Disney World News and Info

Read the latest news and information from Walt Disney World. To focus on a specific topic, select it from the drop-down list below and click GO! Feel free to ask questions or leave your feedback. I'd love to hear from you...

Cool Disney World T-Shirts

Over the past few months, the coolness level of souvenir T-shirts at Disney World has skyrocketed. Last week, I took these snapshots of some of the shirts that I thought were the most fun. Prices are around $25-35 each, depending on how embellished they are.

Click any image to start a slideshow of the new designs. To see where to find shops inside Disney World, check out Mouse Map, the only Disney World guide book that includes souvenir shops.

Color always looks good
Hoodies with real character
For the true Mickey Mouse fan
Yes, I <3 Mickey
Black is always chic
Love the wrap-around designs
Graffiti is in
Bold colors stand out on black
Spiffy new designs for polos too
Wrap design works on polos too
On my husband's shopping list :)
Souvenir Ts don't have to be T-shirts
Layered embellishments are popular too
Red is my favorite color for Mickey, but there are many choices
Most are great for layering
Peace Love Mickey
Of course, tanks are hip
All-American Mickey
Posted by Anne on Tue, 2010-05-04 12:35

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival 2010

One of my favorite celebrations of spring, the 2010 International Flower and Garden Festival runs at Epcot March 3-May 16. Click any picture to start a slideshow with captions.

Donald, Daisy and Goofy welcome you to Epcot.
My absolute favorite Flower and Garden Festival topiary!
Giraffe family near Spaceship Earth welcomes guests to the 2010 International Flower and Garden Festival.
Creativity on display: the Lion King celebration behind Spaceship Earth.
Pumba's hanging out with his pals near Innoventions.
Timon: Dinner is served!
Flowers surround the lake between Future World and World Showcase.
A fancy ballerina from Fantasia stands guard at the World Showcase.
Bambi and Friends at the United Kingdom Pavilion... Of course, it makes sense to find Flower at the Flower and Garden Festival.
Look for Peter Pan under the trees next to the fish and chips shop, next to Captain Hook.
Dancing around the World Showcase, those princesses have a wonderful life... even when they are made of flowers.
Isn't it wonderful to be a princess? (Although I guess, princes don't really grow on trees.)
Fragrant Perfume Bushes in Epcot's France Pavilion. I'd love to see these topiaries there all year 'round!
Lumiere, Mrs. Potts, Chip and Cosgrove are very inviting at the France Pavilion.
Belle and the Beast Have a blossoming romance. (Awww, couldn't resist.)
Magic carpet ride with Aladdin in Morocco. I wonder where Jasmine is? She should be hanging out at Epcot too!
Here's the schedule for the Flower Power Concerts that are part of the Flower and Garden Festival.
Farmer Donald and Goofy at Epcot's America Pavilion. Glad they enjoy being outdoors!
Our Host and Hostess at the Flower and Garden Festival: Mickey and Minnie. Look for them to the right of America Pavilion bldg.
Lady and the Tramp look so precious in Italy. Guess they are waiting for a spaghetti dinner.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs enjoy a fine time in Germany.
Wouldn't you love spending every day in the gardens at Disney World?
The dragon in the lagoon in front of the China pavilion is wonderfully awesome.
How appropriate to find a garden gnome in Norway.
Here are Mickey and Minnie again, this time at the entrance to the World Showcase.
The butterfly house near Test Track in Future World is must-see at the Flower and Garden Festival.
Farewell for now!
Posted by Anne on Wed, 2010-03-17 20:50

Surviving ESPN the Weekend at Disney's Hollywood Studios

The 2010 edition of ESPN The Weekend has begun! If you're a sports fan -- and even if you aren't -- it pays to plan ahead. How can you survive one of the busiest weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios?

  • Scope out the schedule in advance. Visit the ESPN website for daily schedules. Get a detailed schedule at the park entrance.
  • If you are planning to attend events at Disney's Hollywood Studios, arrive no later than 8:30 AM -- even earlier if possible! Pick up Fastpasses for Toy Story Mania ASAP, because they are sure to run out early in the day. 
  • Be prepared for extra traffic on Saturday morning during the Champion 5K. Runners start at 7 AM, so plan for delays all morning. 
  • If you aren't planning to participate in ESPN The Weekend events, skip Hollywood Studios this weekend. Enjoy one of the other parks -- Magic Kingdom, Epcot or Disney's Animal Kingdom. (Considering the weather, I plan to visit Epcot.)
  • Most of all, relax and enjoy yourself. The crowds and long lines can try your patience if you let let it! Remember that you're at Disney World!
Posted by Anne on Thu, 2010-02-25 23:16

This Week at Disney World: 2010-01-18

Weather Forecast: Ah, this week is perfect Florida weather! Highs are forecast to be in the mid-70s all week, except for Thursday... which they say is going to be a bit warmer with a chance of thundershowers. Lows will be mostly in the upper 50s. Just to be on the safe side, bring some disposable rain ponchos.

Ride Closures: At the Magic Kingdom, Splash Mountain is still closed for its annual rehab, with reopening scheduled for Feb. 27. Blizzard Beach has closed for its annual rehab; reopening is planned for March 21. At Epcot, Living with the Land at Epcot, closed Jan. 18-Feb. 5.

 

Extra Magic Hours: Here's the posted schedule for this week. Check at your resort for updates:

  • Disney's Hollywood Studios: Tuesday evening (7-10 PM), Saturday morning (8-9 AM), and next Monday evening (7-10 PM)
  • Epcot: Friday evening (9 PM-midnight), next Tuesday morning (8-9 AM)
  • Disney's Animal Kingdom: Tuesday morning (8-9 AM), Wednesday evening (5-8 PM), next Monday morning (8-9 AM)
  • Magic Kingdom: Thursday morning (8-9 AM), Sunday evening (8-11 PM)

Note about Park Hours: Now that we're in the winter season, crowds are smaller, which means park hours will be shorter. The good news -- at least in my opinion -- is the parks are closing earlier. That means my favorite touring tip still applies: Arrive at the theme parks early! Read more about how to get the most from arriving early.

Current Special Offers: Thinking about a Disney World vacation? Now's the perfect time to plan your trip! Disney is running a few special offers that should make the decision making easier. My friends at Dream Come True Vacations have all the details:

If you're heading to Disney World this week, download your Mouse Map here. Any other questions about this week? Send a Twitter message to @wdwtips or use our nifty contact form.

Posted by Anne on Mon, 2010-01-18 22:42

Blogs To Help With Your Disney World Shopping

Shopping for souvenirs in certainly a favorite pasttime at Disney World... and there are so many options! To help you plan in advance, check these Disney shopping-related sites:

  • Vinylmation Blog: The Vinylmation characters are an edgy addition to the selection of Disney World souvenirs. They're cute and clever, with endless possibilities. Read what new releases are on the calendar and be on the look-out for them during your vacation. Read the blog here, and visit the shopping site to order.
  • Disney Pin Trading: Pins are huge (which you probably already know)! There are dozens of fan sites, and then there's the official blog: What's HapPINing? I met their chief blogger last year, and he's such fun! Can you imagine how much fun it would be to think about Disney pins all day long?

Hope you enjoy them as much as I do! Gotta go check out the upcoming pin events... See ya real soon!

Posted by Anne on Wed, 2010-01-13 12:44

Where would you like to go now?

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