Disney Picture of the day ºoº

The Walt Disney quote of the day

2014-05-01T11:30:00.000-06:00

Walt Disney Quotes

2014-04-30T08:00:00.000-06:00

Walt Disney Quotes

2014-04-29T09:44:00.001-06:00

Skip The Lines At WDW

2013-09-26T05:54:00.000-05:00

Disney World is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world receiving over 47 million visitors each year (in 2011 the Magic Kingdom alone received over 17 million visitors).

With these numbers, every Disney World Resort fan should know that chosing the right day to visit each of the Disney World theme parks can make a huge difference. The difference, in fact, between a picture-perfect trip to Disney World and an absolute nightmare involving endless hours of waiting in line.

After countless trips to the Disney World Resort in the last 20 years – and having tried every Disney World planning strategy under the sun to avoided the dreaded Disney World lines – I strongly recommend TouringPlans.com; a must-have Disney World planning and optimization tool used by both amateur and professional travellers to SAVE UP TO FOUR HOURS IN LINE at the Disney theme parks in a single day.

Multiply that potential daily time-saving by the number of days in your trip to Disney World, and it definitely adds up. Remember that the main source of WDW vacation tension amongst families – and the top reason why people don’t have a good time at the Disney World Resort parks – is because of crowds. Crowds will always exist at Walt Disney World to one degree or another, but it is definitely possible to largely avoid them and minimize their impact on your wonderful Disney World dream vacation.

While it is impossible to predict the future regarding Disney World crowds and attendance levels, the TouringPlans.com folks have made a science out of crowd and wait time predictions at WDW.

Touringplans.com is a website and mobile app that can really help optimize your Walt Disney World vacation. With touring plans, crowd calendar and a mobile wait time app, Touringplans.com has everything you need to plan out and enjoy your day.

Use the Touring Plans discount code MAGIADISNEY when subscribing to TouringPlans.com and get 20% off.

Disney World Crowd Calendar – When to Go To Disney World

When planning your trip to Disney World, first check out the TouringPlans.com Disney World Crowd Calendar. For every day of the year, you will find an expected crowd-level index based on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being least crowded and 10 being most crowded (say, 4th of July).

To view a sample Disney World Crowd Calendar visit the Disney World Crowd Calendar over here. This Crowd Calendar is continuously being updated and refined, and it has been used by over 3 million families already. These calendars are created and updated by a team of professional statisticians, and take into account historical conditions, public holidays, special events, and more.

The Touring Plans – How to Optimize Your Disney World Touring

In the weeks prior to arriving at WDW during your chosen dates, check out the actual optimized Disney World touring plans.

Why follow a touring plan? Because choosing the least crowded days to visit, but not having a good plan of attack for avoiding crowd concentrations during the day is like ordering Diet Coke with three Big Macs. Whatever you do, follow a touring plan!

Avoiding crowd concentrations involves being able to predict where, when, and why they occur. Concentrations of hungry people create bottlenecks at WDW restaurants during lunch and dinner; concentrations of visitors at new and popular Disney World rides, and at rides slow to load and unload, create bottlenecks and long lines. The Touring Plans beat all of these concentrations by advising you when to visit which attractions.

Here you will get over 140 field-tested, step-by-step guides for seeing as much as possible in WDW keeping waiting in line to a bare minimum. The Touring Plans include one-day and two-day attack plans for all four Disney theme parks, and are designed to work for every type of group. Plans include Author's Selective plans to experience the best of the parks, plans for groups with children or seniors, and even late arrival plans to make the most of your days when you prefer to sleep in.

If you already know what attractions and shows you want to hit, check out the touring plan app to create your own customized touring plan for any of the four major Walt Disney World theme parks.

Use the Touring Plans discount code MAGIADISNEY when subscribing to TouringPlans.com and get 20% off.

Lines: Mobile Wait Times App

Finally, during your trip we recommend using the TouringPlans.com Lines Mobile Wait Times App for the iPhone, Android, and other mobile phones.

Because even the best laid plans often go awry, and sometimes you get a late start to your day or visit an attraction out of order on your Touring Plan, or for whatever reason that circumstances may change, Lines has you covered.

Lines displays current and future statistically-based wait times as predicted by the TouringPlans.com professional statisticians, and also provides user submitted wait times, for every attraction in Walt Disney World.

