Benefits of a Walt Disney World Park Hopper Ticket

Benefits of a Walt Disney World Park Hopper Ticket

When guests visit Walt Disney World Resort they typically want to do as much as possible during their stay. The best way to accomplish that is with a Park Hopper Ticket option. The Park Hopper option allows you to visit more than one park per day or even all the Walt Disney World Theme Parks in one day. 

Making the most out of a day: 

Imagine having breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table in Magic Kingdom followed by a few of your must-do rides. Then it's off to Epcot to enjoy a variety of foods from around the world, yummy drinks included. Once you've had your fill, take a ferryboat over to Disney's Hollywood Studios and enjoy the thrilling Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror before dinner at Disney's Animal Kingdom. After dinner, experience Kilimanjaro Safaris after sundown and end the day with the memorizing Rivers of Light Nighttime Experience. 

 

Extra Magic Hours: When staying on Disney property, you can enjoy Extra Magic Hours at select theme parks. Having a Park Hopper Ticket allows you to enjoy the extra time at the parks either in the morning before regular operating hours or at night after regular hours. For example, enjoy Extra Magic Hours from 7:00am-8:00am at Magic Kingdom then at night you can also enjoy Extra Magic hours at Disney's Animal Kingdom from 9:00pm-11:00pm on the same day. This is all possible with a Park Hopper Ticket option. (Extra Magic Hours change daily) 

Dining:The Park Hopper Ticket option allows you to dine wherever and whenever you want. Having the ability to go back and forth between parks is a great advantage when making dining reservations, especially for the more popular, hard to get restaurants.  

Flexibility:You will have the ability to customize your days and be able to change them on a whim. It's best to have your days planned out beforehand but having the option to switch it up will allow you to have a better experience and less missed opportunities. Unexpected crowds, weather, larger parties, or even a change of mind can alter your day.  

Contact Magical Travel to help you plan your magical Walt Disney World Vacation. Toll free at 1-866-207-8387 or visit www.magicaltravel.com.

5 Reasons Not to Miss Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

5 Reasons Not to Miss Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a Halloween-themed special event held on select dates in Magic Kingdom Park. During Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. 

Reason #1: Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular

"Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular" features the mischievous Sanderson Sisters from Disney's "Hocus Pocus" as they return to the mortal world for one night during the Halloween season to cast a spell on everyone at Cinderella Castle. The stage show also includes appearances by the Disney villains, and features dancers, projections and special effects.

Reason #2: Mickey's 'Boo-to-You' Halloween Parade

Mickey's 'Boo-to-You' Halloween parade includes Disney Characters dressed in their Halloween costumes and the stars of the Haunted Mansion attraction. The parade begins with a spook-tacular ride by the Headless Horseman followed by a not-so-frightening collection of floats. 

Reason #3: Trick-or-Treating throughout Magic Kingdom

Trick-or treat at certain attractions in all the lands at Magic Kingdom and enjoy delicious candy! Have an allergy? Disney has you covered with a special trick-or-treat experience for you! After entering the event, or at an official Allergy-Friendly Center at Town Square Theater and Heritage House you will be able to see a Cast Member and receive a special teal treat bag with further instructions. 

Reason #4: The Characters are dressed up in their Halloween Costumes

Magic Kingdom will be filled with your favorite Disney Characters dressed in their Halloween costumes! Don't forget, you can dress in your Halloween costumes too! Just make sure you follow Disney's guidelines found here. 

Reason #5: Happy HalloWishes Firework Show

Happy HalloWishes is a spectacular fireworks show where the Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky. Accompanied by a wicked version of melodies from Disney’s past that echo through the night—and creepy colors crawl over Cinderella Castle. 

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a separate ticketed event that takes place on certain days from now until October 31, 2016. Prices vary by day. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is suitable for all ages. 

VIP Tour Services

Walt Disney World VIP Tour Services

Ever wish you could ride all the rides you wanted in one day? Ever picture not having to worry about the crowds when entering the parks or waiting for a bus? Or have you ever wondered what the 'behind the scenes' looks like? 

All that is possible with Disney VIP Tour Services! 

What a VIP Tour Guide Offers:

• Daily 7 hour minimum; up to 14 hours per day with a Private VIP Tour Guide.
• Private transportation from your resort to the parks, park hopping included.
• Convenient 'behind the scenes' access to enter the Theme Parks.
• Unlimited FastPass+ access for everyone in your party.
• VIP viewing areas for parades and fireworks. 
• Access to restricted areas that make navigating the parks quicker.  
• Unlimited Disney knowledge. 
• Up to 10 guests per tour guide.

