Disney dreams, hints, secrets and more from the heart of the magic! We have details on how to get a THREE COURSE MEAL on Disney property for just $35…..not one not two, but THREE new dining experiences you can book at Disney for New Year’s Eve beginning tomorrow!!! …our world secret segment tonight – will be a VIDEO about the Duffy the Disney Bear BOOK on property….. PLUS one lucky viewer tonight will win a DVD from Theme Parkology AND another lucky winner will be awarded a Disney prize pack from big Big Ears Adventures Travel Agency ….. WE WILL SING AT the end of the show too! Don’t miss it!
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Three New Year’s Eve Celebrations at Disney’s Contemporary Resort for 2017
Published July 10, 2017 by Disneyways.comNew Year’s Eve is typically the MOST crowded night of the year at Disney Parks, and as a native to Orlando who is still living here, normally you wouldn’t catch me anywhere near the Disney Parks on that night! But I think if you are planning your Disney vacation during this time – it might be worthwhile to book an event like this – so that your night is still AT Disney…but you will likely get a nice, upscale experience without being in the crowded parks!
Originally posted on The Disney Parks Blog
Reservations open July 11 2017 for three ways to ring in the New Year at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, part of the Enchanting Extras Collection, which gives guests “can’t-miss” experiences that enhance the Walt Disney World Resort experience.
For an evening of dining and dancing, “Disney Countdown to Midnight” includes delightful dining, live music, libations and more. An interactive band and DJ will fill the dance floor (and we hear that Mickey and Minnie may make a special appearance). Then welcome in 2018 with a flute of bubbly and a viewing of those legendary New Year’s Eve fireworks in Magic Kingdom Park.
Hours are 8 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. in the Fantasia Ballroom. This party is designed for guests 18 and older.
“Pixar Party: A New Year’s Eve Celebration” is for children of all ages, a family-friendly way to ring in the New Year with a Disney•Pixar-inspired dinner.
Sarge welcomes you to the Ballroom of the Americas that features vignettes of beloved Pixar movies. From Andy’s Room in “Toy Story” to and Metro City with The Incredibles, the immersive celebration will include theatrical backdrops, dramatic set pieces and fun props that re-create the fantastic worlds of the Pixar films. And, of course, favorite characters will be on hand from “Toy Story,” “The Incredibles” and “Up.”
Kids can have fun at Pixar face painting, a balloon artist and a boot camp with Sarge, while an interactive DJ will spin hits from Radio Disney (he’s going to be in a “Cars”-inspired DJ rig from Radiator Springs). Dinner is buffet style.
At midnight, head outdoors to ring in the New Year with a viewing of the Magic Kingdom Park fireworks. Hours are 8 p.m.-12:15 a.m.
Fine dining is the theme of the third party, “Down in New Orleans: A Disney New Year’s Eve Dining Experience” in the Grand Republic Ballroom. Inspired by the Disney animated film “The Princess and the Frog,” the room is beautifully decorated French Quarter style to transport you to the Big Easy.
Actions stations will feature flavors such as oyster beignets, smoked salmon mousse cones with caviar, Kobe beef tartare and sheep’s milk ricotta gnocchi. Signature dishes will include herb-crusted Louisiana redfish, crayfish etouffee, Black Angus beef cooked two ways, braised short ribs and filet of beef with truffled celery root silk.
Toward the end of the evening an amazing vocalist, reminiscent of Tiana, joins the band to bring the Academy Award winning classics of the legendary composer, Randy Newman, to life. Then slip outside with a glass of bubbly just before midnight to ring in 2018 with a private viewing area for the Magic Kingdom Park fireworks. Hours are 7 p.m.-12:15 a.m.
For reservations, call 407-WDW-DINE.
7-2-17 Disneyways.com on Facebook Live
Published July 2, 2017 by Disneyways.comTonight we have details on a summer sale of Disney tickets – filet mignon on property for only $11 and “Is it worth the money? Sample the 24 oz. Seven Seas Lagoon Cocktail with us!”…Dance the World … a SALE on Disney tickets PLUS one lucky viewer tonight will win a Disney prize pack from BigEarsAdventures.com and another lucky viewer will win a DVD from Themeparkology.com TONIGHT WE WILL SING at the end of the show too!