Use the Touring Plans discount code MAGIADISNEY when subscribing to TouringPlans.com and get 20% off.

Conclusion

I strongly recommend a TouringPlans.com subscription both for first time Disney World visitors and for seasoned WDW veterans as well (they are also available for Disneyland).

The premium service costs only $11.95 for 365 days of premium access (with a 45-day money-back guarantee) and you will get a 20% discount off your subscription using the Touring Plans discount code MAGIADISNEY.

The will give you access to the Disney World Crowd Calendar, over 140 Touring Plans, wait times via the Lines mobile application, and much, much more!

Disclosure:

Whilst this is NOT a sponsored post, our website does get a commission from every subscription generated through the affiliate links posted on this site. However, after personally trying out this service (together with several other million people) I have absolutely no problem recommending it.

4th of July at Disney World

2013-07-04T07:17:00.000-06:00

¡Happy 4th of July everyone! To be honest, we at http://wdwpics.blogspot.com can think of no better place in the world to celebrate Independence Day than Disney World. After all, next to apple pie, there is nothing more American than Mickey Mouse!

On this 4th of July, guests visiting the Disney World parks are in for a few extra special treats. As part of its Limited Time Magic promotion, Disney World is celebrating the holiday all week. Through Sunday you can enjoy WDW's own version of the star-spangled banner in "Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky" nightly high above Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom. This WDW fireworks spectacular includes an all-new musical score produced in concert band style. The fireworks show is at 9 p.m. on July 3 and 4, and 10 p.m. on July 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7.

Also at Disney World's Magic Kingdom there is a special pre-show celebrating the Spirit of ’76 before the Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade, hosted by Goofy, Donald and Pluto.

On the 4th of July at Epcot, guests can enjoy a special concert of American songs by the Voices of Liberty at America Gardens Theater. A number of favorite Disney characters will be meeting guests outside The American Adventure in patriotic attire. At Sunshine Seasons Bakery in The Land Pavilion in Future World, guests can dine on a red, white and blue Baked Alaska made out of raspberries, white chocolate and blueberry mousse.

Guests at Disney's Hollywood Studios on the 4th can rock out to the brand-new "Rockin' 4th of July Celebration." A DJ and house band, Mulch, Sweat and Shears, will take guests on a rock'n'roll road trip across America at the Sorcerer's Hat Sound Stage. The band will be playing live during the fireworks spectacular that evening at 10 p.m.

"The American" picture by Scott Smith

"Patriotic Pre-show, Disney's World of Color, Disneyland Resort in California" by Michael Huey

"Magic Kingdom 4th of July" by Jeff Krause

"Disney's Human Element - Bringing In The 4th" by Scott Smith

"Happy 4th of July" by Brett Kiger

"Pluto" by Andy Castro

¡Happy 4th of July and enjoy these great Disney World pictures!

Disney World Maps

2013-06-18T03:36:00.002-06:00

Planning a trip to Disney World is an art, and a perfect vacation to WDW starts with careful planning. Don’t be a blind mouse and save precious time by downloading your printable Disney World Maps, Disney hotel maps and even jogging trails in advance here.

At http://wdwpics.blogspot.com you’ll be able to download over 50 printable Walt Disney World maps including Disney theme park maps (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom), Disney hotel maps, Disney World jogging trail maps, Orlando driving directions and other goodies!

So whether you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, doing some Disney scrapbooking or simply want to add these great maps of Disney to your collection, check out our WDW blog at http://wdwpics.blogspot.com for great information, Disney vacation tips and tricks.

Files include Caribbean Beach jogging map, Caribbean Beach Hotel map, Contemporary Resort hotel map, Coronado Springs jogging map, Coronado Springs Resort map, Disney Quest map, Downtown Disney map, Epcot map, a general map of Florida and the Orlando area, a map of the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot, map of the Food and Wine Festival, Fort Wilderness jogging map, Fort Wilderness Resort map, Grand Floridian jogging map (my personal favourite), Grand Floridian hotel map, Hollywood Studios theme park map, Magic Kingdom park map, MCO Airport map, essential Orlando road map, Disney’s Polynesian Resort map, Pop-Century jogging trail map, Pop-Century Hotel map, Port Orleans jogging trail and resort map, a general map of the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Typhoon Lagoon water park map, Wilderness Lodge Resort map and Yacht and Beach Club map among others…

Disneyland River Excursions

2013-06-11T16:00:00.000-06:00

As Disney fans will probably know, much of the beauty to be found in Disneyland (and in life) is neatly tucked away in the details. Sometimes those details are big and other times very small. They work together to create an atmosphere that saturates you with appreciation and immerses you in a place that pluses reality.

