Disney's Festival of Fantasy Parade Scheduled to Return

I am so excited to let my clients know, Disney’s “Festival of Fantasy” Parade returns to Magic Kingdom Park on March 9, 2022 – which just so happens to be the anniversary of the debut of the parade in 2014! The parade will appear in the park twice a day - what a great bonus! Times have not been announced, but we will keep an eye on My Disney Experience to see when this info becomes available.

Disney also announced MORE great entertainment returning to the Magic Kingdom, including a show on the Cinderella Castle Stage, “Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire.” This show will start on February 25, 2022! This show will have some new enhancements for the 50th Anniversary Celebration, so you can be sure to see Mickey and friends in their amazing EARidescent fashions! Plus the show will feature a brand-new closing song, “Where the Magic Feels Like Home.” This is a great show to watch with the whole fam, and I am so excited it is returning with re-imagined scenes to celebrate the 50th Anniversary!

FINALLY - a brand-new character cavalcade is coming to the Magic Kingdom! This news makes me believe that the cavalcades are here to stay and I am SO for it! I love these quick character parades that happen in the parks! They are truly magical, and this cavalcade is packed with some amazing characters!

The new cavalcade is called “Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade” and will star more than 30 of your favorite Pixar and Disney stars. Including Nick and Judy from “Zootopia,” Baloo and King Louie from “The Jungle Book,” José Carioca and Panchito from “The Three Caballeros,” plus Merida, Moana, The Incredibles, and more – including the Magic Kingdom debut of Miguel from “Coco”! This new cavalcade will hit the streets of the Magic Kingdom starting February 11, 2022!

Disney also reiterated that Fantastic is set to open later this year, but a date has not been given yet! We’ll be looking for that news to drop and make sure you’r the first in the know!

Are you ready to experience all the magic of the 50th Anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World?! Let our team of 40+ Disney Travel planners help get you started. Start planning today!

Get Ready to Rock: Garden Rocks is Returning to EPCOT's International Flower & Garden Show this Spring!

Get your air guitars ready, because the popular Garden Rocks Concert Series returns to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival this March! New this year, internationally recognized artists will bring the groove to the America Gardens Theater stage Friday-Monday, while local Orlando bands step into the spotlight Tuesday-Thursday.

The series features something for everyone – from returning favorites like The Guess Who, Rick Springfield and Simple Plan to Latin hitmakers Melina León and Claudia Leitte, Christian music superstar TobyMac and groovin’ legends Kool & The Gang. 

• March 4-5 – The Guess Who

• March 6-7 – Rick Springfield

• March 11-12 – Melina Leon – NEW to Garden Rocks

• March 18-19 – Mike DelGuidice, currently on tour with Billy Joel – NEW

• March 20-21 – Kool & The Gang – NEW to Garden Rocks

• March 25-28 – The Orchestra starring former members of ELO

• April 1-2 – The Spinners

• April 3-4 – The Pointer Sisters

• April 8-9 – Blue October – NEW to Garden Rocks

• April 15-16 – Tommy DeCarlo, singer of the band Boston – NEW

• April 17-18 – Don Felder, Formerly of The Eagles

• April 22-23 – STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas

• April 24-25 – Claudia Leitte – NEW

• April 29-30 – Berlin

• May 1-2 – TobyMac

• May 6-7 – Blood, Sweat & Tears

• May 8-9 – The Commodores – NEW to Garden Rocks

• May 13-14 – Ambrosia with Peter Beckett – NEW

• May 20-21 – A Flock Of Seagulls

• May 22-23 – Collin Raye – NEW

• May 27-28 – Thelma Houston – NEW

• May 29-30 – Little River Band

• June 3-6 – Simple Plan

• June 10-13 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone

• June 17-20 – Plain White T’s

Best of all, Garden Rocks Dining Packages are back Monday - Friday. If you are a Middle of the Magic Client and would like to reserve a Garden Rocks Dining Package, which guarantees seating to the show, reach out today to add this to your itinerary! If you are NOT currently a client, definitely reach out and we can get you set-up with the most magical vacation on earth!

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!