Fun Throughout the Day:

• Your tour guide will go on almost any ride with your party.
• They will map out a plan for the day to make sure all your wishes are fulfilled.
• Your tour guide becomes part of the family, stroller pushing included.
• They will go out of their way to make sure you have the best day imaginable at Walt Disney World. 
• They know where all the ride cameras are located. 

Theme Park admission is required and not included. If you wish to visit more than one park that day, a Theme Park ticket that includes the Park Hopper option is needed. 

VIP Tours can be booked up to 90 days in advanced, and all requests for preferred parade, show, or fireworks seating is on a first come, first served basis. 

Visit Magical Travel or call 1-866-207-8387 to inquire more about Disney VIP Tour Guides or and to book your dream Disney Theme Park day!

Magic in a Little Boy's Eyes

Magic in a Little Boy's Eyes Watching Magic Kingdom's Wishes Nighttime Spectacular 

An impromptu trip to Disney World was by far the most magical one so far. We booked the trip on a Sunday and left on that up coming Friday. This wasn't my son's first trip to Disney World, but sure was the most memorable one. 

We stayed at Disney's Beach Club Resort and had quick access to most of the parks, but on our last night we took our son, 4 years old and daughter, 2 years old to Magic Kingdom (after their normal bedtime) to watch Main Street Electrical Parade.  The kids loved seeing all the characters, floats, and lights. We jumped on a few rides afterwards without using our FastPasses since the lines weren't long. It wasn't soon after that Wishes Nighttime Spectacular started!

We were over in Liberty Square by Rapunzel's Tower and had such a great view of the fireworks. We weren't on crowed Main Street and found plenty of seating for us to sit back and enjoy the view. Our son was in awe. He was so excited to hear the music playing with the firework display and loved how they jumped from his right to his left where we were sitting. 

Mind you, we are now two hours past bed time but everything gets thrown out the window when you're in Disney World! After Wishes, we did a few more quick rides in order for the crowds to die down then headed to the buses.

Our last night in Disney World was a spur of the moment decision to go to Magic Kingdom and brave the potential meltdowns that occur after kids are up past their bedtime. It was a unplanned night that ended with amazing memories and pictures that bring a smile to our faces every time we look at them. 

LIVE STREAM: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a must-see when you visit the Walt Disney World Resort during the holidays! But what if you can't make it this year?

No worries! We've got you covered...you can watch it live!

How? Just log on to DISNEY PARKS BLOG this Sunday, December 6 for a live stream straight from the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Here's what you'll see:

8:15pm Eastern Standard Time

Watch a live-stream of Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade 


9:30pm Eastern Standard Time

Watch the "Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season" fireworks show live from the Magic Kingdom!

Enjoy!

Watch Cast Members Install Christmas Decor at the Magic Kingdom

If you've visited any of the Disney theme parks over the holidays, you know it is truly the most magical time of year. But did you ever wonder when and how the decorations are installed?

All of the magic happens overnight! Check out this video of the new holiday arches being installed over the shops along Main Street USA at Walt Disney World.

And then let us know your favorite Disney holiday tradition!

Top 5 Coffee Spots at Walt Disney World

If you're a coffee lover, you don't have to sacrifice your daily cup of joe when you're on vacation. In fact, you'd be surprised at how many rich, exotic blends there are to choose from. So, in honor of National Coffee Day (which is today!), we thought we'd share our TOP 5 coffee spots at Walt Disney World: 

5. Les Halls Boulangerie and Patisseries in France at Epcot
A lovely way to start your day at Epcot. Plus, you can choose from a variety of French pastries, baguettes, croissants, to enjoy as you take in World Showcase.

4. Starbucks at the Main Street Bakery
There are a few locations on Walt Disney World property where you can find Starbucks coffee (including Epcot and Downtown Disney), but we chose the one on Main Street as one of the best spots. Great coffee, sweet treats - perfect way to start your day at the Magic Kingdom.

3. Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop at Downtown Disney If the name alone doesn't entice you, the coffee certainly will. In addition to signature ice cream and chocolate concoctions, you can choose from a number of specialty coffee and iced beverages - all with that signature Ghirardelli taste. Yum!

2. Boma - flavors of Africa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge This place makes you feel like you just landed in the beautiful African landscape. Amid the authentic African decor, you can enjoy a cup of full-bodied Kenyan AA coffee, African pastries and a great breakfast buffet. Definitely one of our top choices.