Photo by Michaela Hansen, read more at Tours Departing Daily.

Disneyland Paris Discoveryland

2013-06-10T15:00:00.000-06:00

Instead of Tomorrowland, Disneyland Paris has the more timeless Discoveryland, which is heavily influenced by Jules Verne (among other explorers and visionaries).

Check out hundreds more photos of Disneyland Paris in Tom Bricker's Disneyland Paris Trip Report.

Disneyland Love Birds

2013-06-09T19:30:00.000-06:00

The two love birds shown in this HDR composition by Tony Tran asked the photographer to do their engagement shoot at Disneyland and this is one of the shots from that day.

Disneyland Main Street

2013-06-08T21:30:00.000-06:00

Delightful and magical mood in this Disneyland shot by Chris Alcoran.

Disneyland Hot Air Balloon

2013-06-07T17:30:00.000-06:00

It's not often you see a big hot air balloon floating above the Disney parks!

This one had been going up in the air for tethered rides with special guests throughout the morning. So, naturally, our photographer Andy Castro headed to Mickey's Fun Wheel to get a shot of the balloon floating above the Resort.

Free Caribbean Pirate’s Book for Kids

2013-06-05T02:19:00.000-06:00

“Ye come seeking adventure and salty old pirates?”

Well, I suppose that when one has ridden “Pirates of the Caribbean” at Walt Disney World dozens of times – and the attraction has become a sort of obsession – weird things start to happen… Like inspiring me to write and publish my first children’s book!

Today I’m really pleased to announce “The Secret of Crooked Cove”; a thrilling pirate tale for young readers overflowing with traditional adventure, suspense and excitement inspired by my own childhood memories of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disney World.

To celebrate the publication of this lovely children’s story, and as a special “THANK YOU” to all of the readers of this blog that have supported me along the way, it will be available as a FREE KINDLE DOWNLOAD during 48 hours until approximately 23:59 (PST) of Thursday June 6th 2013.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE if you do download your free copy and you enjoy the story and the illustrations please take a few minutes to leave a nice review. It means a lot and will really help me along the way : )

The story – illustrated with an exclusive collection of beautiful watercolors – revolves around three unforgettable buccaneers who find themselves entangled in an exciting Caribbean adventure…

When the buccaneers are entrusted with the task of transporting a mysterious pirate’s chest to the island of Hispaniola by two men dressed in long black capes and mysterious masks, little do they suspect that the Royal British Navy will soon be hard on their heels. After a thrilling pursuit the pirates are forced to seek shelter in Crooked Cove, wondering what dark secret lies hidden within their mysterious cargo.

This lovely and fast-paced tale full of lovable characters and lush landscapes transports young readers to an exciting world of classical adventure and fantasy where everything is possible, allowing the imagination to roam free.

In a time when the creative process has given way to electronic games where our children tend to exercise their imagination less and less, “The Secret of Crooked Cove” helps to relive those vibrant stories from yesteryear and sparks a passion for reading in the younger generation.

Remember that you don't need to own a Kindle device to enjoy “The Secret of Crooked Cove”. The Kindle app is available for every major smartphone, tablet, and computer and can be downloaded for free here.

Ahoy, captain, ready for a seafaring adventure?

Waiting for Merida at the Magic Kingdom

2013-06-04T17:00:00.000-06:00

All the way from Scotland, Disney’s princess Merida (from the animated feature Brave), meets and greets guests at Disney World's Magic Kingdom alongside three mischievous bear cubs.

This Disney World play-and-greet experience (shown here in a picture by casajump) is located just to the right of Cinderella Castle inside Fairytale Garden, not only featuring a photo opportunity with Merida and the baby bears but also a chance to learn a few archery skills and color.

The colorful meet-and-greet takes guests past artwork, tapestries, and artifacts reminiscent of the movie.

Gorgeous Disneyland Sunset

2013-06-03T19:00:00.000-06:00

Justin Brown, the photographer who took this great picture, says that he's always been envious of other photographers' sunset photos from Disneyland.