The Benefits of Staying at Walt Disney World Resort

You’re ready to head to the most Magical Place on Earth… Walt Disney World! Now the biggest decision you have to make is where to stay. Walt Disney World currently offers 25 amazing resorts on property with a wide variety of themes, offerings and benefits at each of their 25 resorts. There are also many resorts and hotels located nearby, so why stay on property?

Disney Transportation All Walt Disney World resorts offer easy and convenient transportation to and from the Walt Disney World Theme Parks, Water Parks and Disney Springs. This eliminates the need for an extra expense like a Rental Car. However, if you decide to rent a car, parking at all Walt Disney World Theme Parks, Water Parks and Disney Springs is complimentary. You get a huge benefit of easy access to the Disney Parks when you’re on property.

Disney Dining There are so many amazing restaurants at the Walt Disney World Resort! All guests are invited to make their reservations 60 days prior to arrival. When you stay at at Walt Disney World Resort, you are able to make your dining reservations for the duration of your stay - this can help obtain hard to get reservations at restaurants like Be Our Guest, Topolino’s Terrace and Cinderella’s Royal Table! This is a HUGE benefit!!

Early Theme Park Entry ALL Walt Disney World Resort guests are allowed to enter the parks 30 minutes early EVERY day! This means more time to enjoy the magic! Take advantage of this perk and ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train before the park opens to the general public!

Deluxe Guests - EXTENDED Evening Hours - This is a HUGE benefit for guests staying at Deluxe Resorts - 2 extra hours after the parks close at EPCOT and Disney’s Magic Kingdom resort on select nights! I recently took advantage of this great offering with my family and we were able to ride Soarin’, Test Track and Frozen Ever After ALL after the park closed at EPCOT! So enjoy the gorgeous nighttime show, Harmonious, then on select nights, enjoy very low wait times right after! Win-win!

Individual Lightning Lane Selections - As a Walt Disney World Resort Guest, you have access to the Individual Lightning Lane selections before the general public. Beginning at 7am, you are able to select your ILL attractions, this is a huge benefit if you are looking to skip the line for rides such as Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, or the extremely popular Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Discounted Magic Bands - As a Walt Disney World Resort Guest, you are able to purchase Magic Bands at a discounted price. Magic Bands are a great accessory for your Walt Disney World Vacation! We’re anxiously awaiting more news on the next generation Magic Band which is coming in 2022!

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! This is a HUGE one, when you stay at a Walt Disney World Resort, you are staying IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MAGIC! You will get Disney Magic throughout your entire trip, no matter what Disney Resort you are at, there is nothing like this level of service in the industry. You’ll be completely immersed in the Disney Bubble.

Do you want to find out more about the Walt Disney World resorts, learn about the value, moderate, deluxe and deluxe villa resorts here!

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!

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure: Standby Now Available

January 10, 2022 is a big day at the Walt Disney World Resort! There are several changes and announcements happening, and most notable is that Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in EPCOT is now available by Standby, no more Virtual Queue required to ride. This is a great change that will allow some added flexibility in your park day over at EPCOT.

With this change, we will end the use of virtual queue for now for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. You also have the opportunity to purchase access to a Lightning Lane queue at this attraction, this is NOT included in Genie+ so anyone can buy the Individual Lane pass if you’d like to “skip the lane” and save time while visiting EPCOT. After your ride through Paris on Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, I highly recommend grabbing a crepe from La Crêperie de Paris walk-up window. The Hazelnut and Chocolate Spread Crepe is DELICIOUS!

Beyond the Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure news, there are three other big changes starting at Walt Disney World today, January 10, 2022! These include:

Splash Mountain is closing for a month-long refurbishment, the attraction is scheduled to reopen on February 10, 2022. It’s important to note that while there has been an announcement this ride will get a larger update and re-theme, this is annual maintenance they are closing for. When the ride re-opens on Feb 10, 2022, it will remain the same theme as always.

New 50th Anniversary Treats - that’s right! The celebration continues with NEW snacks throughout Walt Disney World! Stop by the Main Street USA Bakery and try the brand-new Mickey-shaped Cinnamon Roll, yum! If you’re craving something savory, Pinocchio Village Haus now is serving up a Croque Monsieur Flatbread, there are six other new treats around Walt Disney World that are available starting Jan 10, 2022

So-long Magical Express - that’s right, January 10th means the official end of the Magical Express. But don’t fret, there are plenty of other options for you to get from the airport to the start of your magical vacation. Here at Middle of the Magic Travel, we’ll work with you to find the best option for your travel party (one of the perks of using a Travel Planner!!)

