Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue Returns June 23!

It’s almost time to giddy up and grab a seat at the table because reservations are now open for Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue! This beloved musical dinner show returns this summer to Walt Disney World Resort and starting today, Guests can book reservations via DisneyWorld.com and the My Disney Experience app for showtimes beginning June 23. If you would like to add this to your itinerary, please let me know ASAP!

I highly recommend this dinner show! It’s great on your Magic Kingdom Day, if you’re looking for a nice break - as Fort Wilderness is just a boat ride away! Or you can fill an “off-day” with some good old fashion fun. This dinner show is a personal favorite and an experience I can’t recommend enough!

Since 1974, Hoop-Dee-Doo has captivated crowds and brought joy to families visiting from all over the world. During its almost 50-year run at the Most Magical Place on Earth, the show has evolved with its audiences and continues to be a treasured experience the entire family can enjoy.

The food served is also pretty delicious and there is something for everyone. Featuring crispy fried chicken, BBQ ribs, mashed potatoes and the FAMOUS strawberry shortcake, it’s one of my favorite meals on property! There is something truly magical about dinner and show - and this one is not to be missed!

Looking to visit the most magical place on earth!? Feel free to contact me to start planning the most magical time!

Eat to the Beat Concert Series is Returning to EPCOT!

The Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare is ready to serve up some piping hot tunes at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE starting this July!

Below you’ll find the schedule of acts that have been announced:

• July 14-15 – Baha Men

• July 16-18 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

• July 29-30 – Taylor Dayne

• July 31-Aug. 1 – Tiffany

• Aug. 5-8 – Joey Fatone & Friends

• Aug. 12-13 – The Devon Allman Project

• Aug. 14-15 – Christopher Cross

• Aug. 19-20 – Journey former Lead Vocalist Steve Augeri

• Aug. 21-22 – Air Supply

• Sept. 2-3 – Southern Avenue

• Sept. 4-5 – Kris Allen & David Cook

• Sept. 9-10 – Hoobastank (NEW)

• Sept. 16-17 – Los Amigos Invisibles (NEW)

• Sept. 23-24 – BBMak

• Sept. 30-Oct. 1 – Stokley (NEW)

• Oct. 2-3 – Sheila E.

• Oct. 7-8 – Mark Wills

• Oct. 9-10 – 38 Special

• Oct. 23-24 – Billy Ocean

• Oct. 28-31 – Hanson

• Nov. 4-7 – Boyz II Men

Beginning May 24, Guests can secure their spot at the show by reserving an Eat to the Beat Dining Package available Friday-Monday. Find out more by visiting TasteEPCOT.com. 

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival runs July 14 through Nov. 19, 2022.

Need park tickets, a vacation package or just want to talk Disney?! Feel free to contact me to get started planning the most magical time!

2023 Walt Disney World Vacation Packages Available June 8!

Looking to visit Walt Disney World next year?! Good news - 2023 packages will be available beginning June 8th!

I am here to help you plan the most magical vacation - why use a travel planner for your 2023 vacation, the answer is simple!

I’m here to help! I am a Disney pro - really, I’ve been to Walt Disney World well over 50 times, over 10 times since the reopening after the covid-pandemic. Every trip, there is something new to know! I make sure you’re in the know with all the happenings, so your vacation is easy and stress free.

I know the resorts! I have stayed at MOST Walt Disney World Resorts, so I can provide you with honest feedback and help you decide the BEST resort for your family. Walt Disney World Resorts are incredible, they have world-class amenities that your family is sure to love! But a vacation with toddlers is different than a vacation with tweens or an adult-only vacation! I can point you in the right direction so you are making the most of the magic.

I know the parks! You tell me what your family loves and I can not only point you to the right theme park BUT I can provide you with tips and tricks to experience what YOUR family wants. No two family’s are the same, which is why no two vacations are the same! Having a customized itinerary for YOUR family, is one service I absolutely love providing my clients!

With all that said, I’d love to help your family with their next Disney vacation. And hey - if you ever just want to chat Disney, feel free to reach out! I’ll talk Mickey all day, every day!

Looking to book a trip to the most magical place on earth next year - feel free to contact me to get started planning today!