FREE Memory Maker for you to enjoy! Complimentary unlimited Disney Photo Pass with qualified bookings with Big Ears Adventures Travel Agency. Big Ears Adventures.com is available NOW to make your vacation dreams come true, with no additional fees! They visit the Parks several times a year to get you first-hand research and knowledge. Put their 25 years of experience in planning Disney Vacation packages and getaways to work for you!
Follow BigEarsAdventures.com @BigEarsAdventures on Facebook @BigEarsAdventur on Twitter @BigEarsAdventures on Instagram.
Also sponsored in part by Peter Alden’s Kingdom Classics! Classic Disney songs, with a retro rock vibe!! Peter Alden captures the ‘classic’ feel of the golden age of rock and fuses it into some of your favorite Disney classics!! Download your copy at https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/peteralden and help support us here at Disneyways on Facebook live!!
A Summer SALE on Disney tickets?! WHAT?! Here is the 4-Park Magic Ticket Explained ~ and a link to get yours!
Published July 2, 2017 by Disneyways.com
Limited offer through July 2017! A Summer SALE on Disney tickets?! WHAT?! Here is the 4-Park Magic Ticket Explained ~ and a link to get yours!
Normally, a standard four-day ticket with admission to one park (Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot or Magic Kingdom) per day will set you back $350 per person over the age of 10. But because Disney is a place where dreams come true, it has created a 4-Park Magic Ticket — it has “magic” in the title because it lets you experience all four theme parks on four separate days for just $79 per day, per ticket for guests 10 and up ($74 for kids 3-9!). That means each member of your family gets four days of Disney fun for $316. A savings that can really add up.
Tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable. You can purchase these tickets until July 30, so GO GO GO — just click on the “4-Park Magic Ticket for All Guests” button and Disney’s site will take you through checkout.
Quoted from Disney: “The 4-Park Magic Ticket is the best way to experience Walt Disney World theme parks, with one admission to each of the 4 theme parks for 4 days. Tickets may not be used to enter the same park more than once. Tickets are valid for admission beginning April 30, 2017 and must be used within 14 days of first use or by September 30, 2017, whichever occurs first.*”
Epcot Summer Concert Series Featuring Stayin’ Alive Canada
Published July 2, 2017 by Disneyways.comConcerts in the Epcot Summer Concert Series are are free to attend with paid Epcot admission. I’m a big fan of Stayin’ Alive Canada – they do a tribute to the Bee Gees!! Want to see them outside of Disney?? You can!! Check out the full tour schedule for this band HERE.
You can also follow them on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/StayinAliveCanada/
World Secret ~ Duffy the Disney Bear Book at the American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot
Published July 2, 2017 by Disneyways.comHundreds of Duffy bears dressed up as historic American figures!! FREE to browse!! Ask a cast member about this “secret” Duffy Bear book! Located at the American Adventure Pavilion – usually at the Kidcot Fun Stop – near the big hall of restrooms!
Happily Ever After Fireworks from Top of the World Lounge on the roof of Bay Lake Tower
Published June 26, 2017 by Disneyways.comHappily Ever After Fireworks from Top of the World Lounge on the roof of Bay Lake Tower! If you are a member of the Disney Vacation Club (or just the guest of a member) YOU can go enjoy this view like we did. Head upstairs to the Top of The World Lounge about 2 hours before the fireworks so you can get a great seat in the lounge and enjoy items from the menu. When you get up to go watch the show – have your server place the card on your table that states that you will be returning. We filmed this on Sunday June 25th 2017. Thanks for watching and sharing!
D23 Expo 2017 Announcements
Published June 14, 2017 by Disneyways.comWHOOPI GOLDBERG, MARK HAMILL, LEONARD MALTIN, JOHN STAMOS, LESLEY ANN WARREN, THE STARS OF HERCULES, AND MANY MORE JOIN D23 EXPO’S ROSTER OF EXCITING ENTERTAINMENT AND PRESENTATIONS
And, for the first time ever at D23 Expo, fans will get to enjoy a daily street party, featuring celebrities, Disney characters, and live music on the show floor.