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!

So WHAT is a Travel Planner, Anyway?!

I’m so glad you asked! I understand it can be confusing and whether this is your first time at Disney or your a repeat magic seeker, I can help you along the way! Here’s how the process works:

Client (hey, that’s you!) reaches out saying they want a vacation

I ask my clients to fill out a brief form to let me know their travel preferences. This helps me to get to know you a little better and understand your travel style so I can create the BEST vacation package for YOU!

After I review your answers, I put together a custom quote for you, all at NO COST. Usually I include 3 - 4 options for you to consider, we discuss these over the phone or via email and I’ll either make some changes to best fit YOUR needs, and from there we find the PERFECT vacation package for you and we’re ready for magic…

From there, I’ll book the trip and process the deposit on your behalf, easy peasy and stress free for you!

For Disney clients, I make sure your My Disney Experience account is set up correctly and link your vacation package.

I remind you of important dates coming up in the pre-planning process, more important the coveted dining reservation window for Disney vacations, final payments and booking any ground transfers (if requested).

Speaking of dining… we’ll chat a few days before your dining window opens to make sure I have a good understanding of what you are looking for. The day you dining window opens up, I wake up at 6am ET and make ALL your reservations.

And ground transfers - once you have your flights booked, send those my way and I’ll send you some ground transportation options. You can ALWAYS rent a car or use Uber/Lyft at Disney and Universal.

The BEST part (I think…) is I put together a customized, detailed itinerary for each and every client. The itinerary is PACKED FULL of information and helpful tips to make your vacation the most magical vacation possible. No two trips are the same. Your cousin’s, friend’s, sister’s, uncle who went “that one time last month”…guess what?!?! The information they are giving you is already outdated. As a Disney and Universal expert, I stay up-to-date on all things happening across all the them parks, plus I take several trips throughout the year to make sure I know exactly what I’m talking about. ALL of the advice, information, and tips is based on my personal experience, and the experience of the 40+ travel experts at Middle of the Magic Travel!

OH, here’s a great one -if a special offer comes out after a client has booked, I always check their reservation to see if it qualifies for the offer. Recently Disney announced a new offer and guests who booked on their own were waiting over an hour to access their reservation, using a travel planner, we do the changes for you so less time waiting on the phone to chat with Disney.

And guess what?!?! I do all of this for no extra cost! That’s right! You see, suppliers (i.e. Disney, Universal, cruise lines, etc) all add in the cost of a travel planner to their pricing. If you book with a travel planner (me ) the supplier sends me that cost (commission) AFTER your trip is completed. If you don’t use a travel planner then the supplier just keeps that cost. So really, using a travel planner is supporting a SMALL BUSINESS!

So, why not use a service you are already paying for? I’m here for you every step of the way, and OH, there is NEVER an hour wait to chat with me on the phone. ;)

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 Springs Celebrates Health and Wellness this January!

New year, New YOU! That’s how Disney Springs is welcoming 2022!

Disney Springs will be offering complimentary group fitness classes to Guests on select Wednesdays and Fridays in Jan. Each class will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will take place in Town Center near Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories. Here’s the schedule:

Wellness Wednesday Events:

• 1/5 – HIIT Workout Class presented by Fabletics

• 1/12 – Warrior One Yoga presented by lululemon

• 1/19 – HIIT Workout Class presented by Under Armour

• 1/26 – Orlando Power Yoga presented by Fabletics

Fitness Friday Events:

• 1/21 – Warrior One Yoga presented by lululemon

• 1/28 – HIIT Workout Class presented by Under Armour

Registration is required for all events and space is limited. To register, visit the Fitness and Wellness page under the Experiences tab on DisneySprings.com. 

Of course, exercise is just one component of a healthy lifestyle; it’s also important to eat a well-balanced diet. While Disney Springs is certainly known for some truly over-the-top indulgent foods, there are also plenty of better-for-you menu items to be found.

