You’ll need more Disney Dollars this summer!
Walt Disney World Castle (c. Kay Robinson)
Effective Sunday, June 12, ticket prices have increased at Walt Disney World. The second time in under a year a price increase has occurred.
The price of a one-day ticket has risen to $85 before tax (from $82), up 3.7 percent. But that is just the start!
A five-day ticket will increase to $251 (from $237), up 9 percent. A 7 day pass has jumped 8.1% to $267. The 10-day pass has increased 11.1 percent to $291.
All this is adding an extra ‘ouch’ to your wallet this summer vacation.
Fastpass System to include Mickey Mouse
FASTPASS TO THE BIG CHEESE: For the first time in Disney Parks history, Magic Kingdom guests will be able to reserve meet-up time with Mickey Mouse.
Magic Kingdom Guests Will Be Able To Determine a Time To Meet with Mickey Mouse Beginning Later This Spring
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Magic Kingdom officials have a hunch a really “hot ticket” in their realm this summer is going to be something other than a ride, a snack or a show. Rather, it’s a first-ever opportunity to nail down a time to meet with Mickey Mouse.
When meet-and-greets with Mickey move into a permanent new location in Town Square later this spring, Magic Kingdom guests will be able to obtain a Disney’s FASTPASS ticket specifying a one-hour window when they can return to see the popular character for hugs, photos and autographs — without waiting in the standby queue. It will mark the first time the complimentary, computerized service has been available for a character meet-and-greet at any Disney Park.
Since spending time with Disney characters is at the top of the “must-do list” of many guests, the FASTPASS ticket will allow them to experience their Mickey Mouse meet-and-greets more conveniently. As a result, guests will be able to devote more time enjoying other Magic Kingdom experiences with family and friends.
The new meet-and-greet location, Town Square Theater, will be located inside the current Exposition Hall area just inside the park entrance. Imagineers already are working to completely transform the space for the new experience. “This isn’t just remodeling Expo Hall; it is completely re-imagining this entire venue as a beautiful Victorian-era theater and the new home for Mickey Mouse,” Jon Georges, WDI Director, Senior Show Producer, said.
Image: Walt Disney Company
“Mickey and Main Street, U.S.A. are great examples of pure Americana that complement each other very well,” Concept Designer Jason Grandt said. “We drew a lot of inspiration from classic Mickey animated shorts such as The Nifty Nineties and Mickey’s Grand Opera. Many of the scenes in these shorts look like they take place right on Main Street.”
Guests arrive at a building befitting Mickey Mouse’s stardom — with a grand-Victorian-theater elevation, including a marquee that glistens with gold-leaf trim and sparkles with lights. Inside, there’s a mosaic floor, lush curtains with gold rope tie-backs and polished-brass chandeliers. Imagineers are creating new elements and surprises for Magic Kingdom guests, including an interactive queue — with an extra touch of Disney magic — and highly themed retail shops.
The queue takes guests “backstage,” where Mickey is waiting to greet them in a rehearsal-room environment amid posters, steamer trunks and stage props.
In addition, during the New Fantasyland construction, royalty will be visiting as the Disney Princesses will be in Town Square Theater to meet and greet their loyal subjects.
Currently, guests can visit with Mickey Mouse in Tomorrowland, in a location to the right of Space Mountain. Meet-and-greet experiences with the Disney Princesses are currently at Adventureland Verandah.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates for 2010
Photo: Kay Robinson
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is special event held on select dates in the Magic Kingdom theme park. This Halloween themed event requires a separate ticket to attend (regular park tickets do not allow entry to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
The event will be held on certain dates from 7pm-12am September- November, 2010.
During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. This is the only time adults are allowed to dress up in costume at the Magic Kingdom! Guests trick-or-treat around Magic Kingdom collecting candy and other treats as you go.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has special themed entertainment including:
* Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade—including Disney Characters and the stars of the Haunted Mansion attraction. The parade begins with a spook-tacular ride by the Headless Horseman.
* Happy HalloWishes—a spectacular fireworks show where the Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky.
* Many favorite Disney Characters and Disney Villains in special Halloween costumes.
* Special lighting, music and theming effects transforms special areas of Magic Kingdom theme park into happy haunted hollows.
The tone of the event is, well, “Not-So-Scary”, and is appropriate for children of all ages.