He has taken a few, but never really had one he liked. There are a few reasons, one of them probably being that he mostly visits Disneyland with non-photographer family and friends and sunset is usually the middle of their visit.

Clearly, however, this night things just worked out...

A New Day at Epcot

2013-06-02T21:00:00.000-06:00

Gorgeous shot, brilliant composition and wonderful colors on this picture by Christian Lambert at Epcot.

Test Track 2.0

2013-06-01T04:20:00.000-06:00

On January 6, 2012, Disney announced plans to renovate the Test Track attraction at Epcot during the second and third quarters of the year and re-open the ride by fall 2012. As part of the update, Test Track's sponsor became General Motors' Chevrolet brand.

The new additions to Test Track 2.0 at Disney World include a pre-show area where guests design a new car for testing in the Chevrolet Design Center, then they board Test Track's existing six-passenger ride vehicles, known as "SimCars", to see how their design fares on the Center's driving course.

Photograph by Hector Parayuelos.

Disney's Art of Animation Resort 1 Year Later

2013-05-21T10:17:00.004-06:00

This is a guest post by my friend Kirsten Cuillard, Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and owner of Castles and Dreams Travel. I strongly encourage you to check them our over here for your Disney World and Disneyland vacation needs. They provide great customer service at no extra cost to you.

It has been almost a year since the Art of Animation opened at Disney World and, in April, I finally had the opportunity to stay there. I was very excited about this resort because we are a family of 5—my mom, my three children (ages 15, 12 and 11) and me, so typically we always need to get two rooms but this time we were going to try out the Art of Animation themed suites.

The Art of Animation Resort has 864 standard rooms with The Little Mermaid theme. These rooms have two double beds, a small table with two chairs, a dresser, mini-fridge, TV and are 260 square feet (24 square meters). These rooms are the same size as the rooms at the other value resorts. One thing to note is that these rooms are quite a distance from the main pool and Animation Hall (the furthest room is a 10-minute walk), but your Castles & Dreams Travel agent can always request a room as close to the center as possible.

There are also 1,120 suites in three themes: Cars, Finding Nemo and The Lion King. The size is 565 square feet (52 square meters). Our family loves the Cars movie franchise, so we chose this themed suite. Though the next time the kids requested we stay in a Finding Nemo Suite because they are the closest to the main pool and Animation Hall.

Each suite has a bedroom with one queen bed, a dresser, a TV, a safe and hanging space for clothes. There is a large bathroom attached to the bedroom that has a large sink, toilet and shower. My mom took the bedroom.

The kids and I had plenty of room in the living room. The couch opens into a double bed. I do not like sofa beds, but this one was very comfortable. There is also a dining table that converts easily into a bed. This bed was also comfortable so I was impressed with the quality of the sleeping arrangements. In the living room, there is also a TV, dresser, hanging space and a mini kitchen. There is a sink, mini fridge, coffee maker and microwave. Disney supplies the room with paper plates, forks, coffee and other items. I was disappointed that the food court did not have items that could be made in the kitchenette (such as cereal, lunch meat, bread) like they have at other resorts.

Speaking of the food court, Landscape of Flavors, we ate there quite a few times. I was looking forward to eating here because Jose & Cris (agents for Castles & Dreams Travel that live in Spain) ate here a few months before our trip and gave excellent reviews. The first night we arrived, I ordered a make-your-own salad. For one price, you can add as many items as you would like such as olives, cheese and chicken. The kids grabbed a pizza and mom got the Tandoori Boneless Chicken platter with naan bread and basmati rice. Everything was delicious. My favorite item at the food court was the cheesy pesto bread. Yummy.

The largest pool on Walt Disney World property is the Big Blue Pool at the Art of Animation. This is a zero-entry, 300.000+ gallon pool with underwater speakers (a first for a Disney resort). For younger guests, there is a spray-ground. There are activities daily at the pool. Our favorite one was “guess the attraction”. The host played music and we had to guess which attraction the music came from.

Luckily, the kids and I have stayed at most the resorts at Walt Disney World since my job requires frequent visits : ) and this is one of their favorites. Only the Beach Club, with their pool, beats this for Jason, Tyler and Emily. But a standard room at the Beach Club is about $150 more per night and about 150 square feet smaller than a suite at the Art of Animation. I hope to take the kids back to Walt Disney World in November and I asked the kids where we should stay. Art of Animation was the winner!