BURBANK, Calif. (June 13, 2017) – The excitement is ramping up from “zero to hero” for D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. During the three-day spectacular, which takes place July 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, guests will have the chance to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hercules with members of the cast and creative team; hear from Disney Legends, including 2017 inductee Mark Hamill, during a panel hosted by Leonard Maltin; and enjoy the music of Walt Disney’s classic live-action musicals in a remarkable stage production featuring Lesley Ann Warren and hosted by Whoopi Goldberg. John Stamos will host a chat with Legends of Walt Disney Imagineering. Plus, theWalt Disney Archives will host three days of presentations on its own stage. And, for the first time, guests will be able to enjoy a daily “Ultimate Fan Street Party” right on the show floor.
Just-announced panels:
Mousequerade
Friday, July 14, 11 a.m., Stage 28
Mousequerade, the fan-favorite costume competition that invitesparticipants to create their own Disney-inspired designs, returns to D23 Expo 2017. Join judges Ashley Eckstein (Star Wars Rebels), Kara Saun (costume designer for Descendants 2), Yvette Nicole Brown (ABC’s The Mayor), and the contest’s host, Disney’s Jim Babcock, to watch dozens of finalistscompete in five excitingcategories for the $2,300 grand prize!
The Golden Girls: A Celebration of Friendship, Laughter, and Cheesecake
Friday, July 14, 2:30 p.m., Stage 28
In the 25 years since the final episode of The Golden Girls aired in 1992, the television series has become an enduring fan favorite that continuesto be watched throughout the world. Celebrate with us as we bring together the show’s creators and other special guests for this unforgettable event.
Disney Legends 30th Anniversary
Friday, July 14, 4:15 p.m., Stage 28
Join film historian Leonard Maltin as he celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Disney Legends program with a remarkable lineup of individuals who have each left an indelible mark on the Disney legacy, including Bill Farmer (the voice of Goofy and Pluto), Imagineering Legend Bob Gurr, Walt Disney Archives founder Dave Smith, and 2017 inductee Mark Hamill.
Melodies in Walt’s Time: The Music of Disney Live-Action Films
Friday, July 14, 6 p.m., D23 Expo Arena
In the 1960s, Walt Disney sought to expand his filmmaking style beyond animation and bring music to a variety of new live-action film projects. D23 Expo will celebrate these magical, musical movies in a live stage extravaganza—hosted by Whoopi Goldberg and featuring Lesley Ann Warren, Karen Dotrice, and other renowned guest stars, joined by live musical performers and a 20-voice chorus—to showcase Summer Magic, Mary Poppins, The Happiest Millionaire, and The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band, as well as others.
Zero to Hero: The Making of Hercules
Sunday, July 16, 12:30 p.m., D23 Expo Arena
From the heights of Mount Olympus to the depths of the Underworld, celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Disney classic that put the “glad” in gladiator! Join a group of legendary artists and filmmakers who brought Hercules to life, including directors John Musker and Ron Clements, animators Eric Goldberg (“Phil”) and Ken Duncan (“Megara”), as well as Megara and Hercules themselves—Susan Egan and Tate Donovan—as they recount stories of making one of the most epic animated features of all time.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: 80th Anniversary Screening
Sunday, July 16, 3:15 p.m., D23 Expo Arena
For eight decades, Disney fans have whistled “Heigh Ho” while they worked. Now, in honor of the 80th anniversary of Walt Disney’s first-ever animated feature, D23 Expo is proud to presenta special screening of the film that startedit all: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Legends of Walt Disney Imagineering
Sunday, July 16, 6 p.m., D23 Expo Arena
Join a fascinating conversation, hosted by John Stamos, with three Imagineering Legends—Marty Sklar, Tony Baxter, and 2017 Disney Legend inductee Wayne Jackson—as they recount true-life anecdotes and share personalstories about the celebrated artists, designers, and technical wizards who established the foundation and guidingprinciples for groundbreaking Disney experiences around the globe.
Also coming to D23 Expo…
Walt Disney Archives Stage
The popular Walt Disney Archives Stage returns, more than doubling its capacity, as it hosts 17 panels and presentations throughout the weekend. Disney notables, such as director Pete Docter, Disney Legend Jim Cora, producer Don Hahn, Bret Iwan (the voice of Mickey Mouse), Imagineers Diana Brost, Jason Grandt, and Chris Merritt, plus many more, will participate in panels throughout the weekend. Fans will enjoy exploring many of Disney’s worlds, from the incredible work of Marc Davis and the original characters of the Disney Parks (such as Figment and the Country Bears) to the women of Disney animation and an incredible virtual walk-through of the Walt Disney Studios on Hyperon Avenue. Visit D23expo.com for the complete schedule.
