Let in the Light with Magic Kingdom’s Wishes: Night Time Spectacular

in Disney Events, Disney Vacation Planning by DVC Land February 11, 2016, no comments

For most of us in the northern hemisphere its dark cold and miserable. Yes, the days are inching their way towards spring, but the long dreary nights of February and March will still linger among the dark. While we all wait for the blue birds to call in the sun, you can login into our DVC rental store and schedule your next trip to the Walt Disney World Resort and let in the light.

When we say light, we don’t mean metaphorically, we mean big blazing sunny days and bright sparkling nights. We mean fireworks, light displays and Tinkerbell flying overhead. To do this, make sure you set aside a night to watch Wishes Night Time Spectacular at the Magic Kingdom.

Wishes is centered on Cinderella’s Castle and is hosted by Jiminy Cricket and The Blue Fairy. Together, they lead a cast of other characters through a dramatic display of light. Fountains of flame, spew in different colors, technicians cast light on Cinderella’s castle leaving it bathed in Colors, patterns and beauty that make one question whether its light displays or just good old fashion magic from a fairy godmother or two.

Overhead, hundreds of fireworks light the Florida sky synchronized to music and have been known to make audiences from all around the Walt Disney World Resort, look in wonder.

Tinker Bell

Lastly, Tinkerbell flies down from the top of Cinderella’s Castle and captures the hearts of anyone who ever believed in fairies. In fact, the chosen actor to play Tinkerbell can’t weigh more than 95 pounds and must be able to climb ladders, and operate a zip line to make the effect work.

For Tinkerbell Fans, we recommend finding a spot near the rose garden for a good view. Or if you want to watch her go straight overhead, the Tomorrowland Hub is a great place.

Tips for Watching

Just like all of Disney’s attractions, make sure you are there early. Many experts recommend 30 minutes or more. A little bit of distance from the castle is also optimal as it will allow you an entire view of the spectacle. A spot on one of the park’s many bridges is highly recommended. If you don’t have your heart set on some of the finer details, many of the cruises around the park such as the one from the Grand Polynesian offer unique and crowd free views.

So what are you waiting for? Walk away from the dark, and Rent your Disney Vacation Cub Points today.

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

in Disney Events, Disney Vacation Planning by DVC Land February 3, 2016, no comments

Are you ready to run? Do you love Disney princesses? If your answer is yes (or even if you prefer to cheer on folks from the sidelines) you should consider heading down to Walt Disney World for the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend February 18th to February 21nd. Presented by Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, the weekend is full of events focused on health, fitness, and fun for girls and women of all ages.

The Races: While the main event is the Disney Princesses Half Marathon, there are several other race options! If the 13.1k is a little long for your taste, try out the Disney Enchanted 10k or the Disney Princess 5k. If the half marathon is a piece of cake to you, try the Disney Glass Slipper Challenge! The Glass Slipper Challenge is a 19.3-mile adventure held over two days. Participants will run the Disney Enchanted 10k on Saturday, followed by the Disney Princesses Half Marathon on Sunday. Children 13 and under are invited to participate in the runDisney Kids Races on Friday and Saturday.

Happily Ever After Party: After you work hard in the races, come play hard at the Happily Ever After Party at Disney Springs. With delicious food, great music, and a chance to pick up some last minute merchandise, it’s an evening full of fun and relaxation.

Pasta in the Park Party: Before all that running, enjoy a feast fit for royalty plus entertainment at Epcot. Nighttime festivities include a delicious buffet dinner followed by Reflections of Earth- a breathtaking light, laser, a firework show high above World Showcase Lagoon.

If you’re ready to run with the princesses, plan your trip with us today!

Here’s to the New Year: Big Things Coming in 2016

in Disney Events, Disney Vacation Planning by DVC Land January 13, 2016, no comments

With the holidays ending and the new year starting, a vacation may not be the first thing on your mind right now. That may change when you hear about Disney’s new attractions coming in 2016.

Are your kids a fan of Disney’s Frozen? Then they are going to love Epcot’s expansion of Norway into a Frozen’s new meet and greet boat ride attraction! The Frozen Ever After boat ride will thrust guests into the world of Arendelle and allow them to experience different scenes from the popular film. Guests will even be able to go meet Anna and Elsa at the Royal Sommerhaus cabin that will be inspired by Norwegian culture. Both attractions are expected in spring of 2016.

Pictured: Soarin’ (Photo Credit)

Also coming to Epcot in spring 2016, more specifically to the attraction Soarin’, is a third theater and new 4K projection system. It won’t be just Soarin’ for long though: coming soon is Soarin’ Around the World. This new ride experience will take guests to some of the world’s most unique landmarks such as the Great Wall of China, the plains of Africa, and Monument valley, so buckle up!