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC – When Erin McKenna opened her original NYC location in 2005, she had two rules: (1) Create a bakery free of harmful ingredients. (2) Wear cute uniforms. Today, the Disney Springs location is doing just that, focusing on Guests with gluten, dairy, egg, and soy sensitivities, the health-minded, and those with allergies (especially kids!) who are often unable to indulge. Everything here is vegan, gluten-free and delicious!

Frontera Cocina – The Taqueria Ensalada features Arcadian lettuce, poblano rajas, carrot, radish, avocado, tortilla strips, Cotija cheese and an avocado-lime vinaigrette-  grilled chicken breast or the Mojo garlic grilled shrimp can also be added!

Planet Hollywood – The Hollywood Bowl is a standout salad that features Romaine lettuce, house-roasted turkey breast, hard-boiled egg, avocado, Roma tomato, and cucumber. It comes with bacon, swiss cheese and croutons, but you can omit those if you’re aiming for a lower calorie meal. While the recommended dressing is Thousand Island, feel free to swap in a balsamic vinaigrette if desired.

The Polite Pig – The Polite Caesar and Cobb Salads (without bacon) are satisfying bets, while the Chicken Salad Wrap is great for those who want a handheld option. Guests can also make a meal out of a few Market Sides; the Roasted Beets, Tomato Watermelon Salad, Grilled Street Corn and Polite Baked Beans. Last, but not least, there are even healthier choices for little ones including the Roast Smoked Turkey Breast and Grilled Skinless Chicken Breast.

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant – Trying to cut down on meat consumption? Check out This Shepherd Went Vegan, a plant-based Shepherd’s Pie, or the Raglan Risotto, an outstanding vegetarian dish that spotlights wild mushrooms, glazed baby vegetables, tarragon and shaved parmesan. Raglan Road is also celebrated by those with gluten sensitivities as many of their popular menu items are gluten-free.

Yesake – The Tofu Power Bowl is a hearty mix of organic tofu, avocado, spinach, carrot, cabbage, cucumber, tempura crunch and wasabi ponzu. Best of all? Guests can modify it to your liking.

These are just a few of the healthier items you will find throughout Disney Springs. You can always ask your server for recommendations if you’re looking for other suggestions!

I’m loving these healthy offerings at Disney Springs - which one do you plan to try!? Me - I think the Hollywood Bowl is a clear winner!

Getting Ready for Fun in the Sun with this Brand New Disney Deal!

Hot off the press, Walt Disney World has announced great savings on 5-night stays at select Walt Disney World resorts. You can save up to $500 on your magical vacation, for select reservations with travel dates between March 6 - July 7, 2022. Resorts included in this special offer are listed below.

Deluxe Resorts (save $100 per night):

• Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

• Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village

• Disney's Boardwalk Inn

• Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

• Disney's Old Key West

• Disney's Riviera

• Disney's Saratoga Springs

• Disney's Yacht Club

Moderate Resorts (save $40 per night):

• The Cabins at Fort Wilderness

• Disney's Art of Animation Family Suites

• Disney's Coronado Springs

• Disney's Port Orleans - French Quarter

• Disney's Port Orleans - Riverside

Value Resorts (save $20 per night):

• Disney's All-Star Movies

• Disney's All-Star Music

• Disney's All-Star Sports

• Disney's Pop Century

If you're interested in a complimentary quote please contact me 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!

Disney Resort Guide: Finding the Resort That's Right For You!

You know the many benefits of staying at a Walt Disney World Resort, so now you have to decide, which resort is right for me! Here’s a guide to the Disney Resorts that should help you decide which is the BEST for you to make the most out of your magical vacation!

Disney categorizes their resorts in four categories: Value, Moderate, Deluxe and Deluxe Villa. Here is a run down of what those categories mean so you can make the best decision on which category works for your family.

VALUE

This resort category is designed for those looking to travel on a budget with the most affordable pricing of the Disney categories.

Standard Room at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

Rooms As noted above, these rooms typically open to the outside, except for Art of Animation. They typically feature one queen size bed, and one queen size pull down table-bed. Art of Animation is again the exception as it features two full-size Queen Beds or 1 King Bed. Art of Animation and All-Star Music both offer Family suites which feature a Kitchenette, two bathrooms and a private bedroom. The family suites sleep up to 6 and are a great option for larger families needing more space on a budget.