Dates:
* Tuesday, September 14, 2010
* Saturday, September 18, 2010
* Tuesday, September 21, 2010
* Thursday, September 23, 2010
* Saturday, September 25, 2010
* Tuesday, September 28, 2010
* Thursday, September 30, 2010
* Friday, October 1, 2010
* Sunday, October 3, 2010
* Thursday, October 7, 2010
* Friday, October 8, 2010
* Monday, October 11, 2010
* Tuesday, October 12, 2010
* Thursday, October 14, 2010
* Sunday, October 17, 2010
* Tuesday, October 19, 2010
* Thursday, October 21, 2010
* Friday, October 22, 2010
* Sunday, October 24, 2010
* Tuesday, October 26, 2010
* Thursday, October 28, 2010
* Friday, October 29, 2010
* Sunday, October 31, 2010
* Monday, November 1, 2010
*Advance Purchase Price not available on 10/8, 10/22, 10/28, 10/29, 10/31. All other select nights, when purchased prior to the day of the event: $53.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $47.95 + tax (Ages 3 - 9); Day-Of Event Prices: $59.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $53.95 + tax (Ages 3 - 9); Premium Pricing (10/29, 10/31 ): $64.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $58.95 + tax (Ages 3 - 9)
–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
- Windsor Palms Resort Vacation Rental http://www.windsorpalmsorlando.com
- Emerald Island Resort Vacation Rental http://www.emeraldislandorlando.com
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel at The Magic Kingdom
The 1917 carrousel ride in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom Park has officially changed its name from Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel – to Prince Charming Regal Carrousel.
As with all things Disney, there is a back story to it. Here’s the official story behind it:
Following their fairy-tale romance and happily-ever-after wedding, Cinderella and Prince Charming took up residence in Cinderella’s Castle. With peace throughout the kingdom, Prince Charming had time to practice for jousting tournaments. In the countryside near the castle, he built a training device of carved horses, on which he could practice the art of ring-spearing, a tournament event in which a knight rides his horse full speed, lance in hand, toward a small ring hanging from a tree limb, with the object of spearing the ring. This event was known by various names throughout the lands, but generally came to be called “carrousel.”
The carrousel device drew the attention of the villagers, who wanted to take a turn on this amazing spinning contraption. So Prince Charming had a second carrousel constructed closer to the Castle, where everyone could take a spin on this wondrous invention. Instead of a working knight’s training device, however, this new carrousel is more befitting its regal location in the Castle Courtyard – its rustic training horses replaced with ornately decorated prancing steeds adorned with golden helmets and shields, flower garlands, feathers and other festoons. Prince Charming invites one and all to test their horsemanship skills and to enjoy their own happy ending.
–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
- Windsor Palms Resort Vacation Rental http://www.windsorpalmsorlando.com
- Emerald Island Resort Vacation Rental http://www.emeraldislandorlando.com
Tinkerbell has been flying for 25 years
Although Tinkerbell has been flying over Disneyland in California since the summer of 1961 as part of the park’s Fantasy in the Sky fireworks show, Tinkerbell only started flying at the Magic Kingdom in 1985. Her inaugural flight was on July 3rd, 1985 when more than 60,000 guest showed up to watch. The spectacle, originally planned as a seasonal show, was such a success that the flight was turned into a nightly event which continues to this day.
Tinkerbell’s current nightly appearance is at the end of the seasonal “Summer Nightastic” fireworks show. She flies from the top of Cinderella’s Castle 850ft into Tomorrowland. The whole flight takes under 30 seconds.
–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
- Windsor Palms Resort Vacation Rental http://www.windsorpalmsorlando.com
- Emerald Island Resort Vacation Rental http://www.emeraldislandorlando.com
New Years at the Disney Parks
Do you plan to welcome the New Year at one of the Disney Parks? If so there’s a lot to choose from this year — nine parade performances and five fireworks shows. If that lineup has your attention, here are the New Year’s Eve details broken down by park:
Magic Kingdom
- “Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It!” parade and street party (11 a.m., 2 and 5:15 p.m.)
- “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” (12 noon and 3:30 p.m.)
- “SpectroMagic” parade of lights and music (7 and 10:30 p.m.)
- “Holiday Wishes” fireworks (8:30 p.m.)
- “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks (11:50 p.m.)
- Park hours on New Year’s Eve: 8 a.m.-2 a.m.
Epcot
- Special version of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” (7:30 and 11:40 p.m.)
