Kylo Ren Is Coming To Disney Parks

The new evil villain of the Star Wars Saga will be making his way to Disney Parks next month! Meeting with Guests on the bridge of his First Order Star Destroyer, Kylo Ren will take the place of Darth Vader at the Star Wars Launch Bay in both Disneyland Park and Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. Chewbacca, who currently meets with Guests in a secret resistance base, will continue to do so.

From personal experience, I can also tell you that there is definitely the likelihood that you'll run into some First Order Stormtroopers outside of the Launch Bay and maybe even some Jaws inside, if you hang out long enough...

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Breakfast Coming To Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater!

Here's some pretty cool news - the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant at Hollywood Studios will begin testing a breakfast menu, beginning November 1, 2015. Currently, they are only open for lunch and dinner with breakfast only offered as a Sith-Themed dining during Disney's annual Star Wars Weekends. The test will last until January 23, 2016 (unless extended or made a permanent offering). Reservations for this drive-in "under the stars" experience are now open for booking with breakfast meals including breakfast pastries, a choice of an appetizer, and entrée and a non-alcoholic beverage. Those entrée options include

• Puff Pastry filled with Scrambled Eggs, Crab, Asparagus and Gruyére Cheese with Roasted Tomatoes
• Grilled Beef Tenderloin on Baby Spinach, with Bacon and Cheddar Custard on a Roased Tomato and Cheesy Horseradish Potatoes
• Scrambled Eggs, Crispy Bacon, Sausage Links and Breakfast Potatoes
• Macadamia Crusted Brioche French Toast with Mascarpone and Fresh Berries

The price for breakfast is $23.99/adult and $12.99/child age 3-9 (tax and gratuity not included). If you're using the Disney Dining Plan, meals with use one table-service credit. Okay, so to make those reservations, you can call 407-WDW-DINE, head to Disneyworld.com/dine or just Get In Touch with me!

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Frozen Summer Fun Premium Packages Now Available!

We've talked a little bit about all of the fun that's in store during this summer's "Coolest Summer Ever," at Disney's Hollywood Studios, including the return of Frozen Summer Fun. For those Guests who are looking for a little something extra, Disney is, once again, offering a Frozen Summer Fun Premium Package, available from June 17-September 7, 2015. Here's everything that you'll experience, should you decide that the package is for you:

• Reserved viewing for Frozen Royal Welcome, featuring Anna and Elsa, complete with regal refreshments - water, a selection of soft drinks and ice cream.
• Reserved seating for a choice of one show time of For The First Time In Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.
• Frozen Fireworks viewing with dessert party - a dazzling nighttime display of fireworks paired with Frozen-themed desserts, as well as specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

The cost for the package is $69/adult and $39/children ages 3-9, including tax and gratuity. If you're interested, act sooner rather than later - availability is limited and it definitely did sell on on more than one occasion last summer. Feel free to Get In Touch with me for help booking this or call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

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24-Hour Event Kicks Off The Coolest Summer Ever!

Disney is getting ready to kick off the "Coolest Summer Ever" at the Walt Disney World Resort and, to do that, they are going to be hosting a 24-hour event from 6am, May 22 - 6am, May 23, 2015! Specifics about that party will be coming in the new few weeks, I'm sure. But, for right now, let's talk about what you can expect in the summer of 2015!

• Frozen Fun - "Frozen" Summer Fun LIVE will bring Princess Anna, Queen Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf with citizens of Arendelle appearing daily at Hollywood Studios June 17-Sept. 7.
• Cool Thrill Rides - Find thrills from mild to wild to out of this world in all four Walt Disney parks. Choose from Seven Dwarfs Mine Train plus Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom; Test Track and Soarin' at Epcot; Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom; Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios.
• Star Wars Weekends - Find stars from another galaxy at Hollywood Studios from May 15-June 14.
• New Restaurants and Shopping - Throughout the summer, new waterfront doing and boutique shops flow into the Downtown Disney shopping/dining/entertainment district as its transformation into Disney Springs continues.
• Epcot entertainment - New entertainment acts will appear throughout Epcot's World Showcase, which also brings a fresh summery twist on fan favorite, Voices of Liberty.
• A Splash at Water Parks - A cool new deal doubles the fun at Disney's two iconic water parks - Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

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Soarin' & Toy Story To Expand At Disney World!

