Walt Disney Worlds 50th Anniversary Celebration

Beginning October 1, 2021, The Walt Disney World resort will begin it’s Most Magical Celebration on Earth, celebrating 50 magical years!!

This will be an amazing time to visit the Walt Disney World Resort, and take part in this historic, 18-month event! The World’s Most Magical Celebration will feature new experiences at all four Walt Disney World theme parks and beyond, where shimmering EARidescent décor will greet Guests all across The Most Magical Place on Earth. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals will be the hosts of the celebration, joined by Walt Disney World cast members at the heart of this special moment in our history.

There are two brand-new night-time spectaculars that are joining in the celebration!

Disney Enchantment will debut at the Magic Kingdom October 1, kicking off the magical celebration! The new show looks incredible. It will feature a brand-new song called, “You Are the Magic” by seven-time GRAMMY-winner Philip Lawrence.

“Disney Enchantment” features characters, moments, and music from dozens of Disney and Pixar animated films. The show takes us beyond the ordinary to a land of magic, where we’re swept up in a world of wonder filled with friendship, love and fun. Through it all, we’ll discover we only have to look within to find the power to believe and make dreams come true, because the magic was inside us all along!

Over at EPCOT, “Harmonious,” is the all-new nighttime spectacular! Harmonious celebrates the music of Disney and its ability to unite us all, bridging cultures and generations to unlock the magic of possibility. 

This brand-new show will take us on a journey through new interpretations of familiar Disney songs, performed in more than a dozen languages by a cast of talented singers from around the world! Fun fact: “Harmonious,” one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney park!!

In addition to these amazing new night-time shows, Animal Kingdom will debut a day-time celebration, called Disney KiteTails. Disney KiteTails will come alive several times daily at the Discovery River Amphitheater, which is a favorite spot in the park to sit and relax! I can’t wait to see this brand-new show, it looks incredible!

There will also be exclusive merchandise around the parks - some merchandise has already started to pop up! It looks wonderful and very “EARidescent”!

Speaking of “EARidescent” - look at the Disney Characters new outfits just in time for the celebration! You’ll be able to spot these amazing new fashions on the brand-new Mickey and Friends cavalcade right down Main Street USA!

The World’s Most Magical Celebration has something for everyone - and I can’t wait to get down to Walt Disney World to experience it all!

If you are interested in booking a Walt Disney World vacation, working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is the best way to go! Middle of the Magic Travel is a team of 40+ Disney Vacation planners here to help you along the way! Start planning today!

Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World

I recently had the good luck to stay at The Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World for a 2 night stay with my husband, on our first-ever adult-only trip to Walt Disney World. I cannot recommend this resort enough! It was truly fantastic, from the impressive lobby to the luxurious rooms and amazing pools – it was a one-of-a-kind experience.

We checked in and were notified we received a little pixie dust in the terms of an upgraded room to a Park View Guestroom. We absolutely loved being able to see Epcot right from our room – a perk for fireworks viewing! 

The room was very nice – we really enjoyed the size, it was just right for the two of us. 

We took a tour around the property and we were absolutely impressed with the grounds. They are perfectly manicured, a lush tropical paradise. 

The pools are fantastic. It was a bit rainy the day of our tour, so the pools had just opened and were not very crowded at all. The adult-only Oasis pool is a nice, quiet retreat and has a beautiful infinity edge that leads into the nearby pond. There is a full service restaurant, water pitchers available by request and overall a great, quite retreat for adults who are in need of a break.

The next pool was the impressive lazy river, which seemed to go on forever! We didn’t have our kids with us on this trip, however I know they would absolutely love to float in this lazy river! Our kids would also love the Splash Zone at the Four Seasons – we were blown away at how much fun this pool would be! It has everything, slides, play fountains, low depth splash pool and lots of other fun, interactive areas nearby. 

There is also a traditional family pool area – which is your standard resort pool. It is also an infinity pool and I believe they have movies at night by the pool! Nearby there is also a Kids Club – which seems like a great way for the kids to enjoy themselves while adults relax at the Spa or Adult-only pool.

While these pools are not themed like you would find on Walt Disney World property, they are truly impressive and will provide hours of entertainment for your family while taking a break from the parks. We absolutely plan to bring our whole family back!

There are plenty of dining and shopping areas around the resort - and the food was really incredible. There are several gift shops, my personal favorite had Disney exclusive Stoney Clover bags. They were absolutely perfect - as well as many other adorable things (both Disney and non) for your little ones. There was a full service spa with a boutique as well.

In the morning we enjoyed the coffee and healthy breakfast options from Lickety Split. There is also gelato and a small grab and go section!