- Park hours on New Year’s Eve: 9 a.m.-1 a.m.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- “Fantasmic!” nighttime musical special effects extravaganza (6:30, 8 and 10 p.m.)
- Live performances by in-park band “Mulch, Sweat and Shears,” back-to-back with a DJ at Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat. (Mulch, Sweat and Shears sets are 8, 9, 10 and 11 p.m.; DJ starts at 6:30 p.m.)
- A special “Lights, Camera, Happy New Year” fireworks show starring Mulch, Sweat and Shears (11:55 p.m.)
- Park hours on New Year’s Eve: 8 a.m.-midnight
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade” (4:45 p.m.)
- Park hours on New Year’s Eve: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Bay Lake And Seven Seas Lagoon
- The Electrical Water Pageant (9 p.m.; plays to Magic Kingdom entrance area at 10:25 p.m.)
Note: Show times and entertainment are subject to change without notice.
–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
- Windsor Palms Resort Vacation Rental http://www.windsorpalmsorlando.com
- Emerald Island Resort Vacation Rental http://www.emeraldislandorlando.com
New Year’s Eve at The Magic Kingdom
Guests staying at thee Windsor Palms Resort in Kissimmee over New Year may be interested in two offerings at The Magic Kingdom.
New Years Eve at Walt Disney World is traditionally a busy time. This year, The Magic Kingdom is offering two options for guests to take a break from the crowds and enjoy an exclusive event.
The first is a special New Years Eve package which includes a 2 hour all you care to enjoy dinner. The dinner is from 6.30 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. on December 31st at the Tommorrowland Terrace Noodle Station. Dinner includes dessert and non-alcolohic sparkling beverages. After dinner, you and your family will settle down in exclusive, reserved seating for the holiday Wishes! fireworks show.
The menu includes fresh fruits, assorted cheeses, sushi, salads, seared tuna, artisan breads, beef short-ribs, and carved pork. Kid friendly foods such as macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets will also be available.
The Magic Kingdom’s New Year’s Eve Wishes! dining experience costs $139.99 for guests age 10 and up and $69.99 for guests ages 3 to 9. Children under 3 can dine for free.
The second offering is the Fantasy in the Sky Dessert Party which starts at 9.50pm. This event features a self service buffet offering a variety of deserts and non-alcoholic beverages. The dessert party costs $35.99 for guests age 10 and up and $19.99 for guests ages 3 to 9.
Theme park admission is required for both events.
For reservations call: (407) WDW-DINE
Halloween in Kissimmee / Orlando – more than just the mouse!
Staying at Windsor Palms - MNSSHP is a great family event.
If you are visiting the Windsor Palms Resort in October. Its a great time to visit with cooler temperatures and smaller crowds than in summer time.
Throughout the month of October, there are plenty of events to get you in the mood for Halloween.
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at The Magic Kingdom is open select evenings during October. Join Mickey, Minnie and friends for some family friendly Halloween fun, special Halloween fireworks and parade. Come dressed in costume (or not) and join in the fun. This event has a separate entry ticket.
Seaworld’s Halloween Spooktacular is another family friendly Halloween event that runs weekends in October. Kids are welcome to come dressed in costume and trick or treat for ghoulish goodies, catch spooky shows and meet amazing sea creatures. Seaworld’s Halloween Spooktacular is included with park admission. Take a look at their spooktacular website for some ghoulish crafts and games.
Not for the feint of heart are Halloween Horror Nights at Universal. On select nights Universal Studios Florida theme park is transformed into a nightmarish labyrinth of haunted houses, outrageous live shows, and electrifying scare zones while an army of mutants, monsters and maniacs roam the darkened studio streets.
From professional to passionate! Located in the town of Davenport, about 30 minutes from Emerald Island / Orlando finds The Bludzwurth Casket & Urn Company. This is a family passion and not a huge corporation event fueled by profits. For a modest donation, you can walk through the The Bludzwurth Casket & Urn Company on the 30th and 31st of October when the Doctor is in!
What about All Hallow’s eve itself? If visiting the area and you want to go trick or treating on October 31st, try the town of Celebration. Its a real treat! From traditional door to door trick or treating to a haunted walking trail, Celebration has something to offer the whole family. The Trail of Nightmares haunted walking trail is new to Celebration this year. The proceeds benefit a local charity.