Some of Disney World's most popular rides are about to start welcoming in more guests than ever before!  More ride track will be added to Toy Story Midway Mania! at Disney's Hollywood Studios and an additional theater will be added to Soarin' at Epcot. Also at Soarin', the screens and projection systems will be getting a gorgeous upgrade. All of these changes are expected to be completed by late 2016!

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Fireworks And More At Star Wars Weekends 2015

We have some more information about this year's Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and it's going to be incredible. Star Wars Weekends is the annual celebration of everything related to our favorite galaxy far, far away. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from May 15-June 14, 2015, you can visit a Hollywood Studios that has been transformed for the event, filled with special shows, character meet & greets, and more.

"James Arnold Taylor, the voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi on 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars,' will return to host the Stars of the Saga talk show - including everyone’s favorite stormtrooper preshow - at a new larger location in the Theater of the Stars on Sunset Boulevard [where you can also enjoy the live Beauty and the Beast show].

Darth’s Mall is moving to a new and expanded complex near Streets of America where you can find Star Wars-themed and exclusive event merchandise just for Star Wars Weekends 2015.

Plus, Star Wars characters assemble and 'Summon the Force' each night for a grand celebration, including a look back at greatest moments throughout the day on social media. 

And, at the end of the day, the night sky will erupt in an interstellar frenzy of fireworks as 'Symphony in the Stars' salutes the saga's most dramatic stories and brings you as close to the Force as you can get."

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What Is Disney World?: The Theme Parks

"We're thinking about taking the kids to Disney World." Sure, it's easy to say. And, maybe it's not all that hard to get in touch with a Disney professional and book that reservation. But, what exactly is this Disney World that everyone is talking about. Where are you going? What should you expect when you get there? It's an amusement park, right? An amusement park with a big castle in the middle. Princesses. Toy Story characters. And Mickey Mouse. With hotels next door. So, what exactly is Disney World again?

Disney World, or the Walt Disney World Resort, is located in Central Florida, just a short drive from the Orlando International Airport. And it is huge! In fact, it is its own city (or two cities, to be specific), with its own working government. You'll know that you've arrived at Walt Disney World when you notice the road signs change from their usual green that you'll find in any other locale to purple, just after you drive through the large, overhead, Walt Disney World arch. Now, you're in Disney World!

But, when people talk about going to Disney World, they're not just planning a trip into Disney's city limits to fill up their gas tank or to buy a soda. They are, more likely than not, talking about the Disney Parks experience. There are 4 main theme parks within Walt Disney World and, when you plan a vacation to Disney, your package will include Park Tickets that are good for entrance into any one of those parks on any given day. The parks are:

Magic Kingdom - The home of the world-famous Cinderella Castle, this park is what most people think of when they mention "Disney World." It's the one with the classic rides, like Dumbo, Peter Pan, and it's a small world. The Magic Kingdom is where fantasy becomes reality and your dreams will come true.

Epcot - There is so much to discover at Epcot, with its enormous golf-ball-looking park icon, is home to 2 distinct areas. Future World is where you can learn about technological innovations that are continuing to help our world and community grow and develop through rides, interactive games, and attractions. But, perhaps, Epcot is most well know for the World Showcase, which is home to 11 different sections, each themed like a different country of the world. Here, you can learn about their cultures through films, live performances, and even a boat ride through Mexico. You can also taste some of the most delicious food and drinks from around the world at Epcot.

Hollywood Studios - Formerly Disney-MGM Studios, this park is themed to take us back to the heyday of Hollywood, in the 1920s and 1930s. Guests have the chance to jump right into the movies through the rides and shows available here. And the day ends in one of the most incredible nighttime shows, Fantasmic!, starring Mickey Mouse (as well as a host of other Disney Heroes and Villains),  featuring fireworks, incredible stunts and effects, a fire breathing dragon, and enormous movie screens made out of spraying water.