Queue options for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

It’s almost time for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to launch into EPCOT on May 27 - and more details are coming out about how you can experience this out of this world attraction. The big news is that there will NOT be a Standby queue available when the ride opens. You will be able to experience the attraction via Virtual Queue or by purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane (remember this is SEPARATE from Genie+)

How to enter the virtual queue

Beginning at 7 a.m. on the day of their park reservation, clients with a valid ticket or pass and a Disney Park Pass Reservation for EPCOT will be able to check for an available boarding group via the My Disney Experience app* and request access to the virtual queue. This can be done before clients leave their Resort hotel or on the way to the park.

At 1 p.m., there will be another opportunity to join the virtual queue for anyone who wasn’t able to join a boarding group earlier in the day. Keep in mind, Clients must be inside EPCOT to access this second virtual queue opportunity.

In order to give as many guests as possible the opportunity to save the galaxy, each person can enter the virtual queue no more than once per day during regular park hours. Please note that joining the virtual queue does not guarantee the ability to experience Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

Virtual queue during extended evening hours

Registered guests staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort, Disney Deluxe Villa Resort or other select hotels will have an additional opportunity to request to join the virtual queue at 6 p.m. on select dates during extended evening theme park hours. Guests with this benefit do not need to be in EPCOT to request to join at that time.

Guests will need valid admission and a theme park reservation for the same park on the same day to experience extended evening hours — or, guests may experience extended evening hours if they have a ticket or annual pass with the Park Hopper option and first enter the park where they made their reservation.

How to purchase individual Lightning Lane entry

Clients with valid park admission and a park reservation can purchase individual Lightning Lane entry in the My Disney Experience app* via the Disney Genie service on the same day of their visit, subject to availability. Price for the experience has not been released yet, but I would assume it will be in the $11 - $15 per person range.

Virtual queue and individual Lightning Lane entry are only accessible via the My Disney Experience app.

Looking to book a trip to the most magical place on earth - feel free to contact me to get started planning today!

Harmony Barbershop Scheduled to Reopen this Summer!

A first visit to the barbershop for your little ones first haircut is a milestone memory most parents look forward to! At Walt Disney World, you can truly make this moment, unforgettable!

(c) RyaPhotos

A mainstay of Magic Kingdom Park since opening day, Harmony Barber Shop is opening its doors once again on July 31 for the world’s most magical haircut. The “My First Haircut” experience is making its return as stylists eagerly await to shower their young friends with magic and extra special pixie dust for the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration to commemorate this special milestone. In fact, Guests of all ages are welcome to take a break from the hustle and bustle and let our friendly stylists polish you up for a day at the park. My older children love to get some “pixie dust” from the Barbershop! And my husband has even received a wonderful haircut here! It’s a full service barbershop!

(c) RyaPhotos

All three of my kids received their first haircuts at Harmony Barbershop and we have the most wonderful and cherished memories from their visit. We still have their locks in the Mickey bag, with their certificates and treasured “First Haircut Ears” - a memory that will truly last a lifetime.

Appointments will be available to reserve starting on June 28 through the My Disney Experience app.

(c) RyaPhotos

This is exciting and welcome news, but I’m sure you’re also curious about the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and as of right now, all we know is it WILL open at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland this summer… as soon as we know more, we’ll let you know!

Looking to book a trip to the most magical place on earth - feel free to contact me to get started planning today!

MagicBand+ Launching at Walt Disney World This Summer!

Disney has announced the newest wearable MagicBand product: MagicBand+ will be launching at Walt Disney World this summer, no specific date has yet been announced. There is an additional guest offering called “Hey Disney” - thinking like Alexa or or Siri - but the Disney version, that is also launching this summer.

MagicBand technology makes visits to Walt Disney World more convenient with just a tap of your band when entering parks and guest rooms, making retail and dining purchases, and creating magic moments with Disney PhotoPass service. MagicBand+ will do all that and more.

Here’s how MagicBand+ will enhance your trip:

Interacting with the 50th Anniversary Golden Statues

NEW for the 50th Anniversary, Disney has placed golden character sculptures throughout the four Walt Disney World theme parks! My clients are given a scavenger hunt to find these characters, and soon, you’ll be able to use MagicBand+ to bring the sculptures to life and interact with them on the “Disney Fab 50 Quest.” You can also dive deeper into the experience using the Play Disney Parks mobile app to keep track of which sculptures you’ve found. The more you find, the more features you can unlock with digital achievements and an augmented reality feature that will give you a glimpse into your favorite characters’ worlds.

“Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters” Experience

Over in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, MagicBand+ invites you to join the “Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters” experience, where you’ll use your band to find numerous virtual bounties hidden throughout Black Spire Outpost. MagicBand+ will be your guide, vibrating and lighting up to show if you’re on the right path. You can then use the augmented reality thermal viewer in the Play Disney Parks app – which reveals what’s behind locked doors in Black Spire Outpost – to uncover your virtual bounty. Once your mission is complete, the local guild master will reward you with galactic credits.

I’m excited to give this a try -back in 2019 when we were visiting, a Cast Member told us all about the “galactic credits” in Batuu but we never heard anything more on it - now it’s clear this is coming to life and I’m excited to see how this builds upon the already incredible experience in Galaxy’s Edge!

Nighttime Spectaculars

Disney hasn’t announced too much about this - only that you’ll experience Nighttime Spectaculars in a NEW way with MagicBand+. I am thinking the bands will vibrate and light-up throughout the shows at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, but we’ll have to keep tuning in for more details!

Of course I can’t wait to know when this new technology will officially be launched, as soon as I hear more I’ll let you know! MagicBand+ will be available to Disney Resort Guests at a reduced advance purchase rate - but no price points have been announced just yet. You can still use existing MagicBands and Disney MagicMobile, available on eligible devices, to enjoy other features, such as park entry. The original MagicBand wearable will continue to be available for purchase as well, but it was not clear if this will still be offered at the reduced rate for resort guest.

As always as more info is announced I’ll keep you updated! My clients are my TOP priority to make sure YOU are in the know to have the most magical vacation!

Looking to book a trip to the most magical place on earth - feel free to contact me to get started planning today!

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Returns this Fall to Walt Disney World!

Tickets will go on sale May 18, 2022 to the general public, BUT Guests of Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, as well as Shades of Green at Walt Disney World Resort can book their tickets as early as May 12. Contact me today to be added to my VIP list.

Tickets range from $109-$199 plus tax. 

These dated event tickets do not require an additional day theme park ticket or Disney Park Pass theme park reservation. 

The event dates are:

• August: 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30

• September: 2, 5, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 29, 30

• October: 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31

As a part of this limited-capacity event, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party attendees will encounter event-exclusive entertainment, notorious Disney villains, frightfully delicious menu items and more! Here’s some of what’s in store:

• The Headless Horseman will ride his ghostly steed down Main Street, U.S.A as a prelude to “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade,” which features floats filled with Disney Characters dressed in their Halloween best, Disney villains and the Haunted Mansion graveyard diggers.

• During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, guests can go trick-or-treating for M&M’S, SKITTLES, SNICKERS, and other Halloween favorites at locations throughout Magic Kingdom Park. And new this year, guests will also receive a reusable trick-or-treat bag featuring a keepsake 50th Anniversary celebration and Halloween design.

• Join the Sanderson Sisters during the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show at Cinderella Castle as they call upon their frightening colleagues to conjure the ultimate Hocus Pocus Party Potion.

• Celebrate the season alongside favorite Disney characters as they take over the park for their favorite party of the year.

• Overlays themed for the occasion will return to several popular Magic Kingdom attractions: Space Mountain, Mad Tea Party, Pirates of the Caribbean and Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.

• The Pumpkin King himself, Jack Skellington, will host “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular.” This can’t-miss nighttime extravaganza features projections, special effects and lighting mixed with fireworks, music and Disney characters.

• Discover sweet and savory menu items inspired by fall flavors and the Halloween season.

• NEW! In honor of the 50th Anniversary celebration, we’re adding even more fun to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year in the form of event-exclusive step-in photo opportunities. And in addition to the reusable trick-or-treating tote bag, guests will also receive a Halloween-themed 50th Anniversary celebration commemorative print.

Are you ready to experience this spooky good time!?! Let our team of 40+ Disney Travel planners help get you started. Start planning today!

Disney Cruise Line Announces Halloween on the High Seas!

It’s all just a bunch of Hocus Pocus! At least, it will be this fall when a first-of-its-kind character meet and greet inspired by Halloween’s favorite sisters and other new experiences debut on Disney Cruise Line’s Halloween on the High Seas sailings!

