When is the BEST Time to Take a Trip to Walt Disney World?!

This has to be one of the most asked questions we receive as an authorized Disney Travel Planner. And the answer, completely depends on YOUR personal preferences. Here I’ll break down when I think the best times to visit are - but when you use an authorized Disney Travel Planner, we’ll help you with planning so ANYTIME is the best time!

Here are my breakdowns on each month - in no particular order with pros and cons of visiting during each month.

January

January is traditionally a slow time of year at Walt Disney World, once Winter Break has passed. Here you will find lower crowds, more resort availability and an overall mild temperature. January usually brings in the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts - which is EPCOT’s shortest festival, and one of my personal favorites. The biggest con to visiting in January will be the weather can be on the cooler side. My last trip in January we had to wear winter coats a few nights as temperatures dipped down into the 40’s.

February

February is split into two crowd levels - the first half of the month tends to be slower, then the second half, crowds pick up with Spring Break, Mardi Gras and the Princess Half Marathon, which is a huge crowd draw. If you want to visit in February - I would recommend the first week as crowds will be lower. Much like January, you can have cooler temps throughout this month.

March

March is one of my favorite times to visit, however you have to be prepared for Spring Break crowds - as they will start to arrive in full force this month. When planning a trip in March, it is IMPORTANT to note the local spring break dates (this year, Orange County is March 10 - 19, 2023) - those are dates to AVOID a trip as they will bring out higher crowds without a doubt. What I love about March is you typically have wonderful weather, the start of EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival and lower crowds if you plan your trip right (which we will HELP you do!)

April

Easter will be in April this year which means - BUSY BUSY BUSY! If you are visiting in April, it’s really beneficial to have a good plan in place to avoid the longer lines. Having a solid plan, and a little patience, will help your April trip be a success. The second half of the month typically tends to see crowds slow down a bit, and the Flower and Garden Festival will still be taking place at EPCOT and is a fantastic time!

May

If your main goal in visiting Walt Disney World is to select a month that brings low crowds - May is my TOP pick. Since most schools are still in session, crowds tend to be very low during this month. Memorial Day weekend is the only time period where you’ll see an increase in crowds, but the rest of the month is traditionally a slower time period. May can start to bring the heat, so with some good planning advice, you should pack appropriately and be OK in the hotter temps. A water park day should definitely be something you consider adding to your plans!

June / July

I am consolidating these two months together because they are VERY similar. Summer months at Walt Disney World are HIGH crowds, HIGH heat and WILD weather. For some, these are the only months that will work with school and work schedules, so if this is you - know that I just went on a week-long trip in July and had a WONDERFUL time. We had a solid plan, definitely lots of pool / water park time, and how could it be bad - we were in Disney World!! It’s just important to know that you’ll likely experience rainy weather, it’s going to be super hot and crowds will be heavier than other months - but not AS crazy as the Thanksgiving/Christmas break time period.

August

While August will still be HOT and have some wild weather, August brings the start of the Spooky season to the parks! The first half of August will be as busy as June/July, but with school beginning earlier in the month - the second half is much slower than the first. This year, the first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is scheduled for August 12, 2022 - so if you visit that date or later, you’ll get amazing Halloween decor at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park.

September

September continues spooky season and low crowds. This is always the lowest crowd month - at least it has been for many years. This is simply because many people are just getting back to school so that is hard to pull kids right away OR because of the weather. September is peak storm season in Walt Disney World - so a good plan is vital if you are planning to visit during this month. Pack your ponchos - you’ll need them!

October

If you love Halloween - then plan an October visit. The weather starts to be more mild, Halloween decor is truly fantastic and crowds are moderate. You can also take advantage of the Food & Wine Festival at EPCOT - which is more enjoyable when it’s a bit cooler outside (in my humble opinion!) October can draw in larger crowds on Halloween - for example the Halloween party is already sold out that day - but generally, the month at large is a great time of year to plan a trip!

November

I love visiting Walt Disney World in November! There is something incredibly unique about how quickly they switch is flipped and poof - Christmas everywhere! The first two weeks of November are great to visit, as you’ll get the Christmas vibes at Disney’s Magic Kingdom and start to see Christmas trees popping up around the resort. Crowds tend to be lower these few weeks as well. Thanksgiving week is one of the BUSIEST times of the year. We have spent many Thanksgivings in Walt Disney World - and while it is insanely busy, with the right plan and mindset, it’s a magical time!