Hidden Disney Treasure; The Main Street USA Pianists

2013-05-07T04:52:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite things about the Disney theme parks are those hidden treasures that are often not discovered during a guest's first visit, and perhaps not even during the second, but that provide magical moments on successive trips.

As Lou Mongello often says, one can compare the Disney theme parks to a giant, yummy, cake made from multiple layers. Some of these layers are obvious and visible even on a first visit (like the Disney attractions or characters that we all love) yet other layers of cake (the windows on Main Street USA or the Hidden Mickeys for example) are usually revealed over successive visits to The World and it is precisely these small magical details that allow us to enjoy new things on every trip to Disneyland and Disney World.

In today’s post we discover one of those Disney treasures, hidden in plain view, that goes unnoticed by most guests but once discovered becomes a must for future trips to the Disney parks. Of course, we’re talking about the fabulous ragtime pianists located just off Main Street USA in Disneyland Park and WDW’s Magic Kingdom.

At Magic Kingdom you can find these talented pianists "tickling the ivories" in the outdoor terrace of Casey’s Corner – just off Main Street USA before reaching the hub - while at Disneyland they are usually located in the courtyard of the Coca Cola Refreshment Corner.

Perhaps one of the most memorable pianists ever to have played at Disneyland is Rod Miller, who entertained park guests five days a week from 1969 until his retirement in 2006. Rod began playing the piano in the sixties, in a pizzeria, until a Disney scout discovered his talent and invited him to play in the park.

As a child, Rod suffered an accident that severely damaged his back and doctors said that he would never walk or sit upright in a chair for long periods of time. Incredibly, despite this, Rod persevered and delighted guests for over 30 years often playing during 8 hours a day. There's a bit of Disney magic for you : )

Rod Miller - along with other veteran piano players and equally spectacular artists like Johnny Hodges, Stan Long and Robert Glenn - gave way to a new generation of fresh talent including Jonny May, Alan Thompson Jr. and “Disney Jim” who’s talent we can enjoy today at Walt Disney World…

Although these piano players tend to specialize in ragtime – an American musical genre that became popular in the late nineteenth century characterized by syncopated or "ragged," rhythm - also play famous Disney tunes like this one:

So, the next time you visit Disneyland or Disney World, please make sure to check out these musical prodigies because it’s definitely something worth experiencing!

New Disney Deals and Hand-Picked Shopping Ideas Club

2013-05-03T03:37:00.000-06:00

Rejoice, fellow Disney nerds, LostBoysLoot.com has launched and they’ve got goodies for you!

Over the past few years, daily deal and group buying sites have mushroomed both in the USA and internationally delivering all sorts of shopping ideas to subscribers from fashion and beauty products to travel and electronics.

LostBoysLoot.com aims to deliver Disney deals, hand-picked shopping ideas and other exclusive bounty for true Disney fans including unique theme park merchandising, memorabilia, awesome Disney books, must-see movies, Disney music and much, much more.

Unlike many of the other daily deal sites, LostBoysLoot.com will not bombard you with unattractive or repetitive offers but instead will focus on delivering a truly value-added experience by lovingly communicating Disney products and services worth your attention.

So, sometimes you might receive two weekly e-mails and other times you will only receive one per month; the emphasis is on quality and not quantity (please feel free to contact them at goodies@lostboysloot.com if you come across a Disney deal worth spreading).

LostBoysLoot.com protects your privacy, and your e-mail address will NEVER be shared with anyone. Plus, you will be able to unsubscribe at any time with just one click. Sounds pretty straightforward, right?

Since more subscribers will mean better deals for all of us, please sign-up here and let’s give these folks a chance to make some Disney magic…

Happy looting!

More Free Things to do at Disney World

2013-04-10T11:47:00.000-05:00

Who doesn’t love free? Especially after having spent a fortune travelling to Disney World, tickets, accommodation and purchasing quite a few more souvenirs that we should have... Certainly not us!

Here at WDW Info And Pics we’re always on the lookout for free things to do at the Disney World Resort in Orlando so here are some of our favorite things to do without spending a dime.

