and-such a date and it will be a magical time. Enjoy!