Animal Kingdom - Disney World's newest theme park certainly has live animals, although it is not a zoo. That's because the lions, elephants, giraffe, etc. are not in cages. They are out in the open air, ready for you to drive right past, for example, on the Kilimanjaro Safari. Every visit is an adventure, including live Broadway-style musicals, thrill rides, and tons of hands on education, themed around our one world that we all share. As Russell from Disney•Pixar's UP says, "The wilderness must be explored!"

Map of the Walt Disney World Resort, with the 4 Theme Parks highlighted

Okay, you get it. There are 4 parks. They each have their own unique theme. So, maybe you plan a vacation that includes a day at each park. That sounds easy enough. But, then, what makes Disney World so big that it's its own city? Remember I mentioned those "hotels next door." They definitely go a long way toward that and we'll chat more about those next week!

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Starbucks Now Open At Hollywood Studios

Looking for great coffee at Hollywood Studios? Well, look no further! The new Starbucks location at the Walt Disney World Resort theme park is now open. The Trolly Car Cafe, located on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard (just down the main street after you enter the park, on the right hand side), is currently serving coffee and various other beverage options, as well as sandwiches, wraps, pastries, etc. You know, like a Starbucks! This store joins the other Starbucks locations around the Disney World property, including stores at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, & Downtown Disney. An Animal Kingdom location is expected to open mid-year.

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New Cinderella Experiences Coming To Hollywood Studios

Cinderella's Golden Coach in a special, New Years' Eve pre-parade.

If you are a reader of this blog, you know that Wandering Oaken's at Disney's Hollywood Studios is now closed. As is often the case, as we say Goodbye to one attraction, we welcome in a new one. Beginning January 17, 2015, Guests to Hollywood Studios will be able to enjoy a sneak peak of Disney's new, live action film, Cinderella. This preview will be taking place at the ABC Sound Studio. Then, beginning on February 1, 2015, Cinderella's golden coach, direct from the movie itself, will be on display on the Streets of America. These, limited time, experience will be available until March 21 and April 11, 2015, respectively.

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Wandering Oaken's and the Frozen Funland Now Closed

Frozen Funland at Hollywood Studios

Here's some news you might want to know if you're planning a trip to Disney's Hollywood Studios - Wandering Oaken's Trading Post and Frozen Funland is now closed. This area, which featured a merchandise shop, photo spot, and an area filled with snow and ice for families to play in, debuted in the summer of 2014, as part of Hollywood Studios' Frozen Summer Fun LIVE! The last remaining attraction from last summer's event is the show, For The First Time In Forever: A "Frozen" Sing-Along Celebration.

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Welcome In 2015 With These Amazing Disney World Experiences!

There is so much going on this New Years at the Walt Disney World Resort! Per Disney:

Countdown at Magic Kingdom
The new year kicks off with fireworks galore at Magic Kingdom Park. Along with "Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season," you can enjoy "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks, capped off with a breathtaking musical show. This special fireworks display will be presented on Dec. 30 and Dec. 31, 2014 at 11:50 p.m.

New Year's Around the Globe at EpcotAll across World Showcase at Epcot, you can explore each countries' traditions at participating pavilions - including Morocco, Italy, China, France, the United Kingdom and the USA - as they soak up the sounds of favorite bands and DJs. Plus, World Showcase promenade is the place to be as IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth lights up the sky with a message of peace and goodwill. Two showings of this nighttime spectacular will take place on New Year's Eve, at 6 p.m. and 11:40 p.m.

Celebrate at Hollywood Studios
Guests of all ages will enjoy the fabulous family-style fun and entertainment that New Year's Eve unreels at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Come nightfall on Dec. 31, 2014, the "rake and roll" cover band Mulch, Sweat and Shears takes the stage for a set of iconic songs. And, as midnight approaches, the evening ignites into an amazing shower of shimmering light. You can watch in wonder as majestic fireworks glitter, glisten and inspire awe in one and all.