And our number one spot for coffee at Walt Disney World is...

1. Kona Island at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Kona Island is considered one of the best spots at Walt Disney World to relax and unwind with a French press of Kona coffee. You can even take a bag of beans home with you (whole or ground, 100% pure or a blend).

So what's your favorite spot to grab a cup of coffee at Walt Disney World? Tell us in the comments below!

Trick or Treating at the Magic Kingdom

Just wait til you see the Magic Kingdom transform into a beautiful fall landscape with leaves and pumpkins and costumes! Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is an annual event that kicks off the holiday season in a big way. Here's what you need to know:

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

Select nights from 

Sept 1 - Oct 31, 2014

Tickets start at $62

1. Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is a special "hard ticket event", which means you need a separate ticket. Regular theme park admission tickets are not accepted for this event.  
2. You CAN wear a costume! Kids and adults are welcome to dress up for this special night of trick or treat fun. 
3. There are special candy stations throughout the park for trick or treating!
4. Special shows, including the Disney villains at the Castle stage and don't miss the "Boo To You" Halloween parade featuring a ride by the Headless Horseman! 

If you're on the fence about whether to attend this spook-tacular event, check out this fun video: 

We can book this event for you and we also may be able to save you some money with special offers at select Walt Disney World resort hotels this fall. Call us toll free at 1-866-207-8387 or email us at info@magicaltravel.com.

Our Tips To Beat the Crowds This 4th of July!

If you've never been to Walt Disney World over the 4th of July, you're in for a treat! The most spectacular fireworks shows will light up the sky to celebrate America. Here's a link for detailed information.

Special fireworks will be shown July 3 & 4 at Magic Kingdom, Epcot & Disney's Hollywood Studios!

However, Fourth of July is one of the most crowded nights of the year at Walt Disney World. So how can you beat the crowds and still see some fourth of July fireworks? 

Here are a few tips!

Staying at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort?

     ...Did you know you can see some of the Epcot IllumiNations fireworks from many parts the resort?

What if you're staying at the Contemporary, Grand Floridian, or Polynesian Resorts?

     ...Walk toward the water & watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from there.

How about if you're camping at Fort Wilderness or staying at Wilderness Lodge?

     ...Head over to Bay Lake & catch the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

Staying at Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts or the Boardwalk?

     ...Stroll along the promenade and you can see parts of the Epcot IllumiNations fireworks

These are all options if you'd rather skip the theme parks that evening - but please keep in mind that these suggestions will give you a partial view of the fireworks. You certainly won't be able to see the whole show perfectly as if you were in the parks.

Whether you visit the theme parks or stay at the resort, the fireworks shows at Walt Disney World are unbelievably magical! 

Happy Fourth of July!

NIGHT OF JOY LINE-UP ANNOUNCED

What is Night of Joy? Night of Joy is a two-night Christian music festival with performances by popular stars in rock, pop and gospel. It's held annually at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

When is it? September 5 - 6, 2014 from 7:30pm - 1:00am.

Where is it held? The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

Featured acts (as of June 3, 2014): Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, For King and Country, Mandisa, Building 429, Matt Maher, The Neverclaim, Skillet, Mercy Me, Britt Nicole, Israel Houghton and New Breed, Colton Dixon, Rhett Walker Band, We As Human and 1 Girl Nation. (entertainment is subject to change without notice).
 
What you need to know: Night of Joy is a special event that requires a separately priced ticket. Regular theme park admission is not valid for this special event.

Price of admission:Tickets start at $59 for a one-day ticket.

Special TIP: If you're planning to attend this popular music festival, book now! Availability and space is limited. AND the FREE Dining promotion occurs during the dates of Night of Joy. Work with one of our agents to see if you're eligible to receive FREE Dining!

Special Summer Savings at Walt Disney World Ends Soon

There's still time to dive into big savings this summer!

You and your family could save up to 30% at select Walt Disney World resort hotels for most stays this summer June 15 - August 28 - but you have to act fast.

Book by June 6 (next Friday!) to lock into great savings. 

And while you're at Walt Disney World, you can experience the newest attraction in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom: The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, which officially opens today! It looks awesome - check it out:

24-Hour Bicoastal Disney Celebration!

In the ultimate tweet, 140 "characters" assembled to share the news about the biggest 24-hour celebration ever!

The Magic Kingdom Park in Florida, Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park in California will be filled with Disney heroes and villains from 6 a.m., May 23 to 6 a.m., May 24, 2014!