December

My favorite month to be in Walt Disney World. There is something absolutely magical about the holidays and Disney really brings this to life. The first two weeks of December will be lower crowds, mild temps and amazing ambiance! As you near closer to Christmas Break, crowds will pick up and the two weeks of Christmas Break are historically the busiest times of the year at Walt Disney World. I think visiting Walt Disney World in December is something everyone should experience at least one time!

If you are interested in booking a Magical Vacation with Middle of the Magic Travel, you’ll receive a personalized itinerary based on your Magical Preferences and the knowledge of 40+ travel planners! To start planning your vacation, click here.

MagicBand+ Launching July 27 at Walt Disney World

Disney announced that the next generation of MagicBand technology will be launching on July 27th at Walt Disney World. At this time there was not a date announced for Disneyland.

MagicBand+ will have all the features of the current MagicBands: tap to enter the parks, tap to pay, tap to enter your room and linking your PhotoPass photos, but this new technology will bring an interactive layer to your Walt Disney World vacation.

Some of the new features Disney has announced, include color-changing lights, haptic vibrations and gesture recognition. You will also be able to pair your MagicBand+ to your smartphone using the My Disney Experience app.

There will also be an augmented reality feature that can be used when interacting the the Fab 50 Golden Statue Quest and over in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge as your explore Batuu and collect “bounties” - more information to come on this feature and I am very excited to see how this works in real life!

MagicBand+ will bring you into the nighttime spectaculars and create even more magic for you and your family during “Enchantment” at Disney’s Magic Kingdom and “Harmonious” at EPCOT. MagicBand+ complements the magic in the skies, lighting up and vibrating in sync with fireworks, visual effects, and music. Disney also announced the MagicBand+ technology will engage with the “Beacons of Magic” at all four parks!

This new technology sounds absolutely amazing! There will be 25 designs to choose from at launch, I know I will be purchasing a new band for my September trip and can’t wait to try the interactive features in person so I can best help my clients understand all of the changes. MagicBand+ will start at $34.99 - Disney did announce Walt Disney World Resort guests will receive a pre-arrival discount similar to the current MagicBands. What that discount is, is still unknown but you know I’ll be following closely to find out!

Oh - I forgot to mention ONE huge thing! These MagicBand+ will be rechargeable! No more wondering if your MagicBand’s battery is dead! Woohoo! This is a huge win in my eyes!

Are you excited for this new technology? I sure am and I’ll be posting all about my upcoming travels and experiences with MagicBand+ in September!

If you would like to visit Walt Disney World, I would love to help! Click here to start your no obligation, complimentary vacation quote from Melissa Zimmer with Middle of the Magic Travel.

Incredibles Room at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort has been a Walt Disney World icon since the park opened! Over the hotels 50 year history, this resort has been on many Disney fan’s must-stay list for its unique location just a stone’s throw from Magic Kingdom and it’s many onsite amenities.

The resort debuted a new room theme for guest rooms inside the iconic A-Frame building featuring The Incredibles. I recently stayed in this room with my family of five and was incredibly impressed!

First, if you want a themed Disney room – this is a GREAT spot. The room from top-to-bottom has amazing Incredibles touches. My kids loved the Super Suits in the closet, and Jack-Jack in the bathroom. When you pulled out the nightstand drawer, even more adorable Incredibles touches! Truly this is a very Disney room and absolutely perfect for families that want to feel in the middle of the magic!

I think this room would be great for families of four - we are a family of five and while we all fit comfortably, the twin size bed on the sofa was not the most comfortable. There are more spacious single rooms that can hold a family of five with more comfortable sleeping options. A family of 3 or 4 will find this room he most comfortable.

This location is un-matched! Featuring a walking path right to the Magic Kingdom and the iconic Monorail with a station inside the main building it simply cannot get any closer to the magic. There are also wonderful dining options located onsite – Chef Mickey’s (a highly popular character meal), Steakhouse 71 and California Grill are the table service options.

We loved this new room type, it was wonderfully re-imagined and felt fresh, new and modern! Take a full room tour by watching the video below!

Would you like to experience this ‘Incredible’ room? Let Melissa plan a magical vacation for you! Click here to start planning the magic!