Dining and Entertainment at Downtown DisneyIf you wish to enjoy New Year's Eve at Downtown Disney, please remember that, as in previous years, there are no fireworks displays. However, there are a variety of exciting offerings to enjoy this year at Downtown Disney, including special New Year's Eve food and beverage tents, merchandise stands and entertainment. Guests can also enjoy dining experiences, movies, bowling, Cirque du Soleil, shopping and more. Or, you can explore some of the newest offerings including the Food Trucks at Exposition Park and the flagship Starbucks location at Downtown Disney West Side, as well as the Marketplace Co-Op at the Downtown DisneyMarketplace. 

If you are arriving in your own vehicle, please  follows signs to available parking, which may be located adjacent to the Downtown Disney area. It is recommended that Guests arrive at least 60 minutes in advance of all reservations and planned activities. If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, it is recommended that you use complimentary transportation, as parking may be limited. 

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Star Wars Weekends Returning To Disney World

The annual celebration of everything Star Wars is returning to Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios this spring. Get ready to meet characters, meet actors (Mark Hamill came by for the first time, last year), enjoy delicious Star Wars-themed snacks, and then some! Look for them every weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) from May 15-June 14, 2015. Right now, specifics for this year's event are vague, but I will be sure to keep you posted as to what events you can expect to enjoy and what celebrities you can expect to meet. I can tell you that the Star Wars Character Dinings have returned this year! They premiered last year and include:

• Star Wars Dine-In Galactic Breakfast! at the Sci-Fi Dine in Theater Restaurant. This meal will include visits from characters such as Darth Vader, Stormtroopers, Jawas, Greedo, and Boba Fett. During the breakfast, guests will be able to enjoy classic Star Wars scenes on the big screen.

• Jedi Mickey's Star Wars Dine at Hollywood and Vine is a dinner offering that invites Jedi Mickey, Prince Leia Minnie, Storm Trooper Donald, Darth Goofy, and Ewok Chip & Dale to dine with guests.

Both of these dinings will be offered, daily, from May 4-June 14, 2015, not just on Star Wars Weekends days! To book, visit your MyDisneyExperience account, call 407-WDW-DINE, or just email me and I can help you out!

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Tips For Booking FastPass+ Reservations - Plus My Own Pics!

MyDisneyExperience FastPass reservation screen

I booked FastPasses for my own Disney Vacation last night, so I thought that I should share a little bit about my experience. First, it's important to remember that Walt Disney World Resort Guests can begin booking their entire trip's worth of FastPass+ Reservations up to 60 days prior to their vacation. And, when I say they can book them up to 60 days in advance, I mean they definitely should book them at that point in time. So, for me, yesterday marked 61 days before my trip. At about 11:45pm EST, I hopped onto my computer, navigated over to the MyDisneyExperience website, and waiting for Midnight. Because, of course, at Midnight is when 61 days becomes 60. Again, this is all based around Eastern Standard Time.  So, if you're, say, in California, you would look to start booking at 9pm your time (since that would be Midnight EST).

Now, when Midnight did come around, I didn't actually begin booking my FastPasses from Day 1. I started with the final day of my trip. Why? Because, when you book FastPasses, you can lock them in for up to 10 days of your vacation at a time. That means that, while I first had access to my Day 1 last night (60 days prior), anyone whose first day is 70 days out or less has already had access to the FastPasses for that day! So, super hard to get reservations, like the Anna & Elsa Meet and Greet at Magic Kingdom, have more of a likelihood of being gone by that point. So, the later in my trip that I start booking for, the fewer other Guests who have had prior access to that day's worth of experiences. This strategy works especially well if you have, at least, a 10-day vacation planned. Because, then, you'll be among the first people to get to book for that day. As it stands for this trip, I am only going to be at Disney for 7 days and, so, by the time I popped on at Midnight, Anna & Elsa Fastpasses were already gone (as were FastPasses for the Festival of Fantasy Parade and the Main Street Electrical Parade). I'll probably keep checking for those Meet & Greet FastPasses as we get closer, especially at 30 days prior to my trip, as well as on the morning that I would like those reservations for. Why 30 days? Non-Resort Guests (including Guests with Day Passes as well as Passholders) can begin booking then, and Disney does like to keep some availability for those folks. The same holds true for the morning of. Worth a shot, right? And, remember, this is just for FastPass. If there is something that I really want to do, but haven't been able to get a FastPass for, I'll make sure that I head straight to that attraction or experience at Park Opening on the day of, and get in the Standby Queue.