Center Stage
Located in the center of the D23 Expo show floor, Center Stage will be the heartbeat of the Expo and a hub of activitythroughout the weekend. AimeeCarrero, the voice of Disney’s Elena of Avalor, will perform live for the first time, and will be joined by special guests including Lou DiamondPhillips who voices series’ villain, Victor Delgado. Also performing on Center Stage will be TemeculaRoad, Tomasina, Billy Hill and the Hillbillies, nerd-rock group Kirby Krackle, and Susan Egan, who will sing favorites from Beautyand the Beast. Disney animators, including Eric Goldberg and Mark Henn, will show aspiringartists “how to draw” throughout the weekend. Marvel’s Brian Crosby will show fans how to draw Spider-Man and Groot. And BillRogers, the “voice of Disneyland,” will be on-hand each day to record fans’ outgoing voicemail messages in his signature dulcet tones. The comletelineup will be availablein the coming weeks on the D23 Expo app.
D23 Expo’s Ultimate Fan Street Party
For the first time at D23 Expo, guests can enjoy a one-of-a-kind street party—right on the D23 Expo show floor. Twice each day the cavalcade will travel down Mickey Avenue, with a live band, beloved Disney characters, high-energy dancers, and celebrity grand marshals! Stan Lee and Mark Hamill will grand marshal the first cavalcade on Friday, July 14, and members of the cast of Descendants 2 will lead the second that day. Additional talent and times to be announced in the coming weeks and will be available on the D23 Expo app.
Talent subject to change. Additional details are available at D23expo.com.
Ticketsfor D23 Expo 2017 are available for $81 for one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $72 for a one-day adult admission and $53 for children 3–9. Multi-day tickets are also available. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2017, visit D23expo.com.
About D23 Expo 2017
D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. For the latest D23 Expo 2017 news, visit D23expo.com. Presentations, talent, and schedule subject to change. To join the D23 Expo conversation, be sure to follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube, and use the hashtag #D23Expo.
About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.
Fans can join D23 at Gold and General Membership levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Disney Inspired Magical Musical Meetup and Meal
Published February 2, 2017 by Disneyways.comWe are calling it a Disney Magic and Music Meetup, combined with a memorable meal! Join us for an incredible luncheon with Legendary Disney Imagineer Terri Hardin and a Disney concert of songs performed for you LIVE by Peter Alden! You heard about this amazing event, first, over at WDW Hints! Terri will speak about working with celebrities, overcoming obstacles in your life, and how to make your dreams into reality! Peter Alden will sing your favorite hits from his Disney album, Kingdom Classics! An Italian buffet (lasagna, pizza and more!!) with chocolate cake for dessert will be included. All this and more – is yours for the amazingly low price of $26 per person! Join us at Retro Station at 4:30pm on Thursday February 16th 2017! Retro Station is located across from Old Town at 5749 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746 – just minutes from Walt Disney World.
Email Krista@KristaJoyEntertprises.com for tickets – while they last!!
Get amazing inspiration from Terri, Legendary Disney Imagineer, and Jim Henson Muppeteer. More on Terri can be found HERE.
Check out our exclusive interview with Terri over at Living The Dream Podcast HERE.
Peter Alden has been interviewed on several Disney Podcasts regarding his album, Kingdom Classics. His incredible vocal talents have been enjoyed all over the world, most recently, Bucerias Mexico!
There are some optional perks for our guests to consider! Pre-orders of Terri’s latest masterpiece are now being accepted. Guests of our luncheon will be the FIRST to be presented with their Stitch – “I’m Lost” LTD Figurine when you purchase them online from Terri! Just click on the image to buy yours today!
(Please note that you will be charged for shipping, however Terri will reimburse you for this charge at the luncheon.)
Stitch – “I’m Lost” LTD Figurine is sized at 2 inches by 1.5 inches by 1.5 inches
Limited to 100, each numbered. Stitch is 2″ tall and hand painted. He is made of cold cast Porcelain (resin) He arrives in a bright blue box. He’s the first in Terri’s new “Impressions” collection. Each figure even comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Please watch our facebook event page HERE for further details about this event as they are revealed.