Tour the WDW Boardwalk

Stroll along Crescent Lake and take in the sights and sounds along Disney’s BoardWalk Entertainment District, reminiscent of beachside turn-of-the-century East Coast. A number of shops line the Boardwalk, offering plenty of window shopping opportunities.

Watch the game or catch a live interview at the ESPN Club (no need to purchase anything),which often hosts live radio sports shows. Or why not take take in the marine-themed fine art at Wyland Galleries? Just remember to keep your wallet in your pocket : )

Take in the Electrical Water Pageant

One of the few original opening shows at Disney World that continues to this day, the pageant takes place nightly (weather permitting) on the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake, and features floating sea creatures lit by hundreds of bulbs!

You can see it outside the entrance to Magic Kingdom Park or from the beaches and docks alongside Disney’s Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness and Contemporary resorts.

Visit Downtown Disney

 There is no charge to visit Downtown Disney and there are several FREE (or almost free) things to do while you’re there.

Of cours, kids love the LEGO Imagination Center, where they can dig through the giant tubs of LEGO bricks, create a “masterpiece,” and even race their figures on ramps. Inside the store, there are computers where the kids can play games and design LEGO structures. (FYI: The huge LEGO statues outside the store make for great family photos.)

Hunt for hidden Mickeys

One of our very favorite things to do is to keep an eye out for the famous mouse ears that are interspersed throughout the park. Believe me when I tell you there is nothing quite like the thrill of being the first one in your group to announce “I spy a hidden Mickey …” that no one else has seen before!

Strike up a conversation with a stranger

Sometimes the introverts among us need a little bit of nudging, but one of the best ways to pass the time while waiting in line is to strike up a conversation with a stranger. After all, people come to the parks from all over the world! It’s always interesting to hear where people are from and what they’ve enjoyed about their trip.

And don’t forget about cast members! It should come as no surprise that they love talking to guests. Even better, cast members have tons of insider knowledge about the parks and can offer suggestions to make your trip much more memorable.

Make Your Own Duffy the Disney Bear Souvenir

Located in each country’s pavilion in World Showcase at Epcot are these convenient little rest areas called KidCot Fun Stops.

They’re great for when your little ones (or you) need a break from the crowds and they’re also great for a FREE souvenir. The kids can take their time coloring their own Disney the Duffy Bear souvenir. We even got Duffy himself to hold the one we made!

Catch a fireworks show from outside of the park

The beach at Disney’s Polynesian Resort is a popular (and romantic) location for watching the fireworks show outside of Magic Kingdom. The beach at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is another fireworks-viewing destination, although it is hampered right now by construction.

Another popular place to catch the fireworks is from the boat launch at the Ticketing and Transportation Center. Like at the Polynesian, the show’s music is piped in for full effect.

Visit the animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge plays host to more than 30 species of African wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, gazelles, kudu and flamingos. You don’t have to be a Disney resort guest to see the magnificent animals, which can be observed from the elevated ‘kopje,’ or rock cropping, which allows guests to view the animals from yards away.

Trade Your Disney Pins 

The initial Disney Pin investment isn’t free, but trading them with Cast Members at the Disney parks and resorts certainly is

Wear a Celebration Button

 There’s always a reason to celebrate when you’re at Disney World, so don’t forget to stop by Guest Relations to pick up your FREE Celebration Button. Wear it proudly during your trip and you’re sure to get lots of special attention!

What are your favorite FREE things to do at the parks? Share yours on Twitter!

10 Special Events at Disney World

2013-04-08T07:30:00.000-05:00

As seasoned WDW fans are well aware of, Disney World offers plenty of fun and endless entertainment possibilities throughout the year...

The four theme parks at Walt Disney World - Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom - are the main focus of attention drawing in visitors during the year, but what not everybody knows is that practically all year round there are also special events taking place at the Disney World Resort in Orlando - and these special events are not always in the parks! In today's post, we summarize 10 unique experiences that you should not miss should they coincide with your next trip to WDW.

10. Mardi Gras

A little-known event on Mardi Gras is the mini-parade through Disney’s Port Orleans Resort. Several departments of the resort build floats on golf carts. The floats are judged and then parade through the grounds. During the parade they throw New Orleans-style trinkets (beads, candy, doubloons) to the guests who line up to watch.