We ate dinner one night at Ravello, it was really tasty. The food, drinks and service were incredible! We sat out on the patio and watched a rainstorm roll in and it was a relaxing meal. Ravello also offers character breakfasts on select mornings – so another perk if you’re looking to see some Disney characters around property! We weren’t able to enjoy Capa, the rooftop steakhouse, but that is all the more reason to plan another trip back!

One thing to note, transportation to the parks would be tough without a rental car as the shuttles seemed to be pretty sporadic. Luckily, we did have a rental car and found that to be easy to get around the resort.

Overall, we would highly recommend the Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World if you are looking for a luxurious Walt Disney World vacation. There was plenty to do around the resort, with incredible pools and delicious dining this was a great pick for our adult-only trip! 

If you are interested in booking a Walt Disney World vacation, working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is the best way to go! Middle of the Magic Travel is a team of 40+ Disney Vacation planners here to help you along the way! Start planning today!

Disney Genie Announced and Will Maximize Your Time Spent In the Parks

HUGE News just announced from Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort - coming this fall - Disney a new convenient digital service will be offered to guests - Disney Genie.

This new technology, which guides Guests through our theme parks with tips that can help them reduce time in lines, discover magic around every corner and take the guesswork out of “what’s next.”

The biggest part of this announcement is this is that FastPass+ in Walt Disney World Resort and MaxPass in Disneyland, are both being retired.

Disney Genie will be available this fall giving guests more flexibility in the parks by helping them reduce wait times, book dining reservations and overall, maximize your time spent in the parks. The huge news is that there will be TWO new paid options to skip the lines at popular attractions.

First is Genie+, which for $15 per guest per day at Walt Disney World and $20 per guest per day at Disneyland, will give guests access to the Lightening Lanes. Over 40 attractions are included at Walt Disney World and 15 at Disneyland.

You will be able to purchase Disney Genie+ in advance of your vacation, however you will make your first attraction selection until 7AM on the day of your visit. Once you use your first selection, you’ll then be able to select one after the other throughout the day — keeping in mind you are only allowed one selection at a time.

In addition to Disney Genie+, Disney Genie will feature Individual Attraction Selections that allow guests to pay for access to new Lightning Lanes at popular attractions that are not included on Genie+. All guests will have the option to purchases these selections when the theme park opens, however only Walt Disney World Resort guests will be able to purchase them early at 7am. Allowing Walt Disney World Resort guests the perk of first selection, and the most return times for popular attractions.

Popular attractions like Seven Dwarves Mine Train, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (when it opens) and Rise of the Resistance will be included in the Individual Attraction Selections, however you can only select 2 attractions per day for this additional, optional feature.

This is huge news and something many Disney fans have been waiting for - as more is announced I’ll continue to update this post so you have the latest and greatest!

Here is the overview video posted with all the details on Disney Genie.

If you are interested in booking a Walt Disney World vacation, working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is the best way to go! Middle of the Magic Travel is a team of 40+ Disney Vacation planners here to help you along the way! Start planning today!

Space 220 Restaurant Lifts Off at EPCOT in September

Prepare for lift off - literally! As you board an “elevator” to the newest restaurant at Disney’s EPCOT for an out of this world dining experience!

Disney recently announced Space 220 will open in mid-September, previously the restaurant was set to open in 2020 but due to the global pandemic, the opening was a bit delayed. After learning more about the experience, I feel it will be well worth the wait.

The Space 220 restaurant is located adjacent to the Mission: SPACE attraction, and is a completely immersive experience. Upon arrival, you will check in to the Space 220 Departure Lounge in Future World and board one of two “Space Elevators” that will feel like you’re being transported 220 miles above Earth to Centauri Space Station. Pretty incredible and the experience is hinted at providing out of this world views as you journey into the atmosphere!

Not only will this unique experience be quite the adventure, the food is going to be out of this world as well. Managed by the Patina Restaurant Group and under the direction of Executive Chef Marc Kusche, the menu will feature stellar dishes and gourmet recipes, with a two-course prix fixe menu for lunch, and a three-course prix fixe menu for dinner. In addition to great meals - there will be an impressive luxury wine list as well as an extensive craft beer selection and space-themed craft cocktails.

More details are sure to be announced soon and as soon as the menu is released I will provide another update. There is no word from Disney when reservations will be open to guests, but one of the perks of using Middle of the Magic travel is that we will keep an eye on that, and if you’d like a reservation added to your Magical Vacation, we’ll handle all of that for you!

If you are interested in booking a Walt Disney World vacation, working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is the best way to go! Middle of the Magic Travel is a team of 40+ Disney Vacation planners here to help you along the way! Start planning today!

Tickets Now Available for Disney Very Merriest After Hours at Magic Kingdom

Twinkling lights, festive décor, and magical celebrations will fill Magic Kingdom Park when “Disney Very Merriest After Hours” begins. The event will take place on 24 select nights Nov. 8 through Dec. 21 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. This year’s holiday celebration coincides with the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary – “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.” We can’t wait to unwrap all that festive fun!