Big Blue Pool at Disney’s Art of Animation

Pool The resorts have large themed pools without waterslides, it is important to note Art of Animation does have the largest Disney Resort Pool at the Big Blue Pool, so while they may not have all the bells and whistles of the moderates or deluxe resorts, these pools are still incredibly themed and lots of fun. These resorts will not have a quiet/adult pool.

Disney 50th Anniversary Bus

Transportation All value resorts have Bus Transportation to all Walt Disney World Theme Parks, Water Parks and Disney Springs. Pop Century and Art of Animation also have access to the Disney Skyliner - a new form of transportation that takes guests to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

Everything Pop Food Court at Disney’s Pop Century

Dining Value resorts have Food Court style dining, which is cafeteria-style. The menu features American fare, and most offer Mickey Waffles for breakfast, while featuring burgers, pizza, salads and more for lunch and dinner. All have a central beverage station with the resort re-fillable mug offering, for coffee, teas and soft drinks.

King Triton at Disney’s Art of Animation

Theme Fun and larger-than-life decor is found at all of the Disney Value Resorts. Disney’s Art of Animation features a three-story tall King Triton(!!) as well as impressive characters from other Disney movies such as Cars, Lion King and Finding Nemo. All-Star Movies has an immersive pool featuring the dancing brooms from Fantasia as well as Sorcerer Mickey! There is no shortage of Disney fun at these properties.

*Imporant to Know: The All-Star Properties are very popular with Youth Groups and typically feature large groups traveling together. If you are coordinating a Youth Trip, I can help with group pricing and highly recommend these locations. If you are looking for a more tranquil trip without a lot of youth groups present, I would look at Art of Animation or Pop Century from the Value Resorts.

Value Resorts:

• Disney’s Art of Animation

• Disney’s Pop Century

• Disney’s All-Star Movies

• Disney’s All-Star Music

• Disney’s All-Star Sports (re-opening March 31, 2022)

MODERATE

These resorts are perfect for families that are looking for more amenities than the Value resorts and not looking to pay Deluxe pricing. Moderate resorts will be slightly farther from the theme parks than select Deluxe properties, although Caribbean Beach is conveniently located on the Skyliner, and right next to Disney’s Riviera Resort (a Deluxe category).

Pirate Room at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Rooms Like the value resorts, these rooms typically open to the outside. Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs is set-up like a traditional hotel and rooms inside the Tower open to an indoor hallway. Most rooms sleep 4 guests, but some do feature an additional twin pull-down bed to accommodate a family of 5. Beds are two queen beds, and some rooms have a King bed available for an additional charge. Select resorts also offer themed rooms - A Pirate Room at Caribbean Beach, which features beds shaped like pirate ships! And the Royal Suite at Port Orleans, where you stay as a guest of Princess Tiana’s and enjoy a majestic setting!

Mardi-Gras Theme Pool at Disney’s Port Orleans, French Quarter

Pool These pools usually offer a large, themed pool that features additional water play options such as a splash park, water slide, whirlpool, kiddie pool, volleyball court and more! This will feel more like a “resort” than the value resorts, so if pool time is a priority, I would advise to look at a moderate over a value resort. Disney pools are incredible, and I do recommend at least one day spent relaxing by the pool!

Disney Skyliner at Caribbean Beach Resort

Transportation You will have more options to get around the Walt Disney World resort at a moderate resort, including bus transportation, Skyliner service (Caribbean Beach), Water Taxi to Disney Springs (Port Orleans) and even a Water Ferry to the Magic Kingdom (Cabins at Fort Wilderness).

Toledo at Coronado Springs

Dining There are more dining options available at the moderate resorts, offering both a quick-serve area and sit-down dining. Food options are more varied as well, featuring the cuisine from the Caribbean at Caribbean Beach, Cajun inspired cuisine at Port Orleans and a wide variety of options at Coronado Springs. These resorts all typically have a lounge area as well, just adding to the places you’re able to relax while on vacation.

Disney’s Port Orleans, Riverside

Theme The themes at the moderate resorts are a little more upscale than those offered at the value resorts. These resorts are very large, and most offer an internal bus system to get around and explore. They do feature a lake area for the most part as well, which adds to the beauty of the resort and also offers additional recreation like fishing and boating!