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – An Out of this World Experience

To say that this ride is truly an out-of-this-world experience, isn’t really giving this new attraction the credit it deserves. This ride is unlike anything I’ve experienced, and was so much fun we rode it multiple times on our recent trip to Walt Disney World.

(c) MZ Photography

I’ll start by addressing the elephant in the room – motion sickness. I’m sure, like me, you have read other blogs that have told you many guests are experiencing motion sickness on board this new ride. I read this and to be honest, was pretty nervous to ride the attraction, but excitement overtook me so I went onboard. Now I am prone to motion sickness, especially on boats and rides that spin (looking at you Tea Cups!), but I rode this ride without any motion sickness meds and I was totally fine. I did feel a little dizzy getting off the first time, but never sick. IF you are prone to motion sickness on rides like Expedition Everest, Space Mountain or Rock ‘n Rollercoaster I will say you will likely experience the same motion sickness here so plan accordingly. It is a high-speed rollercoaster in the dark and there are screens. My strategy was to look straight ahead vs looking around at everything going on and this worked well for me.

Now that we have that out of the way, let’s talk riding strategy. There are two ways to ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

1.     Through the Virtual Queue – this opens at 7am and 1pm. I recommend joining this queue! We joined the 1pm queue and we were called back at 6:30pm. We waited in line for about 25 minutes before we boarded and we were able to rider swap for our little guy who was too scared to ride (he did ride once, more on that later)

2.     Buying an Individual Lightning Lane – this was $17/rider the days we visited. We purchased this the day of our visit at 7am and I am very glad that we did. The wait to get into the preshow was less than 5 minutes.

Personally I would recommend utilizing both options if you are a thrill seeking family. The main reason would be there are multiple songs that can be experienced during the ride! Each makes for a unique experience.

When I rode, I heard the following songs:

-       Conga by Gloria Estefan

-       Disco Inferno by The Trammps

-       September by Earth, Wind & Fire

-       Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears

 Our family favorite was Conga – it was upbeat, fun and really brought the ride to life! Our oldest daughter just competed a dance to this song, so there was definitely a personal connection to the tune! Now, that said, we LOVED all the songs for different reasons, so you can’t go wrong! All four songs brought their own unique twist to the ride and felt very “Guardians of the Galaxy” to us!

There are two songs I was unable to experience (and hope I can get these tracks in the future): I Ran by Flock of Seagulls and One Way or Another by Blondie. My husband and daughters rode to “I Ran” and absolutely loved it!

The queue experience is very interactive and flows quickly. The Lightning Lane option will be the fastest way onto the ride. We had good luck with the Virtual Queue and waited no longer than 25 minutes. I have heard of some people waiting much longer so it will depend on crowds and time of year. If you want a shorter wait, then purchase the Individual Lightning Lane at 7am.

I won’t chat too much about the pre-show but we all loved it. It really got you excited for the ride and embodied the Guardians of the Galaxy spirit. While on the ride, the first time we didn’t really follow the “story line” as there is SO much going on. But after our second and third time on the attraction, we started to pick up on the storyline and really enjoyed it! It’s a lot of fun – and fits the vibes of Guardians of the Galaxy perfectly.

Now – who should ride this attraction. I already covered if you are prone to motion sickness from high-speed rollercoasters or sensitive to screens, take precautions to manage motion sickness before riding, or sit this one out.

We did have my four-year-old ride one time and while he exited with a smile, he had no interest in riding for another time. Ultimately it was probably a bit too intense for him and I would say ages 6+ are best to ride, or if you have a younger thrill seeker, they should be fine! The attraction launches backwards which was the part that scared my youngest the most – but he did LOVE the fact the ride moved all around, it felt less like a traditional rollercoaster which was a hit with him.

Ultimately you know what is best for your family, so if you have a child who is completely afraid of Slinky Dog Dash – do not put them on Guardians. Instead use rider-swap and everyone will be happy! While you’re waiting with your youngster, take advantage of the PhotoPass photographer set-up right outside the ride! They have some incredible Magic Shots!

My overall review of this ride is – it is a MUST RIDE for thrill seekers. It is a much-needed addition at EPCOT and we found ourselves visiting EPCOT much more than ever before. I’m excited to see EPCOT when all of the construction is completed to experience this re-imagined park in all it’s glory. It’s sure to be out-of-this-world!