At this year’s All-Night Extravaganza, you can show your “Disney Side” by dressing as a Disney hero or villain. The celebration on both coasts will feature lots of events showcasing the good-vs.-evil of classic Disney stories including character meet-and-greets throughout the parks, special entertainment, event merchandise and special food and beverage offerings. 

(TIP: If you want to be there for this special 24-hour celebration, book now. Special rates are going on where you could save up to 30% off select Walt Disney World Resorts)

Disney Ticket Prices Went Up - Now What?

You probably heard that Disney raised ticket prices this week. The price for a one day, one park ticket to Magic Kingdom is:

One Day, One Park Ticket for an Adult =$99

One Day One Park Ticket for Kids (ages 3 - 9) = $93

The cost for a one day, one park ticket to Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios or Disney's Animal Kingdom is five dollars less, at $94 for adults and $88 for kids.

So, how can you get the most for your money and avoid paying high ticket prices? 

With Magic Your Way
MULTI-DAY tickets

Do you know anyone that goes to Disney for just one day? Oh sure there are some people who do. But more than likely you'll travel a good distance and take time off from work to spend a few days having fun at Walt Disney World. 

The last thing you want to do is spend a ton of extra money. 

With the Magic Your Way ticket options, you can customize your tickets to your budget, your length of stay and the things you like to doour preferences. 

• You can add a water park option - or not. 
• You can add a "park hopper" option so you can visit more than one park in one day - or not. 
• You can add water parks + "more" which includes golf, DisneyQuest, mini golf and the ESPN Wide World of Sports - or not.

Only want to visit the parks for three days? Order a three day ticket. Four days? Order a four day ticket. Five? Well, you get the point. 

The best part of the whole Magic Your Way ticket options is that the cost per day of the ticket continues to go down the more days you add. 

For instance, the cost of a 4-day ticket is $73 per day (adult).

A 5-day ticket is $61 per day (adult). 

If all of this is confusing or a bit overwhelming, let us do the work for you. We won't let you pay for more than what you want and need.

And that includes our services - which are completely free.

Bad Weather Doesn't Have To Ruin Your Fun!

If you've ever been to Central Florida, then you know the weather can change in the drop of a hat. 

Or...in the drop of some Mickey ears :)

But crazy weather doesn't have to ruin all your Disney fun. There are tons of things to do at Walt Disney World that don't involve a bright yellow rain poncho. 

Here are our TOP 3 things to do when it rains at Disney:

1.  Enjoy a free concert by the Grand Floridian Lobby Society Orchestra - they play dixie, jazz, ragtime and Disney favorites in the lobby and they are spectacular! (In between their sets, you may hear the amazing grand pianist play some familiar tunes on the main floor).

2. Go bowling! Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Downtown Disney has 50,000 square feet, two floors, 30 lanes, billiard tables, live music, and yummy food. Most people don't take time out of their theme park visits to go bowling, but on a rainy day? This is a great family activity!

3.  Head on over to Animal Kingdom Lodge, home to one of the largest collections of African art in the United States. There is often some form of entertainment in the lobby - kid's craft, live music, or an African storyteller. And there are food choices that include traditional African dishes or favorite American things like burgers and fries. 

These are just a few things to do when the weather isn't the greatest - what are some of your favorite things to do when it rains at Disney?

Want a Little Extra Magic?

Do you know about EXTRA MAGIC HOURS?

There are many benefits to staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. But one of our favorites is the chance to experience "EXTRA MAGIC HOURS." As a Disney resort guest, you can enjoy additional time in one of the four Disney theme parks either before or after regular operating hours. 

Be sure to check at your hotel front desk or concierge for a listing of which parks will open earlier or remain open later for EXTRA MAGIC HOURS during your stay. This perk is included with your theme park admission ticket.

Today just happens to be when the Magic Kingdom Park is holding EXTRA MAGIC HOURS for all Disney resort guests.

The park opened for all guests at 9am; however, Disney resort guests were able to enter at 8am. Getting in earlier means less crowds, shorter wait times and special character appearances. And more time to make great family memories. 

So tell us, which park would you like to visit first thing in the morning when there are no crowds? 

Your Child's First Haircut...At Walt Disney World?

Did you know that you or your kids can get your hair cut at Walt Disney World? Oh sure there are some spas and salons on Disney property that offer hair cutting services, but nestled in a little space next to the Emporium on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom is a wonderful hidden treasure called "Harmony Barber Shop." 