I'd like to share, with you, the FastPasses that I did book last night. It is, by no means, the end all and be all when it comes to what you should book for yourself and your family. It is a combination of the experiences and times that work for me and mine - but it does give you a really good idea of my "Must-Dos," at any rate! I'll also include the couple of Dining Reservations that I booked all the way back at the 180-Day mark, as well as some thoughts and notes, to give you an even better picture of how we've arranged our days, with those included.

Day 1 (Magic Kingdom):
- We're driving to Disney World, and expect to arrive at Magic Kingdom around Noon.

• 12:50pm-1:50pm - Meet Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater
• 2:05pm - Lunch at Tony's Town Square Restaurant
• 2:30pm-3:30pm - Meet Tinkerbell at Town Square Theater

- If we arrive at Magic Kingdom early, we're just planning on hanging out in that Town Square Area. There are lots of other characters available to meet there, like Mary Poppins, Princess Aurora, Snow White, Marie from The Aristocats, and Pluto. There are also some fabulous shops to check out in the area. The point is not to wander too far. We're just there for lunch that day, and then it's back to the hotel to swim and relax for the "official" start of our trip, the following morning.

Day 2 (Magic Kindgom):
- Watch the Welcome Show at Park Opening

• 9:30am - Breakfast with Pooh and Friends at The Crystal Palace
• 10:45am-11:45am - Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
• 1:35pm-2:35pm - Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• 4:35pm-5:35pm - Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Day 3 (Animal Kingdom):

• 12:10pm-1:10pm - Meet Mickey & Minnie at Adventurer's Outpost
• 1:45pm-2:45pm - Kilimanjaro Safaris
• 2:55pm-3:55pm - Expedition Everest

Day 4 (Epcot):

• 9:15am - Breakfast with Goofy & Friends at Cape May Cafe at Disney's Beach Club Resort (walking distance from Epcot's International Gateway Entrance.
• 11:00am-12:00pm - Test Track
• 12:20pm-1:20pm - Meet Disney Pals (Mickey & Friends) at the Epcot Character Spot
• 4:04pm-5:05pm - Spaceship Earth

Day 5 (Hollywood Studios):

• 11:05am-12:05pm - For The First Time In Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
• 1:55pm-2:55pm - Toy Story Midway Mania!
• 4:50pm-5:50pm - Star Tours

Day 6 (Magic Kingdom):

• 10:40am-11:40am - Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• 11:50am-12:50pm - Enchanted Tales with Belle
• 2:45pm-3:45pm - Space Mountain
• 4:00pm - Dinner at Be Our Guest

Day 7:
- Getting up, packing the car, swimming, and heading home! Of course, I'll make sure that I call the great Disney Reservations folks to find out about any possible Bounceback Offers.

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Shopping Discount Is Back At Disney World!

Every so often, Disney adds merchandise discounts to the bottom of their Quick-Service Restaurant receipts. Well, those coupons have begun again, and are offering Guests 20% off at select merchandise locations. This program is slated to last until January 5, 2015, is only available from Store Opening until 1pm, and can be found at the following restaurants:

Magic Kingdom
Restaurants:
     • Casey's Corner
     • Columbia Harbour House
     • Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café
     • Main Street Bakery
     • Pecos Bill's Café
     • Pinocchio Village Haus
     • Tomorrowland Terrace
Redeem at:
     • Emporium

Epcot
Restaurants:
     • Electric Umbrella
     • Fountain View
     • Liberty Inn
     • Sunshine Season's Food Fare
     • Yorkshire County Fish Shop
Redeem at:
     • Mouse Gear