More Character Dining Returns to Walt Disney World this Fall!

More great experiences will be reopening this Fall at Walt Disney World! These are great character experiences your whole family will enjoy!

First, on September 20, 2022 - the Hundred Acre Woods pals will be greeting guests again at The Crystal Palace at Walt Disney World. This is an incredible spot for a BIRTHDAY for your little one! My son had his first birthday meal here, and it was pure magic! You get a cupcake, and birthday card signed by Winnie the Pooh and friends! Even if it is not your birthday, this is a fun spot to meet Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Tiger and Piglet!

Then, September 27th, a favorite breakfast spot will begin welcoming characters again as ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast returns featuring Lilo & Stitch! Get some hugs in, and enjoy tasty treats like the Pineapple Coconut Breakfast Bread and Mickey Waffles and sip on the iconic Lilikoi Juice and the yummy Moana Smoothie.

Last and certainly not least, over at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Cape May Cafe Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast will again welcome back your favorite Disney pals beginning October 4, 2022. I personally LOVE this breakfast because I think Minnie’s outfit is just adorable! The breakfast buffet is always a hit with my kiddos too!

If you want to add any of these great character dining restaurants to your Disney vacation, simply let me know and I’ll be sure to add them onto your can’t-miss reservations!

If you are interested in booking a Magical Vacation with Middle of the Magic Travel, you’ll receive a personalized itinerary based on your Magical Preferences and the knowledge of 40+ travel planners! To start planning your vacation, click here.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Opening This Summer

You heard it right - the magical princess makeover experience is reopening this summer at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. The locations inside The Magic Kingdom at Disney World and Disneyland Park at Disneyland will be reopening on August 25, 2022. Reservations will open in early August.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique has a long legacy of making dreams come true for children around the world. My girls have loved their royal experiences - and talk about the experience frequently! It was truly a magical moment for my whole family, and I just can’t wait to share in that experience with other families when Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique returns to Disney World and Disneyland.

Stay tuned for more information on when the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will reopen at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and Disney Springs- hopefully that will be announced soon as it’s a great magical treat for a park “off” day!

If you are interested in booking a Magical Vacation with Middle of the Magic Travel, you’ll receive a personalized itinerary based on your Magical Preferences and the knowledge of 40+ travel planners! To start planning your vacation, click here.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Returns to the Magic Kingdom!

Holiday joy will unfold at Magic Kingdom as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns this year! On 24 select nights, Nov. 8 – Dec. 22, 2022, this separately ticketed event will invite guests to Magic Kingdom for an evening of merriment.

• Join Mickey and his pals at the Cinderella Castle stage for the ultimate must-watch Christmas extravaganza – “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration.” The show features nostalgic and modern medleys of holiday music paired with dance performances.

• Minnie Mouse orchestrates a sparkling spectacle over Magic Kingdom as a part of “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks.” Full of holiday magic, the show includes dazzling castle projections, fireworks and seasonal songs.

• With his famous flying reindeer leading the way, Santa Claus will join Mickey Mouse and friends in the must-see “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” as it makes its way through the park.

• Speaking of Santa Claus, he isn’t the only one who likes cookies during the holidays. Partygoers can indulge in complimentary cookies and hot cocoa at locations throughout Magic Kingdom.

• Magic Kingdom attractions will get a special dose of yuletide cheer. Holiday magic will once again transform the Jungle Cruise into the Jingle Cruise. And, as an exclusive treat for event attendees, Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Speedway, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor and Mad Tea Party will all receive a special holiday makeover.

• Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café becomes the coolest place to get down when denizens of the North Pole drop by for an intergalactic dance party!

• Also at Magic Kingdom, dance the night away alongside favorite Disney characters during an out-of-this-world holiday show, “A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas” on the Rockettower Plaza Stage.

• The fun continues for young partygoers and Disney Junior fans of all ages at Storybook Circus during the “Disney Junior Jingle Jam” as Disney Junior characters take part in a fun-filled dance celebration.

• NEW! In honor of the 50th Anniversary celebration, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party attendees will discover three jolly new photo opportunities. Guests will also receive a special 50th Anniversary commemorative keepsake, themed for the holidays.

Tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are limited and may be purchased online beginning July 7, 2022. Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can begin purchasing tickets as early as June 30, 2022. Ticket prices will range from $149 – $199 per person. Event dates are:

• November: 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 27, 29

• December: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22

Ready to experience the most magical place on earth with the magic of the holiday season!? Middle of the Magic Travel is here to plan this enchanting holiday vacation! Simply click here for your no obligation, no fee quote!

Fourth of July Foodie Guide

It’s time for the Fourth of July Foodie Guide!

Before I dive in, I know I have a few clients in town for the Fourth of July so I hope you can head over to Casey’s Corner to try their brand-new CHICAGO DOG! I know when I am in town I’ll be sneaking over to check this out - they are highlighting that it has the famous neon green relish, so I’m excited to see how this is in person! I’ll be there July 8th so be sure to follow my Instagram Stories for a FULL REVIEW!

Now onto the fabulous 4th of July treats that can be found at Walt Disney World this 4th of July!

Magic Kingdom

 Columbia Harbour House (Available July 1 through 4; Mobile Order available)

• Berry Shortcake: Shortcake topped with berries and whipped cream (New)

 Casey’s Corner (Available July 1 through August 11; Mobile Order available)

• Chicago-style All Beef Hot Dog: All beef hot dog, traditional "Chicago green" relish, pickles, and marinated diced tomatoes served on a potato bread bun (New)

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor (Available July 1 through 4)

• Red Velvet Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich: Red velvet cookies, vanilla ice cream, and sprinkles (New)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Backlot Express and Rosie’s All-American Café (Available July 1 through 4; Mobile Order available)

• Apple Pie Cupcake: Yellow cupcake filled with an apple pie filling, topped with a salted caramel buttercream, and cinnamon streusel, and garnished with rainbow silver sparkle, red, white, and blue Mickey ears

ABC Commissary and The Trolley Car Café (Available July 1 through 4; Mobile Order available)

• Red, White, and Blue Raspberry Frangipane Bar: Frangipane layered with raspberry jam (New)

Woody’s Lunch Box (Mobile Order available)

• Fourth of July Lunch Box Tart: Cherry pie filling, vanilla fondant, and star sprinkles (New) (Available July 1 through 4)

• Lunch Box Parfait: Blue raspberry gelatin, whipped cream, strawberry gelatin, fresh strawberries, and blueberries (New) (Available July 4)

EPCOT  

Connections Café (Available July 1 through 4)

• Fourth of July Liege Waffle: Brioche dough with pearl sugar (New)

Fife & Drum (Currently available)

• The American Dream: Frozen Fanta Wild Cherry, vanilla ice cream, and Frozen Fanta Blue Raspberry slushy

Sunshine Seasons (Available July 1 through 4)

• Red, White, & Blue Cake Pops: Red velvet cake pops (New)

Disney Springs

Amorette's Patisserie (Available June 30 through July 4) 

• Apple Pie Éclair filled with a white chocolate cinnamon apple mousse garnished with whipped caramel white ganache, cinnamon apples, and crispy pearls (New)

The Daily Poutine (Available June 29 through July 31)

• Cheeseburger Poutine: French fries, ground beef, cheese sauce, bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, and mustard

Resorts

Available at Various Pool Bars and Lounges across Resorts (Available July 1 through 4)

• Sparkling Strawberry: Prosecco and strawberry puree garnished with a strawberry (New)

• Stars and Stripes: Bacardi Raspberry Rum blended with flavors of coconut, pineapple, raspberry puree topped with a float of blue curaçao (New)

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

World Premiere Food Court, Intermission Food Court, and End Zone Food Court (Available July 1 through 4; Mobile Order available)

• Firecracker Push Up Pop: Layers of strawberry cake and lemon buttercream with sprinkles (New)

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Landscape of Flavors and Everything POP Shopping & Dining (Available July 1 through 4; Mobile Order available)

• Star-Spangled Cupcake: Yellow cupcake filled with watermelon basil curd with lemon buttercream and white chocolate stars (New)

Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort  

Beach Club Market and Market at Ale & Compass (Available July 1 through 4; Mobile Order available)

• Berry Blast Trifle: Layers of strawberry mousse, blueberry compote, vanilla cake crumbles, and whipped cream (New)

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

BoardWalk Bakery (Available July 1 through 4; Mobile Order available)