Have you ever noticed it before? It's easy to miss! In fact, you've probably walked past it a million times. To the right of the fire station is the big gate where the parade enters (or exits) Main Street. Next to the gate are some storefronts - and one of them is Harmony Barber Shop. There's a striped barber shop pole out front to welcome you as well as pixie dust, bubbles, and a pair of whimsical giant red scissors to make kids smile.

The trained stylists will cut adult or children's hair and they even offer a special "First Haircut" package, which includes a special commemorative set of Mickey ears! Can you imagine? What a special way to remember your child's first haircut. 


Pricing: 

Adult haircut - $19
Child haircut - $15 for ages 12 and under
Hair Gel - $5
My First Haircut Package - $18 

Reservations can be made in advance, but walk-ins are welcome, too. 

Step Back in Time...To 1971

If you love all things Disney, you'll love this vintage video from the first parade at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World back in 1971. According to the Disney Parks Blog, the parade featured all of the classic Disney characters - including some you don't see very often like The Aristocats, Bambi and Thumper and the Queen of Hearts. 

A 1,076-member marching band played "76 Trombones" and then all of the musicians joined with a choir to perform "When You Wish Upon A Star" in front of Cinderella Castle. During the last verse of this iconic Disney song, the sky was filled with 50,000 multicolored balloons! Can you imagine??

How I wish I had been there. This video sure makes me feel like I was. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

What year did you first visit Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments below. 

Learn All About The New "Princess Fairytale Hall" AND Enter To Win Two Lithographs!

The newest character greeting location - Disney's Princess Fairytale Hall - opened last week in New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom. Here, guests can choose to meet either Cinderella and a visiting princess or Rapunzel and a visiting princess.

Here's what you need to know:

1. Where's it located? Princess Fairytale Hall is located behind the castle where Snow White's Scary Adventures used to be.
2. How does it work? Cinderella and Rapunzel each have their own line - so choose your favorite and then switch lines.
   (Hint: Word on the street is Rapunzel's line grows longer throughout the day, so visit her first!)
   
   Hot Tip! You can use FASTPASS at this attraction! Stop by the FASTPASS distribution station near Peter Pan's Flight to get your return time ticket, or use the MyDisneyExperience app.
    
3. What can you do there? Meet the princesses, get autographs and take pictures. Due to slightly lower light levels, you might be better off having the Disney photographer take some shots with the Disney PhotoPass. 

Meet Cinderella

Meet Rapunzel

Don't miss Cinderella's famous glass slipper!

ENTER TO WIN!

Three winners chosen at random will receive a set of two beautiful lithographs of scenes from New Fantasyland! They measure about 9" square and come with a mat border. Here are the scenes depicted in each lithograph:

TO ENTER: Just comment on this blog post with the name of the princess you'd most like to meet!

Winners will be chosen at random and announced on the blog and on our Facebook page at noon EST on Thursday, September 26, 2013.

NEW MOBILE APP: "My Disney Experience"

Everywhere you look, people are on their phones. It's become the primary way we get our news and communicate with friends and family. 

You probably bring it with you on vacation, and now there's a good reason why you'll want to have your phone with you on your next Disney vacation: The MY DISNEY EXPERIENCE app (free download on the app store and Google Play). 

My Disney Experience - on your laptop or Smart Phone

You can do so much with this app:

• Explore Walt Disney World with the interactive GPS
• View your FASTPASS return times 
• Get wait times for attractions, shows, fireworks and parades
• Find Disney character greeting locations and times
• Browse restaurant menus and making dining reservations
• Share your plans with others through "Family & Friends"
• Keep all your reservations and activities in one spot

Your Disney vacation will literally be at your fingertips.
So what do you think? Will you use this app?
 

"Glow With the Show" Comes to Walt Disney World

Earlier this year, we posted on our Facebook page about the "Glow with the Show" ears at Disneyland. 

These magical Mickey ears light up and interact with the World of Color nighttime spectactular at Disney's California Adventure and at various spots in Disneyland. 

And now, they're coming to the Walt Disney World Resort!

 

Take a Look at How They Work:

This October, "Glow With the Show" comes to Fantasmic at Disney's Hollywood Studios and to the nighttime show "Wishes" at the Magic Kingdom. 

And this holiday season, there will special surprises for guests who wear their "Glow With the Show" Ears during the Osborne Spectacle of Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios and during the Holiday performances of "Wishes."

Just one more way to make your visit to Disney even more magical!