Archive | July 2012

Reduction In Extra Magic Hours

Jul24

 

 

 

One of the biggest perks to staying at a Disney resort, is the Extra Magic Hours.

The Mouse plans to reduce the amount of extra time that it gives hotel guests inside its theme parks.

Disney would not give a reason for the reduction, but a spokesperson would say only that “we regularly evaluate and adjust our offerings based on a variety of factors.”

For those who are not familiar with the Extra Magic Hours program, one of Disney Worlds four theme parks either opens early, or closes late, solely for guests in Disney-owned hotels. This gives guests a chance to experience the parks with lighter crowds and often times shorter lines.

Disney said today, it has not decided whether this change will be permanent.

Beginning in January, Extra Magic Hours will include only an extra two hours after closing. The reduced hours will continue in February.

I feel that this is just another cost-effective measure, that needs to happen, to continue making Disney World a magical place to visit.

Happy Birthday Tower of Terror

Jul24

 

 

 

 

On Sunday, July 22,2012 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Hollywood Tower of Terror celebrated its 18th anniversary. Dropping  hotel guests for many years, this has always been one of my favorite attractions. This past May, was one of the best drops that I have ever taken on this popular guest attraction.

Grand Floridian Refurbishments

Jul10

 

 

If you are planning a trip to Disney’s Grand Floridian, you may want to be aware of refurbishment taking place to the restaurants, shops, and courtyard pool this year.

The refurbishment is going to be impacting food, shopping, and the main pool area. Though not officially confirmed by Disney, notifications have been sent out to guests with reservations. As with most things related to refurbishment, all dates are subject to change.

Pool

The main courtyard pool will be closing August 24 and reopening in December of 2012. During this time the pool will be rebuilt to include a zero-entry configuration. The beach pool will remain opening during the work.

Dining

The following restaurants will be closed for refurbishment:

Narcoosee’s – July 9 to July 22,2012

Citricos – July 23 to August 4,2012

Beach Pool Bar – Currently closed through August 24,2012

Mizner’s Lounge – July 9 to July 14,2012

Gasparilla Grill quick service – August 24 to December 2012

During closure of the quick service Gasparilla Grill, guests will be able to use the newly refurbished Beach Pool bar and Mizner’s Lounge for food.

Shopping

Sandy Cove is expected to close on August 21, 2012 to December 2012

 

The Wonderful Smells of Disney

Jul10

 

 

The best thing about going into the Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios, is the unique smells that you get at these Disney theme parks.

Yesterday, Disney released new merchandise in their theme parks. Everyone that has visited the parks, by now , knows that Disney is famous for using scents that enhance your experience. Mine has got to be the smell of popcorn, that strangely feels like its coming from the trees in the Magic Kingdom.

Starting this August, you will be able to bring some of that Disney experience home with you, when they release four new air fresheners inspired by iconic food from Disney Parks.

The air fresheners include a Turkey Leg, Mickey Mouse premium ice cream bar, candy apple, cotton candy, Mickey Mouse waffles, and of course popcorn.

Once released, you will be able to find these at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.

So what is your favorite Disney scent?