*Important to know: Coronado Springs is a large convention hotel that caters to a more mature crowd. There are a LOT of amenities at this resort, specifically when you stay at Gran Destino Tower, which feels like a Deluxe resort with moderate pricing.

Moderate Resorts:

• Caribbean Beach Resort

• Coronado Springs Resort

• The Cabins at Fort Wilderness

• Port Orleans - French Quarter

• Port Orleans - Riverside

DELUXE

The Deluxe properties are the top-of-the-line accommodations at Walt Disney World. Here at these resorts you’ll find elegant themes, character dining, spas at select resorts and incredible locations! All immersed in that amazing Disney experience. These resorts are for best for guests looking for elegant and high-end accommodations.

Moana Themed Room at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Rooms These rooms will feature 2 Queen Size beds, some with a 5th twin size sleeper. Select rooms feature 1 King Beds. There are also luxurious suites if you are looking for something extra magical, some with Club Level access. Any level of luxury can be found at the Deluxe Resorts. Rooms are accessed from inside the resort, although select resorts have areas that require you to walk outside to (such as the Garden Wing at the Contemporary, or the Polynesian Resort)

Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club

Pool The pools at the deluxe resorts are going to be some of the best at all Disney World Resorts. Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club features a sand-bottom pool with a lazy river and incredibly fun waterslide! It’s like a mini-water park right at your resort! Deluxe resorts also offer kiddie pools and splash pads, quiet pools, whirlpools, volleyball courts and playgrounds - so there is always something to do around the resort on your days “off” from the parks!

Disney’s Monorail at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Transportation With the exception of the Animal Kingdom Lodge, these resorts all offer an additional mode of transportation to select theme parks beyond the bus service. The iconic Disney Monorail runs between The Grand Floridian, Disney’s Polynesian Village and Disney’s Contemporary resorts - offering a unique Disney experience and the ultimate convenience directly to Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Disney’s EPOCT. From Disney’s Grand Floridian and Disney’s Contemporary you can also walk right to the front gate of Disney’s Magic Kingdom! Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club and Disney’s Boardwalk also offer Water Ferry service to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Wilderness Lodge offers a Water Ferry directly to the Magic Kingdom. And Disney’s Riviera Resort is located on the Disney Skyliner. Like the moderate and value resorts, bus transportation is available at all deluxe resorts to select parks. An amazing perk of the deluxe resorts is their incredible location, directly in the middle of the magic!

Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Dining Select deluxe resorts offer unique character dining experiences right onsite! Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary allows you to dine with the Fab 5 characters for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Beyond the incredible character meals, world-famous chef’s are behind some of the iconic table service restaurants located at Disney’s deluxe resorts - so bring your appetite! If incredible meals are high on your list, consider a deluxe resort!

Spend two extra hours at Disney parks like EPCOT when you stay at a Deluxe Resort!

Extra Perks Yes, there are EXTRA perks for staying at a Deluxe Resort. Beyond the amazing amenities you can only find at a Disney deluxe resort like spas, valet parking, fitness centers, high-end shopping, salon services are more, you also get added perks at the Disney Parks. On select nights you are welcome to stay at select Disney theme parks for two hours longer than the park closes. This means more time for magic with lower wait times. A priceless perk for choosing a deluxe resort!

*Important to know: Club Level is highly sought after and has limited inventory. If this is something you would like to experience, be sure to book at least a year before you plan to travel for the most options!

Deluxe Resorts:

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

• Disney’s Beach Club Resort

• Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

• Disney’s Contemporary Resort

• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

DELUXE VILLAS

These resorts are part of the Disney Vacation Club, Walt Disney World’s timeshare program. The properties are available to the general public, but first they are offered to DVC Members. These resorts are typically associated with a Deluxe Resort, however two stand along: Saratoga Springs and Old Key West. They offer the same amazing amenities as the Disney Deluxe resorts, the accommodations are studio and villa based. Room categories matter at the villas, and the breakdown of categories is below:

Disney’s Riviera Deluxe Studio

Deluxe Studio This room will offer a queen size bed, with a pulldown queen size bed, kitchenette, balcony and one bathroom. These sleep between 4 and 5 guests. This is a great option if you’d like to have a microwave in your room. Old Key West offers the largest Deluxe Studios with plenty of space to relax.