• Freedom Cheesecake: Red velvet brownie base, vanilla cheesecake, sweet cream, crisp pearls, and white chocolate garnish (New)

• Independence Day Cupcake: Cinnamon cupcake, apple pie filling, and vanilla mascarpone cream (New)

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

 Centertown Market (Available July 1 through 4; Mobile Order available)

• Caribbean Sticky Ribs: Orange-chili sticky spareribs with crispy tostones and a side creamy mango slaw (New)

• Firecracker Brownie: Graham cracker crust and chocolate chip fudgy brownie topped with a brown butter caramel mousse, popping candy, and chocolate décor (New)

Spyglass Grill (Available July 1 through 4; Mobile Order available)

• Firecracker Brownie: Graham cracker crust and chocolate chip fudgy brownie topped with a brown butter caramel mousse, popping candy, and chocolate décor (New)

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Contempo Café (Available July 1 through 4; Mobile Order available)

• Fourth of July Fruit Tart: Blackberry custard topped with fresh berries and a vanilla panna cotta popsicle (New)

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Gasparilla Island Grill (Mobile Order available)

• Red, White, and Blue Cookie Sandwich: Vanilla-scented buttercream sandwiched between two gluten free chocolate chip cookies (New) (Available July 1 through 4)

• S'mores Marshmallow Pop: Marshmallow pop enrobed in dark chocolate with graham crumble (New) (Available July 1 through August 29)

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Riverside

Riverside Mill Food Court and Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (Available July 1 through 4)  

• Sweet & Spicy Ribs: Tender pork ribs with sweet & spicy BBQ sauce, cowboy beans, corn on the cob, and coleslaw

• Firecracker Brownie: Graham cracker crust and chocolate chip fudgy brownie topped with a brown butter caramel mousse, popping candy, and chocolate décor (New)

Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Good’s Food to Go and The Artist Palette (Available July 1 through 4; Mobile Order available)

• Fourth of July Layer Cake: Layers of red velvet cake with white and blue buttercream filled with a patriotic sprinkle surprise (New)

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Le Petit Café (Available July 1 through 4)

• Fourth of July Firecracker: Milk chocolate mousse with morello cherries

Bar Riva (Available July 1 through 5 and July 14 through 17)  

• Patriotic Wave: The Mediterranean Wave with the addition of blue curaçao and hibiscus

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Roaring Fork (Available July 1 through 4; Mobile Order available)

• Lemon Mousse Cake: Lemon cake and white chocolate lemon mousse with a blueberry compote center and chocolate star décor (New)

If you try ANY of these delicious new treats - be sure to TAG me on social media with your FULL REVIEW! They look absolutely delicious! And stay tuned to the Magic With Melissa Instagram page for my honest review of the Chicago Dog at Casey’s Corner!!

Victoria and Albert's Reopening in July!

If you are looking for an extraordinary culinary experience, look no further than Victoria and Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This fine dining restaurant at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is preparing for its momentous return on July 28, with reservations available starting June 20. 

Victoria & Albert’s, a recipient of the AAA Five Diamond Award since 2000 and Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award since 2018, is known for its unmatched dining experience with exquisite dishes made with ingredients from across the globe. This restaurant is the only one in Florida to hold the honor of having both the AAA Five Diamond and the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star awards and joins only 26 others in the nation with this same unique distinction.

The time has come to experience its timeless elegance and modern twist on American cuisine. Not only will its flavors be enhanced, but the space will be too. The newly reimagined dining room brings Guests into a Victorian-styled setting with murals and wall coverings that showcase a timeless elegance and subtle inspirations of a whimsical garden.

For a more intimate evening, the private Queen Victoria’s Room or the coveted Chef’s Table with a front-row seat to the culinary masterminds at work may be the right option. The world-class wine collection found within its wine cellar, with over 500 selections, perfectly pairs with the dishes by the sommeliers on staff. If they're interested in zero-proof cocktails, there are delicious beverage pairing options for you as well. 

Upon reopening, Guests will savor their way through the Chef’s Tasting Menu. Each dish balances elegant ingredients with unique flavors. With the ever-evolving menu at Victoria & Albert's, guests will be able to indulge in dishes such as Colorado Lamb with pickled blueberry and violet mustard and line-caught turbot with fennel fondue, and Pernod beurre blanc. Those who enjoy the finest of beef can experience the Wagyu A-5 Miyazaki with sauce romesco and potato rösti. Chocolate lovers will revel in the Spectrum of Chocolate, an ombré featuring specialty sourced chocolates with accents of buttermilk, Grand Mariner, and vanilla.