9. Disney World Marathon

In January each year, the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon highlight an entire running weekend at Disney World Resort. Other highlights include Goofy’s Race-and-a-Half Challenge, Family Fun Run 5K and Kids’ Races. There are other races throughout the year: The Princess Half Marathon in February, the Expedition Everest Challenge in May, and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Ten-miler in October.

8. Atlanta Braves Spring Training

The Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball team hold their Spring Training season at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex starting in February. After a period of workouts, the Braves play a series of games against major rivals at The Ballpark at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

7. Epcot International Flower And Garden Festival

All throughout Epcot you will find more than 100 topiaries as well as special actives (for kids and adults!) and gardening workshops. Don’t forget to stay after dark for the Illuminated Gardens.

6. Easterat Disney World

Meet Mr. and Mrs. Bunny at the Magic Kingdom and hunt eggs in Epcot. Many hotels offer Easter activities and Grand Floridian Resort pastry chefs usually display elaborate edible Easter Eggs in the lobby.

5. Star Wars Weekends at WDW

This is a summer (usually in May and June) special event at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park that celebrates George Lucas' classic sci-fi movie series.

4. Epcot International Food And Wine Festival

I love this event because you can sample the regional cuisine of 6 continents all in one place. This six-week event starts at the end of September and runs through the beginning of November. Tapas-sized portions of regional specialties run $3 to $8 each, and recommended wines and beers make perfect pairings at each kiosk.

3. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at WDW

The party is held on selected nights in September and October each year. It is offered from 7:00 pm to midnight, after the regular closing of Magic Kingdom, and requires separate admission. Everyone is welcome to dress up and trick-or-treat. There is a special parade and fireworks.

2. WDW Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Just like the Halloween party, this party is held after the regular closing of Magic Kingdom and requires separate admission. Admission to the event includes complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, “snow” on Main Street, holiday stage shows, carolers, two performances of the holiday parade, and a special fireworks display. Plus, most of the major attractions will be open.

1. Christmas at Disney World

Besides the party, there are so many special events happening at Disney World. In Epcot, World Showcase transforms into a splendid display of international holiday traditions and storytelling.

Also in Epcot is the Candlelight Processional, a celebrity narrator presenting the Biblical Christmas story, plus a large choir and an orchestra performing traditional religious Christmas carols.

At the Magic Kindgom, Cinderella Castle is decorated for the holiday season with a “Dream Lights” effect that makes the Castle seem to be covered in ice. And don’t forget the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This elaborate holiday decoration display incorporating millions of Christmas lights, fake snow and various holiday vignettes.

What are your favorite special events at Disney World? Feel free to share them with us on Twitter.

The Flower and Garden Festival at WDW

2013-04-05T11:29:00.000-05:00

Temperatures are on the rise in sunny Orlando just in time for one of our very favorite events — the Epcot International Flower And Garden Festival.

This annual event at Disney World runs from March 6 through May 19 2013, and it features some of the most amazing topiaries ever seen. It takes Disney more than a year to prepare for the event, which showcases more than 30 million blooms. Here’s an overview of this year’s festival for those of you planning to attend.

Topiaries and Blooms at Disney World

You’ll find more than 100 topiaries throughout Epcot during this event, plus 240 floating mini-gardens, flower towers and other blooms throughout the park. For the first time ever, Illuminated Gardens in Future World and World Showcase will twinkle and glow over the gardens and topiaries each evening.

Mike and Sully from “Monsters University” will make their topiary debuts this year. They join many, many other Disney favorites, including the inseparable Phineas and Ferb, who will be available for photo ops behind Spaceship Earth.

We’re most looking forward to visiting Tinker Bell’s Butterfly House, featuring fairy topiaries of Tinker Bell, Fawn, Vidia and Terrence, as well as hundreds and hundreds of colorful butterflies. You might not know that up to 10 species of 1,000 native butterflies will be drinking from Cape Royal plumbago, passion flower, coral honeysuckle, blazing star and butterfly bush among other nectar plants!

Food plays a central role in this year’s celebrations and the entrance to Epcot feature oversized topiaries of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Donald Duck in a cookout scene made from more than 15 varieties of flowers, plants and other garden materials.

According to an official press release issued by Disney World representatives:

“The 14-foot-tall Goofy topiary will bobble an anniversary cake while Donald and Daisy play badminton, Mickey fires up the grill, Pluto swipes a link of hot dogs and Minnie chills out on a colorful blanket of blossoms.”