Everyone who buys a Peter Alden’s Kingdom Classics CD at the luncheon will receive a special FREE bonus gift!
Email me NOW at Krista@KristaJoyEnterprises.com to reserve your spot to dine with Terri Hardin and enjoy a bonus concert from Peter Alden! It is sure to be an evening of inspiration and fun. Conversations with Terri are so incredibly special, sometimes life changing. Peter Alden performs to acclaim all around the world with a magical voice that means so much, to so many! Come create some memories with us that will last forever. I look forward to getting an email from you. Seating is limited!
5 Tips for Celebrating a Special Occasion at Walt Disney World ~ by Guest Author James Hare
Published January 26, 2017 by Disneyways.com5 Tips for Celebrating a Special Occasion at Walt Disney World by Guest Author James Hare
According to the 2015 Global Attraction Attendance Report published annually by the Themed Entertainment Association, over 173 million people passed through the turnstiles at Disney Parks around the world. A lot of those people visited to celebrate a special occasion. Whether it’s a birthday or an anniversary, or even a family reunion, there is a lot of reasons to celebrate at Walt Disney World.
While there are no set rules about planning your special occasion at Disney World, you’ll want to remember these top 5 tips to get a head start on your celebration.
5. Grab some free celebration buttons
Over the years, Disney have given out free buttons for guests to wear while celebrating their special occasion.
Disney celebration buttons are completely free and can be picked up from many stores around Walt Disney World. However, your best bet for getting one is to visit the front desk at your resort hotel or Guest Services at any park.
The special events that you can currently get a celebration button for are:
- Just Married
- Happy Anniversary
- Family Reunion
- Just Engaged
- 1st Visit
- My Magical Triumph
- Happily Ever After
- I’m Celebrating [fill in the blank]
- Happy Birthday.
One of the biggest reasons to wear a celebration button is that Cast Members at the parks will look out for them and wish you a “happy birthday” or congratulate you on your engagement. Although nothing is guaranteed, I have often received a complimentary cookie from certain vendors on my birthday. These buttons are certainly a must for your special occasion at Walt Disney World!

Image credit: Pexels
4. Note it on your reservations
Whenever you make a reservation for anything at Walt Disney World, have the Cast Member make a note about your special occasion. If you make a note of it on your resort hotel reservation, you may be surprised by balloons awaiting you when you check into your room. Likewise, if you let your server know that someone is celebrating their birthday, that person is very likely to be given a small complimentary dessert after their meal.
Walt used to call this “plussing” the guest experience. If you were impressed by a certain aspect of his park, he was always looking for ways to make it even better so that you return again and again.
3. Send flowers for a romantic occasion
A lot of people do not know this, but Disney actually have their own Floral Service.
If you’re celebrating a romantic occasion, such as a honeymoon or anniversary, you can purchase a beautiful arrangement of flowers for your sweetheart.
You can even set up a specific place on property for them to be delivered so that your significant other will not suspect a thing!
2. Host a birthday party with in-room celebrations
For guests celebrating a birthday at one of the many resort hotels, you can surprise your child with an in-room celebration.
The basic birthday package includes personalized Mickey Mouse ears, a chalkboard shaped like Mickey’s ears for them to write on, two Mickey & friends themed Happy Birthday balloons, a specialty cake plus tons of other goodies and treats.
There are more essential tips here that you’ll want to read if you are planning a birthday at Walt Disney World.
1. Make use of Disney’s Memory Maker
Memory Maker is a great add-on option for Disney’s PhotoPass.
For an additional fee, guests get a digital download of every single photo taken in the parks and on participating attractions. You will also get on-ride videos from rides such as the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Tower of Terror. You are completely free to print the photos from home, or at a local printer, and you can also use the images on third party services (such as Shutterfly).
The thing that I enjoy most about Memory Maker is that it is a set it and forget it system. All you have to do is wear your Magic Band and the PhotoPass Cast Member will add all the photos and video directly to your account.
I want to hear from you!
Have you ever celebrated a special event at Walt Disney World? Share your experience, ask me a question, or just say “hey” in a comment below!
Alternatively, you can visit me on my blog at weloveorlandofl.com
Author Bio: James Hare is the owner of We Love Orlando – A website dedicated to providing the very best news and tips for visiting the Orlando theme parks and local area attractions.