Tag: Planning

EPCOT Innoventions East & West

EPCOT Innoventions East & West

**Disclaimer: This attraction has been retired/discontinued.** About INNOVENTIONS at Epcot®Located in the heart of Epcot®, Innoventions is a unique attraction filled with hands-on, interactive exhibits. Guests discover how science and technology can simplify and enhance their lives today and tomorrow. This interactive playground allows guests 

Cub Scout: Home & Family

Cub Scout: Home & Family

During your Walt Disney World vacation, your scout will have the opportunity to practice his home & family skills as you plan for your vacation, while traveling to WDW, dining at the restaurants, and visiting the parks. Throughout the Cub Scout ranks, there are many Home & Family goals built 

“it’s a small world” Lyrics

“it’s a small world” Lyrics

it’s a small world is a popular, musical boat ride located in the Fantasyland area Magic Kingdom Park.  The ride features over 300 brightly costumed audio-animatronic dolls dressed in the style of the children of the world, frolicking in a spirit of international unity, and singing the attraction’s title song, which has a theme of global peace.

“it’s a small world”

by Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman

It’s a world of laughter,
A world of tears.
It’s a world of hopes,
And a world of fears.
There’s so much that we share,
That it’s time we’re aware,
It’s a small world after all.
 
Chorus:
It’s a small world after all.
It’s a small world after all.
It’s a small world after all.
It’s a small, small world.
There is just one moon,
And one golden sun.
And a smile means,
Friendship to every one.
Though the mountains divide,
And the oceans are wide,
It’s a small world after all.

Scouts learning about their families heritage or anticipating their Disney vacation may enjoy these activities:

 

Related Posts:

Wolf Scout Requirements

Scouting Fun for the Family!

Scouting WDW

 


5 East Steps for Planning your Disney Vacation
Cars-inspired Tracking Chart

Cars-inspired Tracking Chart

Use this Cars-inspired weekly calendar as a checklist or tracking chart when completing weekly or monthly activities. Download the PDF chart from the Disney Family website here. Materials & Instructions Regular paper or cardstock 3-hole punch Pen or pencil Print out the chart on regular paper 

Disney Family Tree & Crest

Disney Family Tree & Crest

Scouts who need to complete a family tree for an adventure elective requirement or a Merit Badge requirement should start with their name and include at least two additional generations. While completing a family tree, parents and scouts can discuss the history, traditions, and culture of their 

Church Services at Disney?

Church Services at Disney?

Would your family like to incorporate family worship and church services into your vacation planning?

While Disney does not regularly offer on-property church services, there are a variety of ways your scouting family may worship while on vacation.

Attend a local church service

A list of area churches and denominations is available here.

Private family worship

While on vacation, consider having private family worship time. A simple private service may include reading from the Bible, singing a favorite family hymn and prayer.

In your Disney resort room, you will find a Bible placed by Gideons International, each member of the family could take turns sharing their favorite Bible verses.

If your vacation time happens while your scout is completing their faith core adventure, consider using this workbook to plan a simple service with a scouting twist. Please note the size of the workbook and only print pages as needed.

Faith Core Adventure requirements:

During the Holidays

Disney traditionally offers church services in the Fantasia Ballroom at Disney’s Contemporary Resort for Easter and Christmas.

There are usually three services, a Catholic Mass at 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. and a Protestant service at 9:00 a.m. Please check with your resort concierge to verify times and locations.


5 East Steps for Planning your Disney Vacation
Emergency! What to do if you get separated at a theme park

Emergency! What to do if you get separated at a theme park

What to do if you get separated at a theme park Even if your child misplaces you for just a few minutes, it can be a frightening experience – so it is a good idea to have a few simple steps to follow. Teach your 

Cub Scout: Sports & Physical Fitness

Cub Scout: Sports & Physical Fitness

During your Walt Disney World vacation, your scout will have the opportunity to practice his sports & physical fitness skills as you plan for your vacation while traveling to WDW, dining at the restaurants, and visiting the parks. Throughout the Cub Scout ranks, there are many Sports & 

Identifying Animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Identifying Animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Wildlife Field Guides are available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. As you enter the expansive lobby of the Jambo House, there is a gigantic picture window with a view to 30 acres on the Savannah, enjoy the African animals from the elevated viewing area, Arusha Rock.  