Master bedroom at Disney’s Grand Floridian Villas

One Bedroom Villa These rooms will sleep between 4 and 5 guests, and they offer a private bedroom, full kitchen and washer and dryer available in the room. Certain villas will have two bathrooms (Bay Lake Tower) while others will have a split bathroom to allow more than one person to get ready at the same time, which is hugely convenient when you are up early and heading off to the parks!

Living area at Old Key West

Two Bedroom Villa These rooms offer the same kitchen and washer and dryer inside the room; the added benefit is they have two private bedrooms. One bedroom will feature a King Size bed with a private bathroom and the second bedroom is usually two queen size beds with a bathroom. These sleep 8 - 9 people comfortably. Bay Lake Tower offers three full private bathrooms in their two bedroom villas - a huge perk for a larger family!

3 Bedroom Grand Villa at Disney’s Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary

3 Bedroom Grand Villas These sleep 12 people comfortably, with 3 private bedrooms! This is an excellent choice for a family reunion as it offers a full size dining table to enjoy meals around, full kitchen, living area and 3 or 4 bathrooms depending on the resort. Bay Lake Tower’s 3 bedroom Grand Villa is the largest and my favorite option for a large family reunion!

Bungalow on the Seven Seas Lagoon at Disney’s Polynesian

Bungalows Disney’s Polynesian Village offers Bungalows which are located right on the Seven Seas Lagoon in an area known as the Bora Bora Bungalows. These some of the most expensive rooms on Disney Property and have an incredibly Disney experience, with views of the Magic Kingdom and the Electrical Water Parade. Each Bungalow has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, full kitchen, dining room, living room, washer and dryer and it’s very own plunge pool!

Cabin at Disney’s Copper Creek

Copper Creek Cabins Another luxurious Disney experience can be found at Copper Creek located within Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This property is a boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom, and located on the shores of Bay Lake. The Copper Creek Cabins and not your typical cabin, they are more very elegant accommodations featuring two bedrooms, an indoor fireplace, a screened-in porch and private hot tub. These incredibly themed cabins sleep up to 8 guests.

*Important to know: Villas are highly popular and sell out quickly! If you are interested in staying in a Villa be sure to reach out 11 months out from your time of travel.

Deluxe Villa Resorts:

• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

• Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

• Copper Creek Cabins and Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village

• Disney’s Beach Club Villas

• Disney’s Boardwalk Villas

• Disney’s Old Key West Resort (exclusive DVC resort, rooms open to outside)

• Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows

• Disney’s Riviera Resort (exclusive DVC resort)

• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort (exclusive DVC resort, rooms open to outside)

• The Villa’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

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!

Dates Announced for Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival

Attention spring break clients- this is the news you’ve been waiting for! The dates of the beautiful Flower and Garden Festival are finally here!

This beautiful, blooming festival will begin on March 2nd and run through July 4 - that is 125 days to enjoy the fresh cuisine, stunning gardens and show stopping topiaries at EPCOT!

Disney as announced there will be special touches to incorporate the 50th Anniversary celebration into the Festival. The main topiary will feature Goofy and a 50th themed birthday cake - something that will make for an amazing photo op!

AdventHealth is once again sponsoring this Festival and will have a prominent feature on the Imagination walkway, where you’ll be able to learn tips for staying well.

My favorite part of this festival has to be the Outdoor Kitchens. Found around the World Showcase, these Outdoor Kitchens feature fresh selection of springtime fruits, vegetables, desserts and more! I’m crossing my fingers they bring back the delicious Passion Fruit Margarita, so stay tuned for the full list of food to be found at these amazing Outdoor Kitchens.

Also returning this year is the ever-popular Garden Rocks Concert Series. More details about the musicians playing at EPCOT during the festival will be announced soon.

I highly recommend clients who are in Walt Disney World take an afternoon to enjoy this gorgeous festival. Arriving at EPCOT around 4pm to take in the sites, sounds and delicious food is a great plan! End the evening by watching the incredible nighttime spectacular, Harmonious!

Is the Flower and Garden Festival on the top of your Disney, must-do list? Leave a comment and let me know what you’re most looking forward to!

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!

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