Food

Making their debuts this year are 12 “garden marketplaces,” similar to the kiosks at the Food And Wine Festival, that will feature a number of culinary creations and cooling libations, including the

much-balyhood Spiced Rum Dole Whip. Each of the marketplaces will feature a produce and herb garden.

Here are a few of the Garden Marketplace menus:the full list:

Florida Fresh – World Showcase Promenade

Watermelon Salad with pickled Red Onions, Baby Arugula, Feta Cheese and Balsamic Reduction
Shrimp and Stone Ground Grits with Andouille Sausage, Zellwood
Corn, Tomatoes and Cilantro
Angel Food Cake with macerated Florida Berries
Florida Orange Groves, Hot Sun, Tomato Wine
Florida Orange Groves, 40 Karat, Carrot Wine
Orange Blossom Pilsner
Strawberry Slush – Non Alcoholic

Jardin de Fiestas – Mexico

Tacos de Carnitas (Pork Tacos topped with Tamarindo salsa, served on a flour tortilla with Chicharrón)
Tostada (Crab tostada served with Chipotle Mayo and Valentina Salsa)
Flan de Guayaba (Guava Custard)
Conga Fruit Punch – Non Alcoholic
Corona Light Draft Beer
Rosita Margarita
Organic Tequila Flight

Playareas at the Festival

Debuting this year is a circus-themed “Land of Oz” play area based on the “Oz: The Great and Powerful” film that opened March 8. There is an interactive play zone made of giant flowers as well as midway-style games and a variety of Oz-like plants.

Topiaries Lightning McQueen and Mater play host to an interactive “Radiator Springs” play zone on the Test Track Walkway.

Flower Power Concert Series Lineup

Each weekend, you’ll be able to enjoy classic tunes from the 60s and 70s during the Flower Power Concert Series. Show times are Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre:

April 5-7 The Turtles featuring Flo And Eddie 

April 12-14 Paul Revere & the Raiders 

April 19-21 The Village People (new!) 

April 26-28 The Orchestra, Featuring Former Members of ELO and ELO II 

May 3-5 Tommy Roe (new!) 

May 10-12 Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone 

May 17-19 Starship starring Mickey Thomas

Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday at noon and 3 p.m., you can get tips and tricks from some of DIY and HGTV’s most popular designers in the Festival Center. More than half of this year’s speakers are new to the festival, including Florida’s David Bromstad (speakers are subject to change).

April 5-7 Meg Caswell, “Meg’s Great Rooms” 

April 12-14 Jason Cameron, “Desperate Landscapes,” “Man Caves” 

April 19-21 Sara Peterson, editor, HGTV Magazine 

April 26-28 Carter Oosterhouse, “Million Dollar Rooms” 

May 3-5 Casey Noble, “Design on a Dime” 

May 10-12 Dan Faires, HGTV.com’s “DanMade” 

May 17-19 David Bromstad, “ColorSplash,” “Design Star All-Stars.”

Epcot International Flower And Garden Festival is included with regular admission to Epcot. If you have a Park Hopper ticket, it’s a great way to begin (or end) a few days of your trip!

Toon Studio at Disneyland Paris

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Toon Studio at Disneyland Paris is inspired by classic Disney and Pixar animated characters. The lot features such Disney and Pixar characters as Crush (from Finding Nemo), The Genie (from Aladdin), Mater and Lightning McQueen (from Cars), Buzz, Woody, Slinky, and other characters from Toy Story, in addition to the classic Disney characters present in the land’s show, Animagique.

Amazing HDR shot of the Toon Studio sign by Dorli Photography.

Buena Vista Trolley Stop

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The star of the show at Disney California Adventure has definitely been Cars Land, but Buena Vista Street is a welcome refresh of the entrance to this Disney theme park. There is a lot of great architecture and the new stores are interesting to explore.

Great picture by Justin Brown.

Carl Fredricksen from "Up"

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Carl Fredricksen reads from his "New Adventure Book" in a beautiful little statue garden in Tokyo Disneyland. It's just a little fenced off area along a pathway, but the photographer believes it captures the spirit of the movie "Up" beautifully (a statue of Russel is there, too, looking on from out of the frame a couple of feet away).

This picture by Peter E. Lee won the "Waiting in the Wings" challenge in the Disney Photo Challenge group.