All three Savannahs were specially built for the lodge animals, which are cared for separately from the Animal Kingdom Park animals. Alcoves in the hallways and additional viewing spots are available throughout the resort. To find the largest variety of animals, search at both Jambo House and Kidani Village.

Want a little more Disney magic? Chat with an Animal Kingdom Lodge Cast Member, ask them questions about their country and their traditions. Many are on a cultural exchange program and it is like having your own personal guide into African life and the land. Cast Members are usually available on the overlooks and trails, especially at sunset on the overlook near the pool where a number of night vision goggles are shared for viewing the animals.

  • EPCOT Innoventions East & West

    **Disclaimer: This attraction has been retired/discontinued.** About INNOVENTIONS at Epcot®Located in the heart of Epcot®, Innoventions is a unique attraction filled with hands-on, interactive exhibits. Guests discover how science and technology can simplify and enhance their lives today and tomorrow. This interactive playground allows guests to experience new products and services, and understand how technological…

  • Cub Scout: Home & Family

    During your Walt Disney World vacation, your scout will have the opportunity to practice his home & family skills as you plan for your vacation, while traveling to WDW, dining at the restaurants, and visiting the parks. Throughout the Cub Scout ranks, there are many Home & Family goals built into the adventures including: Appreciating diversity and each Scout’s unique…

  • “it’s a small world” Lyrics

    it’s a small world is a popular, musical boat ride located in the Fantasyland area Magic Kingdom Park.  The ride features over 300 brightly costumed audio-animatronic dolls dressed in the style of the children of the world, frolicking in a spirit of international unity, and singing the attraction’s title song, which has a theme of global peace. “it’s a small world”…

  • Cars-inspired Tracking Chart

    Use this Cars-inspired weekly calendar as a checklist or tracking chart when completing weekly or monthly activities. Download the PDF chart from the Disney Family website here. Materials & Instructions Regular paper or cardstock 3-hole punch Pen or pencil Print out the chart on regular paper or cardstock. Fill in your topics on the left and enter…

  • Disney Family Tree & Crest

    Scouts who need to complete a family tree for an adventure elective requirement or a Merit Badge requirement should start with their name and include at least two additional generations. While completing a family tree, parents and scouts can discuss the history, traditions, and culture of their family heritage. My Family Tree for the Core Value: Faith…

  • Church Services at Disney?

    Would your family like to incorporate family worship and church services into your vacation planning? While Disney does not regularly offer on-property church services, there are a variety of ways your scouting family may worship while on vacation. Attend a local church service A list of area churches and denominations is available here. Private family worship…

  • Emergency! What to do if you get separated at a theme park

    What to do if you get separated at a theme park Even if your child misplaces you for just a few minutes, it can be a frightening experience – so it is a good idea to have a few simple steps to follow. Teach your scout these 4 Steps for a Safer theme park visit: …

  • Cub Scout: Sports & Physical Fitness

    During your Walt Disney World vacation, your scout will have the opportunity to practice his sports & physical fitness skills as you plan for your vacation while traveling to WDW, dining at the restaurants, and visiting the parks. Throughout the Cub Scout ranks, there are many Sports & Physical Fitness goals built into the adventures including: Activities increase our level…

  • Identifying Animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

    Wildlife Field Guides are available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. As you enter the expansive lobby of the Jambo House, there is a gigantic picture window with a view to 30 acres on the Savannah, enjoy the African animals from the elevated viewing area, Arusha Rock.   All three Savannahs were specially built for the lodge…

  • Get ready, Get set, Pack!