Event dates are:

November: 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 28, 30

December: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21

“Disney Very Merriest After Hours” will include the nighttime spectacular “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks” and the special holiday-themed parade “Once Upon a Christmastime Parade”. That’s right, a parade! Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be joined by pals from Disney’s “Frozen” and many other favorite Disney characters including the very popular Toy Soldiers. This festive parade will, of course, also feature Santa Claus himself!

It is important to note this is not the same as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, an event that was cancelled in 2020 and is not scheduled to return at this time. After Hours events may be the norm during the 50th Anniversary Celebration - the reason would likely be due to crowd control as the Magic Kingdom will draw larger crowds during the 50th and the After Hours events will allow the park to account for that.

Similarities:

• Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks (guests will now be able to enjoy two firework shows at the Magic Kingdom on After Hour nights!)

• Once Upon a Christmastime Parade (the first scheduled parade since the pandemic closure!)

• “Mickey and Minnie’s Very Merry Memories” brand new holiday performance at Cinderella Castle inspired by beloved Magic Kingdom holiday shows of the past—including “Mickey’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “Celebrate the Season” and “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration.”

• Attraction Overlays (the Jingle Cruise and Monsters Inc Laugh Floor will have holiday overlays)

• Low wait times at over 20+ attractions

• Magical “snowfall” on Main Street USA

• Complimentary snacks like ice cream novelties and popcorn, seasonal treats and select bottled beverages.

• Seasonal food and beverage available for purchase

• Club Tinsel in Tomorrowland, a favorite spot for my kids!

Differences:

• The biggest difference is the time, the After Hours events are scheduled to begin at 9pm and run until 1am, with guests allowed in the Magic Kingdom at 7pm. This is a bit later than MVMCP, which typically runs from 7pm - midnight. This is definitely something to keep in mind if you have younger kids in your party

• Character meet and greets are mentioned but it is unclear if these will be distanced as they currently are, or more traditional, so we’ll stay tuned to learn more. The good news is characters in their holiday best WILL be at the holiday After Hours event!

• Price - in general After Hours events are higher in price than the parties and this is the case here. Tickets range from $169 to $229 plus tax for select November/December nights, and $249, plus tax on December 19 & 21. These dated event tickets do not require an additional day theme park ticket or Disney Park Pass theme park reservation.

I am planning to attend one of the earlier After Hours events in November with my family. The Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is one of our favorite things in all of Walt Disney World so I wouldn’t miss it! If you are interested in tickets to this event email Melissa today.

If you are interested in booking a Walt Disney World vacation, working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is the best way to go! Middle of the Magic Travel is a team of 40+ Disney Vacation planners here to help you along the way! Start planning today!

Cirque Du Soleil - Drawn to Life to debut in November at Walt Disney World

News recently announced about the newest Cirque du Soleil show coming to Disney Springs this Fall!

Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil & Disney is scheduled to open on Nov. 18, 2021.

This show was originally scheduled to debut in spring 2020, Drawn to Life was in its final rehearsals when the pandemic brought live theater performances to a halt. I know I am excited to watch this show and had tickets back in March 2020!

Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil & Disney is scheduled to open on Nov. 18, 2021. Tickets will go on sale Aug. 20 to the general public. If you are interested in purchasing tickets, please email Melissa today!

If you are interested in booking a Walt Disney World vacation, working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is the best way to go! Middle of the Magic Travel is a team of 40+ Disney Vacation planners here to help you along the way! Start planning today!

Boma Flavors of Africa - Re-opening August 20th

Boma – Flavors of Africa reopens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge on Aug. 20 with all-you-care-to-enjoy buffets at breakfast and dinner. Reservations will be available beginning Aug. 18.

• Breakfast offerings include creamy pap, turkey bobotie, pancakes, waffles, deviled eggs with salmon, and delicious freshly baked items from the Boma bakery.

• At dinner, the rotisserie area will offer pork ribs, salmon, African-spiced strip loin, Durban rotisserie chicken, and lamb bobotie. The kid’s cooking pod will have pasta and meatballs, mac n’ cheese, and chicken bites. The rotating selection of soups, stews, and chowders are back, as well as tasty salads like berbere chickpea salad and North African cauliflower salad.

• For dessert, Guests can enjoy delicious Zebra Domes and a variety of other sweet treats.

For Middle of the Magic clients, we will take care of adding your reservation to your itinerary. Just reach out to Melissa today and note you’d like to add Boma, Flavors of Africa to your trip.

Don’t have a Walt Disney World Resort reservation? No problem, we’re here to help you every step of the way, click here to start your magical vacation planning.