Have you seen the new Star Wars? How would you like to experience it up close? Disney’s latest announcement of their 14-acre Star Wars Land should have you extremely excited. Although finishing dates are unknown, work is beginning this year on the park’s biggest ever themed land. One expected signature attraction will be a battle between the First Order and the Resistance. Another will put guests at the helm of the Millennium Falcon on a customized secret mission. Although not too much is yet known about the details of the attraction, it’s worth keeping up on your radar.

Finally, something exciting for the whole family is the delicious cuisine at modern steakhouse STK. Sometime this spring at The Landing in Downtown Disney STK will open one of its largest locations in the country with over 14,000 square feet and two dining floors including a main level and rooftop dining. Yum!

If any of this sounds like it’d make your Disney Vacation one to remember, then don’t forget: DVC Land can make it easy for you! Visit our site to learn more about making 2016 the year of your most memorable Disney vacation yet.

Ready for your Star Wars Vacation?

in Disney News, Disney Vacation Planning by DVC Land December 23, 2015, no comments

With last week’s record-breaking release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, excitement over Disney’s new Star Wars franchise possibilities has never been higher. That’s why Disney’s recent announcement and events regarding their new 14-acre Star Wars Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios has many excited about this new destination.

Photo Credit

At the beginning of December, Disney opened their new Star Wars Launch Bay in anticipation of the movie’s release. Guests to the Launch Bay were able to visit special exhibits showcasing the new movie, and had the chance to meet Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Likewise, Disney’s Jedi Training Trials of the Temple—which also opened in early December—allowed younglings the chance to train as a Jedi, and test their newly-acquired skills against Darth Vader and Star Wars: Rebels villain The Seventh Sister.

According to a Disney Parks blog post on the D23 EXPO 2015 announcement about the park, Star Wars Land promises to give guests the chance to visit “a never-before-seen planet, a remote trading port, and one of the last stops before wild space where Star Wars characters and their stories come to life.” At fourteen acres, the park is expected to be the largest single-themed expansion ever to be constructed at both the Anaheim and Disney World parks, including signature attractions such as the opportunity to pilot the Millennium Falcon.

During construction, which is scheduled to begin in 2016, guests will no longer be able to attend Star Wars weekends. If you missed your chance to visit the park during one of these spectacular events, don’t worry—according to another official Disney Attractions blog, “While Star Wars Weekends has been a great way to enjoy the saga for a few days every year, now the Force will be with Disney’s Hollywood Studios every day.”

Interested in booking your Star Wars vacation? Keep checking back to DVC Land’s blog for more information on Star Wars Land’s opening schedule. If you’re not a Star Wars fan, don’t worry! Our resorts have more than enough to keep you occupied. Book your vacation today!

Citations:

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/11/disneys-hollywood-studios-to-debut-new-star-wars-experiences-in-december/

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/08/star-wars-themed-lands-coming-to-walt-disney-world-and-disneyland-resorts/

Your Disney Winter Wonderland

in Disney Events, Disney Vacation Planning by DVC Land November 24, 2015, no comments

Booking a trip to Disney in the winter months may just be the perfect vacation plan for you this year.  Did you know some of Disney’s least crowded dates are the first couple weeks in December, and in January starting just after New Year’s Day?

Visit in December to experience a whirlwind of special holiday attractions and events that are included in standard admission. Holidays Around the World at Epcot is an international holiday extravaganza. As well as being entertained, you will learn about holiday traditions from countries all around the world.

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You definitely don’t want to miss out on the last ever Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights; enjoy the last year of a 2 decade tradition of stunning lights dancing over the backlot streets and sky, all while synced up to holiday tunes. Grab some provided holiday desserts and drinks and enjoy this spectacular display from an exclusive viewing area.

Disney resorts literally deck the halls (and lobbies!) so you are in a winter wonderland while in the comfort of your hotel. Average December temperatures range from the mid 50’s to mid 70’s, so take off those hats and snow boots and enjoy the mild weather.

Already have your December month planned out? Celebrate the new year with a Disney trip in January.

Early January has the lowest room prices and equally low attendance. Visiting in January is a magical way to experience a Disney Christmas once the Christmas crowds are gone, but while all the picturesque decorations are still around. If you’re looking to burn off those holiday pounds, the annual Disney Half Marathon takes place on January 9th, with the annual Disney Marathon taking place the next day. With the route extending through the Magic Kingdom park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Epcot, it’s a whole new way to experience the magic and charm of the parks.

If all of this sounds like a recipe for a great vacation, then what’s stopping you? We have several options to help make your Disney holiday a great one. Buy or rent Disney Vacation Points to receive great discounts, and to attend special events and attractions reserved just for members! Click here to Book your Disney Vacation now.