    Preparing and Packing for your Disney vacation together is a fantastic way to complete a requirement where your family works together! PreparingTalk about things that should happen around your home before you leave on vacation: Take out the garbage/trash. Clean all of the dishes in the kitchen. Make your bed and clean your room. PackingFirst,…

  • Sum of All Thrills

    Scouts can build their own theme park ride! Visit Epcots Innovention building and stop by Sum of All Thrills.  This is where scouts and their ride partners will take a turn in the Designer Lab creating their one-of-a-kind ride experience. Using an interactive touchscreen design panel, scouts can add drops, barrel rolls, twists, and turns using…

  • Wild About Safety

    Have you heard? Timon and Pumbaa are Wild About Safety. Safety is part of their problem-free philosophy and they want it to be part of yours too. Safety is an important part of the Scouting experience. The best way to stay safe in the outdoors is to avoid getting into trouble in the first place. That requires…

  • Disney Themed Calendar

    2020 Disney Themed Calendar Use this Disney themed weekly calendar as a checklist or tracking chart when completing weekly or monthly activities. Download the 2020 calendar from the Disney Family website here. Materials & Instructions Regular paper or cardstock 3-hole punch 3-ring notebook binder Pen or pencil Print out the chart on regular paper or cardstock.…

  • Cub Scout: Cooking & Nutrition

    Cub Scout Cooking & Nutrition During your Walt Disney World vacation, your scout will have the opportunity to practice his cooking & nutrition skills as you plan for your vacation, while traveling to WDW, dining at the restaurants, and visiting the parks. Throughout the Cub Scout ranks, there are many Cooking & Nutrition goals built into the adventures…

  • 15 IDEAS FOR HOMESCHOOLING BEFORE AND DURING YOUR DISNEY TRIP

    DISNEY HOMESCHOOLING Recently a mom in our Facebook group asked other homeschoolers to share their best tips for studying about Walt Disney World Resorts & Parks before and during a family vacation. Here’s what they shared: At time of publication, links to outside pages were quickly reviewed and deemed family friendly. Always use caution on the internet.…

  • DRIVING TO YOUR WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

    Certainly, the way to Disney is filled with anticipation and excitement. My son has always been a wonderful passenger. Even with his pleasant temperament, we were pretty strategic in our travel plans. Is it almost time to pack up the car and start your magical vacation? My family and I have driven to Walt Disney…

  • Epcot: Character Fun for Younger Ones

    Spending the day at Epcot is fun for older and younger guests alike! Epcot is a wonderful place for your family to find rides, attractions, and plenty of fun with the Characters. Character Dining There are two character dining locations in Epcot. Both have characters available at all three meals. As with all character dining…

  • Epcot: Beyond the Rides for Younger Children

    Don’t even think of skipping Epcot because you think it’s not for little kids! There is lots of fun to be had for younger guests. Beyond rides, there are many attractions which are just perfect for your little ones to enjoy at Epcot! Other Attractions Remember, it’s not all about the rides! Here are the…

  • Epcot IS for Younger Children

    Have you heard this before? “Epcot is just for older kids and adults.” It’s a popular misconception among parents of young children, but I couldn’t disagree more! Many parents of young children are worried that their kids will not enjoy Epcot as much as the other theme parks. While it’s true that Epcot does have…

  • Teens & Tweens at Walt Disney World

    For most people, a Walt Disney World vacation conjures up images of strolling down Main Street USA pushing a stroller, or holding the hand of a young child decked out in clothing featuring their favorite character. You think of riding Dumbo with your toddler or introducing your preschooler to her favorite princess. While those trips…

  • Night Time Shows and Fireworks

    When it comes to fireworks, light shows, and other nighttime spectaculars, no one does it quite like Disney! They are definitely worth waiting for! Each day in the Walt Disney World theme parks is packed with fun… but when the sun goes down, the evening entertainment in the parks is second to none! Animal Kingdom –…

  • Height Chart

    Walt Disney World Height Chart Are you planning your Walt Disney World trip with toddlers and young children in mind? Then you’ll want to know which rides have height requirements and which are suitable for little ones to enjoy. Print our Disney World Height Chart for your planning binder. Are there height requirements or restrictions…

  • Cabanas at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts

    Cabanas at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts Reservations are open for rentals of the new poolside cabanas at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, where your family can indulge in the lap of luxury. These private hideaways exclusive to Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts provide guests with a bevy of services, including: Plan…