Hollywood Studios
Restaurants:
     • ABC Commissary
     • Backlot Express
     • Catalina Eddies
     • Fairfax Fare
     • Pizza Planet
     • Rosie's Red Hots
     • Starring Rolls
     • Studio Catering Company
Redeem at:
     • Mickey's of Hollywood
     • Keystone Clothiers

Animal Kingdom
Restaurants:
     • Flame Tree Barbecue
     • Kusifari Bakery
     • Pizzafari
     • Restaurantosaurus
     • Tamu Tamu
Redeem at:
     • Island Mercantile
     • Disney Outfitters

Plus you can also redeem your coupons at the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney. Be sure to check your coupon for any additional details!

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Animated Magic Shots Come To Disney's Memory Maker!

A "Classic" Magic Shot

The Value that Memory Maker is bringing to Walt Disney World Guests just keeps getting better and better! Memory Maker, of course, is the Digital Photo Package that allows Guests to download all of their PhotoPass Pictures and, most recently, Videos from their Walt Disney World Vacation, making sure that you have all of your magical moments preserved for a lifetime! Recently, we talked about on-ride videos coming to select Disney Attractions (currently Tower of Terror and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train), via the Memory Maker service. Well, now we're talking about yet another kind of video that Memory Maker is bringing you - Animated Magic Shots. Magic Shots, themselves, have been around for quite some time now. For these special snapshots, Disney PhotoPass Photographers add in all sorts of fun digital extras after the photo has been taken. The Animated Magic Shots work the same way, except that those extras move! Just ask one of the Photographers for one in the following locations:

• Epcot, behind Spaceship Earth
• Epcot, at the Norway Pavilion
• Hollywood Studios, on Hollywood Boulevard
• Animal Kingdom, on the bridge near Expedition Everest

More locations are almost certain to be added to the roster as time goes on. In fact, for the Holiday Season, Disney has plans to add addition Animated Magic Shots to Magic Kingdom and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party! Here's are some samples of what you can expect when you get your Animated Magic Shot:

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Sorcerer's Hat Is Removed As Re-Imagination Begins At Hollywood Studios

Big news coming out of Hollywood Studios: The 122-foot-tall Sorcerer's Hat that has served as the park's icon since 2001 will soon be no longer. A Disney spokesperson, as well as an internal memo sent to Hollywood Studios' Cast Members, has confirmed that this change will occur in early 2015. Prior to the installation of the Sorcerer's Hat, a larger-than-life replica of the one worn by Mickey Mouse during The Sorcerer's Apprentice portion of Disney's Animated Classic, Fantasia, the icon of Hollywood Studios (then Disney-MGM Studios) was The Earful Tower, a water tower wearing an oversized Mickey Ears Hat. The Sorcerer's Hat was added during Disney's 100 Years of Magic, a celebration of what would have been Walt Disney's 100th birthday, and has remained ever since.

Many changes have been rumored to be coming to Hollywood Studios, though none of them have been confirmed as fact. These have included Star Wars Land, Cars Land, a Monsters, Inc. attraction, and then some. And, it would seem that Disney is beginning to move in the direction of making some pretty major updates - The American Idol Experience has recently closed, The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow is set to end in the next few weeks.  The removal of the Sorcerer's Hat seems to be another step along the path toward change. Here's what Disney had to say to it's Hollywood Studios' Cast Members:

"We will soon begin to re-imagine the park's central hub by removing the Sorcerer's Hat in early 2015. As part of that change, the store located underneath the hat will be closing. A closing date will be shared as we get closer to it."

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Can Day Guests (Park Tickets Only) Book FastPasses In Advance?

Mickey Touchpoint for FastPass+

Sometimes, families that I work with are just looking for Disney Park Tickets, as opposed to a full-on Disney World package. Maybe they are staying at an off-property hotel, maybe they will be visiting family in the area... who knows? With the new My Magic+ system, though, there are a couple of things that I like to let them know about, to make sure that they get to take advantage of one of the biggest perks - booking up to 3 FastPass+ reservations ahead of time!