This September and October, Guests will run amuck (amuck! amuck!) on Halloween-themed cruises with special entertainment and activities, including trick-or-treating, spooky parties, elaborate décor and limited-time food and beverage items.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! These voyages will also debut an all-new character meet and greet opportunity exclusively for Disney Cruise Line Guests. While all characters on board will adorn Halloween costumes as part of the festivities, Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck and Clarabelle Cow will debut a never-before-seen look as they dress up as the iconic Halloween sisters, the Sandersons from the movie “Hocus Pocus.”

During its inaugural season of Halloween cruises this fall, the Disney Wish, the newest Disney Cruise Line ship, will also introduce a unique twist on a Halloween on the High Seas hallmark.

The centerpiece of every ship during Halloween sailings is the signature magical Pumpkin Tree towering over the atrium lobby, each with sprouting Jack-O-Lanterns and flickering lights.
Aboard the Disney Wish, guests will witness the debut of an all-new tree in the “Cinderella”-inspired Grand Hall.

Featuring lighter bark, graceful branches and a mystical face, legend has it that this enchanted tree (named Boo) grew beautiful gourds with the help of a wishing star. The best pumpkin of them all was destined to grant a very special wish … and that moment came when a carriage was needed to send a fair maiden to a royal soiree. In a flash of bibbidi-bobbidi-boo, that perfect pumpkin became the coach that carried Cinderella to the prince’s ball!

In addition to spooky character encounters and enchanted pumpkin trees, other frighteningly fun experiences aboard Halloween on the High Seas sailings include Mickey's Mouse-querade Party, a fun-filled costume party for families (and fan-favorite Disney characters); villainous takeovers in the adult-exclusive venues; Halloween-themed movies on Funnel Vision; and even a ghostly take on ship announcements.

If you are interested in booking a Disney Cruise, 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!

Immerse in Disney Magic as ‘Disneyland Forever’ Fireworks Spectacular Returns to Disneyland Park April 22

We're counting down the days until we “ignite the night” once again at the Disneyland Resort, with the return of three beloved nighttime spectaculars.

In addition to “World of Color” at Disney California Adventure Park and “Main Street Electrical Parade” at Disneyland Park returning on April 22, 2022, “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular also will debut at Disneyland Park on this day.

“Disneyland Forever” fireworks is a street-to-sky celebration filled with sparkling pyrotechnics and immersive projections that envelop our Guests in a breathtaking journey with surprising special effects. This beloved spectacular – which originally debuted in 2015 for the 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration – transports Guests from an Anaheim orange grove into the worlds of timeless Disney and Pixar stories. “Disneyland Forever” also features two original songs: the theme “Live the Magic” and the inspiring closing song “Kiss Goodnight,” written by Disney Legend Richard M. Sherman.

Upon its return, there are many places around Disneyland Park where Guests can enjoy “Disneyland Forever.” Whether they choose to watch on Main Street, U.S.A., in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, near “it’s a small world,” or around the Rivers of America, each location has a different, exciting and immersive experience of the show, as each location bursts to life with colors, projections, and pyrotechnics. The multi-dimensional aspect of the show allows Guests to discover new surprises depending on which location they choose!

As a reminder, when “Disneyland Forever” fireworks return on April 22, it will run weekends only (Friday through Sunday). “Mickey’s Mix Magic” will present its high-energy, projections-only show during the week (Monday through Thursday) until late spring. At that time, “Disneyland Forever” fireworks will then run nightly in the summer.

Theme Park reservations and valid admission for the same Park on the same day are required for Park entry. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability and not guaranteed. Entertainment, experiences, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit disneytraveltradeinfo.com/dlr for important information to know before visiting.

*NEW* Summer Offer for Disney+ Subscribers!

For the first time, Disney+ subscribers can save up to 25% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels! Bookings are now available for visits between July 8 through September 30, 2022.

• Save 25% on Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Resort Villas

• Save 20% at Moderate Resorts and the Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

• Save 15% at Value Resorts (20% at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Suites)

• Save 10% on the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

In order to take advantage of this great offer, you must be a current Disney+ subscriber. Disney will verify this through your username on Disney+. If you are not a current subscriber, you can become one to take advantage of this offer. The subscriber must stay in the room booked.

This is a great way to sneak in a Summer trip with some amazing savings!

Disney+ Subscriber?! Great! Click here to receive your complimentary quote, be sure to indicate you are a current Disney+ Subscriber on the form for the best vacation package custom-fit for YOUR needs!