  • Be Our Guest

    Be Our Guest Restaurant Service: Quick Service (Breakfast or Lunch), Table Service (Dinner) Type of Food: Steak, fish, pork, French onion soup and salads. Characters: Yes, during dinner only. | Beast meets guests in the library after your meal. Menus: Breakfast $$ Lunch $$ Dinner $$ $ = $14.99 and less per adult  $$ = $15-29.99 per…

  • Crystal Palace

    The Crystal Palace, a Buffet with Character Service: Table Service Type of Food: American cuisine Characters: Yes | Winnie the Pooh and friends Menus: $ = $14.99 and less per adult  $$ = $15-29.99 per adult  $$$ = 30-59.99 per adult Location: Main Street, Magic Kingdom Quick Tips: My personal review of Crystal Palace: My…

  • Exploring the Disney Parks

    Dreams really do come true when you plan a magical Walt Disney World vacation for your family! At iheartwdw “the planning journey” is made easy, we want to help you plan an exceptional family vacation. Whether your journey to Orlando, Florida is for the ‘once in a lifetime trip’ or if Walt Disney World is your home away from home, iheartwdw…

  • Walt Disney World Address

    Walt Disney World Address and Letter Writing to Your Favorite Character   Use this Walt Disney World address to write a letter to your favorite Disney character…and they will write you back! Walt Disney World Guest CommunicationsP.O. Box 10040Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040 The sheer fun of sending and receiving letters still appeals to every child.…

  • Disney Dining Plans

    Quick links to the various Disney Dining Plans brochures Archives: 2016 Quick Service Brochure 2016 Disney Dining Brochure 2016 Deluxe Dining Brochure 2015 Quick Service Brochure 2015 Disney Dining Brochure 2015 Deluxe Dining Brochure 2014 Quick Service Brochure 2014 Disney Dining Brochure 2014 Deluxe Dining Brochure

  • EPCOT

    Disney planning, world cultures, science, food, and family learning EPCOT is one of the best Walt Disney World parks for families who love to explore. It is part imagination, part science, part world cultures, part food adventure, and part “let’s follow that question and see where it goes.” For some families, EPCOT is about attractions…


5 East Steps for Planning your Disney Vacation
Get ready, Get set, Pack!

Get ready, Get set, Pack!

Preparing and Packing for your Disney vacation together is a fantastic way to complete a requirement where your family works together! PreparingTalk about things that should happen around your home before you leave on vacation: Take out the garbage/trash. Clean all of the dishes in 

Sum of All Thrills

Sum of All Thrills

Scouts can build their own theme park ride! Visit Epcots Innovention building and stop by Sum of All Thrills.  This is where scouts and their ride partners will take a turn in the Designer Lab creating their one-of-a-kind ride experience. Using an interactive touchscreen design panel, 

Wild About Safety

Wild About Safety

Have you heard? Timon and Pumbaa are Wild About Safety. Safety is part of their problem-free philosophy and they want it to be part of yours too.

Safety is an important part of the Scouting experience. The best way to stay safe in the outdoors is to avoid getting into trouble in the first place. That requires planning, training, leadership, good judgment, and accepting responsibility.

Disney’s Wild About Safety: Timon and Pumbaa Safety Smart® Honest & Real! | David Bossert Timon & Pumbaa teach kids how to demonstrate good character traits, such as honesty, kindness, and taking responsibility for one’s actions!

Disney’s Wild About Safety website shares tips and hints to help your vacation be a safe and magical experience. With games, videos, coloring sheets, and more, Timon and Pumbaa are fun to learn with at home and while visiting the parks.

Disney’s Wild About Safety: Timon and Pumbaa Safety Smart® On the Go! Timon & Pumbaa teach kids about the four Safety Smart® points of safe travel–slow down, pay attention, use proper equipment, don’t distract–and how to apply these points to everyday transportation!

Here are a few of their THEME PARK SAFETY TIPS

The Disney Parks are filled with fun rides and attractions, and proper planning and research can help make sure your visit is as safe as can be.

  • Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Light-colored clothes are best to help reflect the sun’s rays during warmer weather, and layers are best during those cooler months.
  • Wear UV-protective sunglasses and a hat with a wide brim for blocking the sun.
  • Have fun in the sun, don’t get overdone. Don’t forget to apply sunblock every two hours.
  • Apply sunscreen that protects against both UVA & UVB rays whenever you’re outdoors:
    • Adults should use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher
    • Children should use SPF 30 or higher
  • Don’t wait too late to hydrate. Hydrate before you get going and before you get thirsty. It’s a good idea to drink 4-6 ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Test your child to make sure he/she knows how to contact you if they get lost. Put a note in his/her pocket with phone numbers and names to contact.
  • Designate a meeting place and time, just in case the group gets separated for any reason.

Want a little more Disney magic? Take the Timon and Pumbaa Safety Challenge at Animal Kingdom Park, stop in at guest services, and ask for your copy. Safety Cards are also available to collect throughout the park. And if you visit Animal Kingdom Lodge and ask for a Wild About Safety Fun Book, with word searches, scrambles, and coloring pages, this book is perfect for filling time while waiting in lines.

Related Posts

Tiger Elective Adventure: Tiger: Safe and Smart

Cub Scout Buddy System

Tiger Cub Achievement 3 – Keeping Myself Healthy and Safe


5 East Steps for Planning your Disney Vacation
Disney Themed Calendar

Disney Themed Calendar

2020 Disney Themed Calendar Use this Disney themed weekly calendar as a checklist or tracking chart when completing weekly or monthly activities. Download the 2020 calendar from the Disney Family website here. Materials & Instructions Regular paper or cardstock 3-hole punch 3-ring notebook binder Pen or 

Cub Scout: Cooking & Nutrition

Cub Scout: Cooking & Nutrition

Cub Scout Cooking & Nutrition During your Walt Disney World vacation, your scout will have the opportunity to practice his cooking & nutrition skills as you plan for your vacation, while traveling to WDW, dining at the restaurants, and visiting the parks. Throughout the Cub Scout ranks, 

15 IDEAS FOR HOMESCHOOLING BEFORE AND DURING YOUR DISNEY TRIP

15 IDEAS FOR HOMESCHOOLING BEFORE AND DURING YOUR DISNEY TRIP

DISNEY HOMESCHOOLING

Recently a mom in our Facebook group asked other homeschoolers to share their best tips for studying about Walt Disney World Resorts & Parks before and during a family vacation.

Here’s what they shared:

  1. We went in December and we studied the countries of EPCOT and their holiday traditions.
  2. Read a biography on Walt Disney.
  3. We studied some light physics behind how roller coasters work.
  4. Learn about Imagineers.
  5. Review types of dinosaurs. (Animal Kingdom)
  6. Talk about the animals we might see in Animal Kingdom.
  7. I also made a list of the different countries. Typed up various questions…type of government, geographic location, climate, art, etc. various things depending on child’s age. The Cast Members working in the various stores are from that country. I had my daughter ask them a couple of questions if they were not too busy. 
  8. They can also take notes during the movies (in World Showcase) and write about them later.
  9. EPCOT has a passport book. The Cast Members in each country will stamp and sign the passports. Plus the book includes stamps of the flag and other country-specific information.
  10. Wilderness Explorers – Animal Kingdom has a badge program where you go on a scavenger-like hunt and look up different information. (example: Birding)
  11. Epcot has a great ride, Living with the Land, on farming, growing hydroponic gardens, raising fish, etc.
  12. We did the Behind the Seeds Tour at The Land. (and if you have a Disney Visa, you get a discount). Then we had dinner at the Garden Grill to sample some of the food grown that we saw on the tour. The tour goes over the 5 basic needs of plants, how to control pests, and hydroponics. We released some ladybugs.
  13. Create a Disney lapbook – choose from a variety of topics like movies, rides, and books.
  14. For printables, crafts, and more (lots more) – search for Disney Homeschooling on Pinterest
  15. Attend Disney Imagination Campus Workshops – students learn in small groups with Cast Member educators and enjoy many behind-the-scenes activities.
15 Ideas for Homeschooling Before and During your Disney Trip

At time of publication, links to outside pages were quickly reviewed and deemed family friendly. Always use caution on the internet.