Is Victoria & Albert’s on your “must-do” Disney list?! It is definitely on mine and I can’t wait to experience this reimagined culinary experience!

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!

Staying Cool at Walt Disney World During the Summer

Walt Disney World is a magical vacation - full of wonderful memories that will last a lifetime! It is a popular summer destination - and I LOVE planning a summer holiday for clients! One thing I tell all of my clients is that is HOT in Florida in the summer. And it is vitally important that you are prepared for this heat.

Here is my packing list of must-bring items during a summer vacation to Walt Disney World.

Small Soft Sided Cooler

I like to bring along a small cooler to store some key items in - you are allowed to bring a cooler up to 24″ X 15″ X 18″ which happens to be the size of a locker at Walt Disney World. This is cooler I recommend to clients - but use what you have! I like this cooler because it can be worn like a backpack.

Bottled Water / Refillable Water Bottle

If you are staying at a Disney Deluxe Villa in a one, two or three bedroom villa, you will have access to a freezer. I recommend freezing bottles of water and adding these to your cooler before leaving for the parks. If you do not have access to a freezer, fill up a a refillable water bottle or two with ice from your Disney Resort. You can always ask for ice at any Disney restaurant to refill your water bottle as the day goes on. But you must stay hydrated while in the hot Florida sun, so get your H20!!

Cooling Towels

These are a lifesaver and always appreciated by my family. Disney sells cute Mickey themed cooling towels on property, but for the same price you can buy packs of 4. I recommend bringing a few packs - Have enough for everyone in your party to be using one. You can use the frozen water/ice to recool these throughout the day. I also recommend brining a few Ziplock bags to store them in since they will be wet. Here are the towels we have used on vacation.

Tylenol / Ibuprofen

The heat can be a lot throughout the day - leading to aches and pains. It is best to be prepared with your preferred medication so you don’t have to miss out on any of the fun! Disney has these items for sale at the First Aid locations within the park, but I highly recommend packing your own to save you a little cash!

Sunscreen

I cannot stress this enough how important it is to bring and wear sunscreen and reapply throughout the day. You do not want your vacation ruined because of a bad sunburn, and the Disney bubble doesn’t protect you from this! Also packing some aloe to cool your skin down isn’t a bad idea either!

Anti-chaffing Protection

I know, I know - it’s not something we all chat about frequently, but let’s be honest it can happen to anyone and when it does it sure isn’t comfortable. So I recommend either wearing an extra pair of shorts under your dress or bringing a little body glide to be sure you’re nice and comfortable during your stay at the parks!

Cooling Fan

Listen up - you’re going to want this, especially for the kiddos. Disney sells these at the parks, but they are pretty clunky. I recommend this fan, as it automatically mists, has a fun nightlight your kids will love, and comes with a clip for your stroller.

Here are some ideas on how to stay cool while you are IN the Disney Parks.

Schedule A/C Breaks

Sounds kind of silly but it is SO important. A great way to do this, is to book your table service restaurants during the lunch hour - which will be the hottest time of day. You can also hop into a shop to find a souvenir and catch a little cool break!

Get Wet

Take a ride on the Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom and you will definitely cool down! You can also ride Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom for another interactive cool down experience. There are also fun misting areas throughout the parks - your little one might get soaked so pack extra clothes if you are worried about them sitting in the stroller. Another great tip is to pack an extra pair of socks for everyone to wear after the water rides.

Treat Yourself

Disney is known for their iconic Mickey Ice Cream Bars and Dole Whip Swirls! The summer is a great time to enjoy these cool treats. Just be prepared for them to melt quickly - try to find a shady spot to enjoy and pack your wipes!

You can also take advantage of the early park hours or extended evening hours for times when the sun isn’t quite so hot! Keep in mind the summers usually bring a rain shower to the afternoon, so it is also important to plan for that - a nice afternoon break back at your Disney Resort to cool down, swim or wait out the rain can be just what is needed to keep the magic alive! Remember you can leave and enter the Walt Disney Park all day long so don’t think a break is out of the question!

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