Disney Vacation Planning

A SPRING Festival of Flowers and Gardens is Coming to EPCOT

Nancy Disney Vacation Planning, Disney Vacation Tips, Disney With Kids, Disney World for Grown Ups, Disney World Special Events, What to Do at Disney World , , , , 0 Comment

No matter what the weather is like where you live, Spring will definitely be in the air at Walt Disney World when this year’s EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival begins on March 1. Blooming once again through July 5, this stunning festival will feature alluring gardens, whimsical topiaries, lively entertainment, beautiful merchandise and delightfully fresh cuisine.

There will be some new things this year too! For the first time, topiaries of Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela and Luisa from Disney’s “Encanto” will make a grand appearance at the festival. Located near the EPCOT main entrance, these new topiaries are sure to be a must-do photo moment to mark your visit. (Just remember: We don’t talk about Bruno.) Read more

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Five Tips for a Great Cruise

Nancy Cruise Planning, Disney Cruises , , , , 0 Comment

If you’re thinking about setting sail on your very first cruise, you’re planning an awesome vacation experience – if it’s done right! While cruising may feel a little “different” to you, as with any vacation, planning ahead is the best way to make sure you have smooth sailing throughout your trip. Here are a few things to think about. Read more

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Happy New Year! It’s Time to Book Your 2023 Vacation!

Nancy Aulani a Disney Resort and Spa, COVID Travel Tips, Cruise Planning, Disney Vacation Planning, Great US Destinations, Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Universal Orlando Resort, Vacations Around the World , , , , , 0 Comment

Welcome 2023! If you’re like many folks, as you put away those holiday decorations, thoughts of travel this year may be dancing in your heads. And you’ll have lots of company, as the weeks following the holiday season are typically when the vast majority of people plan their vacations for the year, and as travel continues its tremendous post-pandemic rebound, this year will likely be no different.

Which brings me to the topic for today. One of the most frequent travel questions that I get – especially at the beginning of a new year – is “when is the best time to book”?  Read more

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3 Things at Disneyland That are Better Than at Walt Disney World

Nancy Disney Vacation Planning, Disneyland , , , 0 Comment

It is always interesting to compare Walt Disney World to Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure. It is especially fun for those of us who are on the East Coast – and so don’t get to Disneyland nearly as often as to Walt Disney World – to see what is the same (or almost the same), and what is different between the two.

And while there is a good deal of similarity between the East Coast parks and the West Coast parks, there are also some key differences – and some things that frankly, in my opinion, Disneyland just does better. Which brings me to today’s post – 3 things at Disneyland that are better than at Walt Disney World Read more

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Eating Through EPCOT’s Festivals

Nancy Christmas Holidays, Dining at Walt Disney World, Disney Vacation Planning, Disney Vacation Tips, Disney World Special Events, Food and Wine Festival, Saving Money at Disney World, Saving Money on Food, What to Do at Disney World , , , , , , 0 Comment

Once upon a time, there was a little Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT that was held each fall for a few weeks in October and November – and it was fun and delicious. So the folks at Disney who make these decisions realized that, hey, food (and drink) is HUGELY popular at EPCOT, and as the years passed, this festival grew longer until this year, it began in July and will end in November. (That’s 129 days if you don’t want to do the math.)

Of course, it was inevitable – seeing how much people LOVE to eat – that a few food booths (called “Outdoor Kitchens”) were added to the Flower and Garden Festival held each spring, and guess what? The food was a big hit, so each year more food booths were added to this festival, and it was also extended, this year until early July.

Not to be outdone – because nothing says “Holiday Season” better than eating (and drinking) – food booths (called “Holiday Kitchens”) – including desserts and COOKIES – were eventually added to EPCOT’s Festival of Holidays, allowing Guests to eat (and drink) all sorts of international holiday goodies.

With these 3 favorite festivals now featuring (lots of) food, Disney eventually realized that those post-holiday/pre-spring months in winter needed food too. And so the International Festival of the Arts in January and February, which celebrates all the arts – including the culinary arts – debuted. Read more

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