Disney Planning Timeline

How have you incorporated Disney into your homeschooling? Share your best tips in the comments.

DRIVING TO YOUR WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

DRIVING TO YOUR WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

Certainly, the way to Disney is filled with anticipation and excitement. My son has always been a wonderful passenger. Even with his pleasant temperament, we were pretty strategic in our travel plans. Is it almost time to pack up the car and start your magical 

Epcot: Character Fun for Younger Ones

Epcot: Character Fun for Younger Ones

Spending the day at Epcot is fun for older and younger guests alike! Epcot is a wonderful place for your family to find rides, attractions, and plenty of fun with the Characters. Character Dining There are two character dining locations in Epcot. Both have characters 

Epcot: Beyond the Rides for Younger Children

Epcot: Beyond the Rides for Younger Children

Don’t even think of skipping Epcot because you think it’s not for little kids! There is lots of fun to be had for younger guests.

Beyond rides, there are many attractions which are just perfect for your little ones to enjoy at Epcot!

Click here to subscribe

Other Attractions

Remember, it’s not all about the rides! Here are the can’t miss attractions that young children will love…

Turtle Talk with Crush is a fun, interactive show located in the Living Seas pavilion at the end of The Seas With Nemo and Friends ride. The kids will meet Crush the sea turtle and have a chance to ask him questions. Crush appears on a video screen, and the entire show is improved as the kids do ask live questions. Help your little ones think of something they may want to ask Crush before they go into the theater, so they are prepared when the cast members ask for volunteers.

Innoventions Pavilion, located in Future World East, features fun activities and exhibits including COLORTOPIA – an interactive room exploring the magic of colors – presented by Glidden. Spin color wheels, paint the walls with a magic paintbrush, and interact with the Colortopia app. Visit the Colortopia website before or after your visit for more fun.

Kidcot Fun Stops around World Showcase get the kids engaged with cast members from the different countries found around World Showcase. Each stop will have a craft table with an activity for the kids. They cast members will interact with them teaching them a few phrases and telling stories.

Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure is perfect for older kids and tweens. This interactive game is played on your smartphone. It leads kids through the pavilions of World Showcase to find a series of clues to help Agent P from Phineas and Ferb stop Dr. Doofenshmirtz and his evil plans!

Epcot
photo ©Disney

Epcot has a lot to offer younger kids…

There’s a lot more younger kids are sure to enjoy.

  • Rides
  • Character Dining
  • Special Events
Epcot IS for Younger Children

Epcot IS for Younger Children

Have you heard this before? “Epcot is just for older kids and adults.” It’s a popular misconception among parents of young children, but I couldn’t disagree more! Many parents of young children are worried that their kids will not enjoy Epcot as much as the 

Teens & Tweens at Walt Disney World

Teens & Tweens at Walt Disney World

For most people, a Walt Disney World vacation conjures up images of strolling down Main Street USA pushing a stroller, or holding the hand of a young child decked out in clothing featuring their favorite character. You think of riding Dumbo with your toddler or 

Night Time Shows and Fireworks

Night Time Shows and Fireworks

When it comes to fireworks, light shows, and other nighttime spectaculars, no one does it quite like Disney! They are definitely worth waiting for!

Each day in the Walt Disney World theme parks is packed with fun… but when the sun goes down, the evening entertainment in the parks is second to none!

Click here to subscribe



Animal Kingdom – Tree of Life Awakenings

The Tree of Life is the central focal point of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. It is an impressive sight during the day but be sure to plan to see it at night! Once the sun goes down the “Tree of Life Awakening” happens every 10 minutes until the park closes.

The awakening celebrates the harmony and balance of all living things. The tree lights up with flickering fireflies and colorful lights illuminating the animals carved into the tree’s trunk. This is a sight you won’t want to miss!