Day Guests (that's what Disney calls our families who have only park tickets) can begin booking their FastPass reservations up to 30 days in advance of their trip. So, you are going to be a Day Guest, then you should consider purchasing your tickets at least 30 days in advance of your trip. Even though you buy the tickets ahead of time, you won't be receiving them until you pick them up from the Will Call window at any of the Disney Parks. You will, however, receive a confirmation number upon completion of your purchase. That number is going to be important, because it's the one that you will link to your Disney Account. Once you've got it, you can simply head to StartYourDisneyExperience.com, select the Link Tickets, and put in you ticket information.

I mentioned that one of the most significant reasons that this is such a solid plan is your ability to book FastPasses. But, why? Well, because every other Disney World Guest who does go through the process of linking their reservation or their tickets to their My Disney Experience account can do it. That means that, if you don't, the thousands of them will have first crack at some of the busier rides such as The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Magic Kingdom), Soarin' or Test Track (Epcot), Toy Story Midway Mania (Hollywood Studios), and Kilimanjaro Safari (Animal Kingdom), just to name a few. Even forgetting about them, while locking in your ride times a month before your vacation may seem like a lot, it's totally better having to focus on running to rides and grabbing FastPasses inn from the time your day begins. You can learn even more about the new FastPass+ System in this Beginner's Guide To FastPass+.

Enjoy!

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Major "Frozen" Announcements For Walt Disney World

Disney's Frozen has been a sensation since coming to theaters in November 2013. At Walt Disney World, Anna & Elsa have been one of the most popular meet and greets since... well, forever! This past summer, Frozen came to Hollywood Studios in a big way with the Frozen Summer Fun LIVE! experiences. Now, Disney will be adding even more Frozen Fun to its parks! From Disney:

We're starting construction on a brand new "Frozen" attraction at the Norway Pavilion at Epcot. The new attraction, which replaces Maelstrom, will take [guests] to Arendelle and immerse them in many of their favorite moments and music from the film. The pavilion will also include a royal greeting location with Anna and Elsa. These "Frozen" elements are great additions to the Norway Pavilion, which showcases the country and region that inspired the film. 

In order for work to begin on the attraction and character greeting area, the last day Guests can enjoy the Maelstrom attraction is Oct. 5, 2014. The project is anticipated to be complete by early 2016, and the Norway pavilion will remain open through construction. 

The wintry wonder and magic of "Frozen" will also enchant Magic Kingdom Park this holiday season. Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf join the festive holiday procession, "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade," along with a flurry of skaters, skiiers, and ice cutters from the Kingdom of Arendelle. This parade is offered during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, select nights Nov. 7-Dec. 19, 2014. The parade will also be presented daily Dec. 20-31, 2014. 

Each evening beginning Nov. 5, 2014, Anna and Elsa will appear in a new show on the Castle Forecourt Stage at the heart of Magic Kingdom Park, as Queen Elsa uses her incredible powers to transform Cinderella Castle into a glimmering ice palace for the holidays. 

And, if [guests] haven't experienced "Frozen Summer Fun LIVE!" at Disney's Hollywood Studios® yet, they are in for a special treat. Due to its popularity, two elements of this special event are now set to continue. 

[Guests] can enjoy "For the First Time in Forever: A 'Frozen' Sing-Along Celebration," a hilarious and interactive presentation of the "Frozen" story - extended indefinitely! The show is presented up to 10 times per day in the park's Premiere Theater on Streets of America, and Disney Fastpass+ service is now available. 

Wandering Oaken's Trading Post and Frozen Funland will be moving on Sept. 28, 2014 from Soundstage One to a new space, in Streets of America near the exit of the Studio Backlot Tour. The new Wandering Oaken's, expected to operate through the holiday season, will feature a larger-than-ever play area with real snow, plenty of "Frozen" merchandise, character cupcakes, and other treats.

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Allergy Friendly Menu Trial Run At Select Locations!