Animal Kingdom – Tree of Life Awakenings


Animal Kingdom – Rivers of Light

Several times each night, the Discovery River in Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park comes alive for the Rivers of Light show celebrating the beauty of all living things. The show combines, water, music, and light effects in a stunning display.

Guests are transported to faraway destinations such as African savannahs, Asian jungles, the mountains of North America, and the depths of the ocean as they watch the light displays transform into the spirit forms of elephants, tigers, birds, and turtles.

You’ll want to find a spot for the show early to get a good view!

Animal Kingdom – Rivers of Light


Epcot – Epcot Forever

The popular Illuminations: Reflections of Earth show at Epcot ended September 2019 with a new show titled Epcot Forever to debut on the park’s anniversary on October 1st.

The new show focuses on the “spark of imagination” that started all of the Disney magic guests have come to love and will celebrate all things Epcot and will include fireworks, lasers, choreographed kits, and even jet skis all set to classic theme park music.

Epcot Forever takes place nightly at 9 PM in the World Showcase Lagoon.

Mickey Mouse with fireworks


Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Fantasmic!

Fantasmic! Is a fan favorite at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland… it is one of Disney’s classic nighttime entertainment options. During the show, Mickey Mouse dreams that he has become a sorcerer’s apprentice. In the dream, he has powers that allow him to control water, color, and magic as he fights off some of Disney’s most notorious villains.

Along the way, Mickey is joined by lots of classic Disney characters including Belle and the Beast, Peter Pan, Cinderella, Arielle, Aladdin, and the Simba. Of course, the villains come out to play too including the Evil Queen from Snow White and Maleficent, who takes on the persona of a giant, fire-breathing dragon.

This show can be a little intense for small children. If you are concerned, check out videos on YouTube to see if you think it will be right for the little ones in your party.

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Show


Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular

If you’ve got Star Wars fans in your travel party, you definitely won’t want to miss Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular. The show features thrilling special effects, fireworks, lasers, pyrotechnics, and action sequences starring some of your favorite Star Wars characters all set to the tune of John Williams’ familiar Star Wars soundtrack music.

You’ll want to find a spot out in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theater (Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway) well in advance to make sure you have a great view of the projection show.

Fireworks at Cinderella's Castle


Magic Kingdom – Once Upon A Time

This unique projection show is displayed right on the face of Cinderella Castle each night. Narrated by Mrs. Potts and her son, Chip from Beauty and the Beast, the Once Upon a Time show features scenes from classic Disney films such as Frozen, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan and Beauty and the Beast.

Magic Kingdom – Happily Ever After Fireworks

No Walt Disney World vacation is complete without watching fireworks exploding over the Magic Kingdom! If you are visiting near a holiday, or for a special event, there may be a unique, custom fireworks display but most nights the Magic Kingdom will feature the “Happily Ever After” fireworks show.

Since the show, which tells the tales of “heart and heroism” from several Disney classics, features both fireworks and projection displays on the front of Cinderella Castle, the best views will be around the castle hub and down Mainstreet, USA.

With all of the nighttime spectaculars, you will want to consult the theme park calendars for available dates and times. You will also want to plan to arrive and stake out your spot well in advance of the show times.

Don’t want to brave the crowds to find a good spot? Many of the nighttime shows offer special events or dessert parties with reserved viewing areas (these events are reserved in advance at an additional cost.

Of course, we also love making sure our guests have scheduling and tips for all of the evening entertainment to make sure they know how to avoid crowds and find the best viewing areas to watch the shows.


5 East Steps for Planning your Disney Vacation
Height Chart

Height Chart

Walt Disney World Height Chart Are you planning your Walt Disney World trip with toddlers and young children in mind? Then you’ll want to know which rides have height requirements and which are suitable for little ones to enjoy. Print our Disney World Height Chart 

Cabanas at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts

Cabanas at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts

Cabanas at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts Reservations are open for rentals of the new poolside cabanas at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, where your family can indulge in the lap of luxury. These private hideaways exclusive to Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club 

Be Our Guest

Be Our Guest

Be Our Guest Restaurant

Be Our Guest Restaurant

Service: Quick Service (Breakfast or Lunch), Table Service (Dinner)

Type of Food: Steak, fish, pork, French onion soup and salads.