World Premiere Food Court at All-Star Movies

Disney has always been known as incredibly friendly to folks with food allergies and restrictions. Guests can personally talk to the chef at individual dining locations I discuss their personal needs and restaurants will often put together meals, designed specifically for these guests. Even at buffets, you might catch a glimpse of a Disney Chef, walking around the buffet with a guest, talking about all of the different foods, as they relate to that guest's needs. 

Going on right now, and lasting until October 20, 2014, Disney is trying something new. Select Disney World eateries have debuted new, allergy friendly menus. While the option to chat with a chef remains, the new menus have been designed to give guests even more options, with even greater ease. The dining locations that are involved in this trial are:

• Flying Fish Café at Disney's BoardWalk
• Multiple location at Hollywood Studios
• ABC Commissary
• Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
• The Hollywood Brown Derby
• Kona Cafe and Captain Cooks at the Polynesian Resort
• World Premiere Food Court at All-Star Movies Resort

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"Toy Story 2" Movie & Snack Night

As it turns out, counting down the 100 Days To Disney is a very busy and tasty undertaking! Recently, we decided to add one of Disney's most successful movie franchises into the mix. The sequels in this series are so fantastic, actually, that we didn't even watch the original as a part of our Movie and Snack Night but, rather, the second movie in the series - simply because we wanted to see more than just the first set of characters. Okay, enough beating around the bush, let's talk about:

Toy Story 2

This is the first movie on our list that is not part of Disney's official Animated Feature collection. That's because the Toy Story movies are actually Pixar Animation Studios films. While Pixar is now owned by the Walt Disney Company (they weren't at the time to Toy Story 2's release), they continue to keep their animation studios relatively separate, though they are both run by Chief Creative Officer, John Lasseter. Toy Story 2 was released in 1999, and continues the story of Andy's toys - Buzz, Woody, and the gang. This sequel introduces us to new friends, Jessie the cowgirl and her horse (technically Woody's horse, I suppose), Bullseye.

Posing with Buzz & Woody
at Hollywood Studios

Toy Story characters and attractions can be found all around the Disney Parks, making this movie  a great one to watch before a trip to Disney World! In the Magic Kingdom, Woody and Jessie love meeting with guests next to the Splash Mountain queue in Fronteirland. And, when I say "next to the queue," I totally mean it. You're not going to be able to find the line for this meet without going underneath the overpass that separates the Splash Mountain line area from the rest of the park. It's the one that also has a small playground for little ones under there. Just head through and look to your left - you'll find it! Buzz Lightyear meets with his loyal fans in Tomorrowland, right next to his own ride - Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. This attraction gives you the chance to blast away at the Evil Emperor Zurg and his minions! The Toy Story fun doesn't stop when you leave Magic Kingdom. At Hollywood Studios, you can enjoy the ever-popular ride, Toy Story Midway Mania. This attraction is a carnival-themed, 3D, interactive adventure for the whole family. Just across the way from this one is a great opportunity to meet best friends, Buzz and Woody, together in front of a super fun, Andy's Bed backdrop. There are also some fantastic photo opportunities along the line for this meet, so that's a good time, too! Looking for a place to rest your head that is also Toy Story themed? Disney's All-Star Movies Resort has a whole section featuring many many larger than life statues of the lots of our Toy Story favs, including Green Army Men, Buzz, Woody, Bo Peep, and more!

Since we picked Toy Story 2, we had to go with a snack right out of the movie itself: Cheese Puffs! If Toy Story series too, after all! If you remember, Al, from Al's Toy Barn, can be seen with his orange cheese-coated hand dangling over a upside-down bowl and a minefield of cheese puffs all over the floor, below, as he sleeps on the couch with Woody's torn arm in his pocket. If you've ever had cheese puffs,  you know that they can make you awfully thirsty. And, so, we added some lemonade to tonight's snack. To keep with our theming, we dropped some food coloring in, to turn the lemonade green, and taped on some alien eyes for good measure. The three-eyed, green aliens are some of the heroes of the series and it was nice to give credit where credit is due!

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