Characters: Yes, during dinner only. | Beast meets guests in the library after your meal.

Menus:

$ = $14.99 and less per adult  $$ = $15-29.99 per adult  $$$ = 30-59.99 per adult

Location: Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom

Quick Tips:

  • Reservations highly recommended
  • Schedule an early reservation for early access to the park and take advantage of pre-opening castle photos
  • Pre-order your meal online for faster service
  • Guests are allowed to stroll around the different dining rooms to see all of the decor
  • If your reservation is during an “off meal time”, consider ordering dessert only

 

My personal review of Be Our Guest:

We have eaten both breakfast and dinner/dessert at Be Our Guest. The food during breakfast was plentiful (enough for 2 adults to share 1 meal), especially with the tray of fruit and bread which accompanied the table. We had a late dinner reservation (10:30 pm) and opted for dessert only. We tried the grey stuff – it was delicious!

Where else will you see Beast at WDW: 

  • Hollywood Studios, Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace

The Crystal Palace, a Buffet with Character Service: Table Service Type of Food: American cuisine Characters: Yes | Winnie the Pooh and friends Menus: $ = $14.99 and less per adult  $$ = $15-29.99 per adult  $$$ = 30-59.99 per adult Location: Main Street, Magic 

Exploring the Disney Parks

Exploring the Disney Parks

Dreams really do come true when you plan a magical Walt Disney World vacation for your family! At iheartwdw “the planning journey” is made easy, we want to help you plan an exceptional family vacation. Whether your journey to Orlando, Florida is for the ‘once in a lifetime trip’ 

Walt Disney World Address

Walt Disney World Address

Walt Disney World Address and Letter Writing to Your Favorite Character

 

Use this Walt Disney World address to write a letter to your favorite Disney character…and they will write you back!

Walt Disney World Guest Communications
P.O. Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040

The sheer fun of sending and receiving letters still appeals to every child. There is something special about putting letters into the mail box and then having letters delivered by the postman.

Postcard Tips

  • Write a letter from each child going on the trip – so they will each receive a postcard in return Postcard Tip
  • Write to Disney characters you know greet guests at the Parks and Resorts
  • Keep a copy of the child’s written letter – as a fun memento or for a scrapbook page
  • Write as many times as you wish – or to different characters

Anticipating and waiting for your Disney character postcard to arrive builds excitement for your upcoming trip!

 

Letter Writing Tips

Times have changed, now we text, tweet, “Like” and instant message  – anticipation has taken a backseat to immediacy. Give your child the gift of getting “real” mail. Letters are valuable keepsakes…and letter writing can be fun!

An important lesson for kids to learn: If you want to get mail, you’ll need to send mail!

Sending letters teaches even very young children many important skills.

  • Handwriting skills – using neat handwriting, correct spelling, etc
  • Letter-writing skills – tell the recipient about something that happened to you, ask the recipient questions about themselves

Here are a few ways to make letter-writing creative:

  • Very young children can send drawings and include a note with some help from Mom or Dad.  (click here for Mickey Mouse coloring pages)
  • Older children can ask the character questions – “What is it like to live at Walt Disney World?”  “What is your favorite ride or attraction?”  “Where do you go on vacation?”
  • Or tell the characters how excited they are to visit them at Walt Disney World and share which ride or attraction excites them the most.

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Disney Dining Plans

Disney Dining Plans

Quick links to the various Disney Dining Plans brochures Archives: 2016 Quick Service Brochure 2016 Disney Dining Brochure 2016 Deluxe Dining Brochure 2015 Quick Service Brochure 2015 Disney Dining Brochure 2015 Deluxe Dining Brochure 2014 Quick Service Brochure 2014 Disney Dining Brochure 2014 Deluxe Dining 

EPCOT

EPCOT

Disney planning, world cultures, science, food, and family learning EPCOT is one of the best Walt Disney World parks for families who love to explore. It is part imagination, part science, part world cultures, part food adventure, and part “let’s follow that question and see