Annual Events in Walt Disney World 2016

Courtesy of: Walt Disney World 

Walt Disney World is a magical place for families of all ages, there are many events going around all year long. Please take a look below for all of the annual events happening this year. you can also visit our calendar if you would like an easier view to plan out your vacations with.

February: 2/18-2/21/16: Princess Half Marathon weekend: Events include: the Disney Royal Family 5k, Disney enchanted 10k, Disney's fit for a princess expo and the main event the princess half marathon. This events takes runners through Epcot & Magic Kingdom as well as the parking areas of the park. this will affect traffic.

2. March- May 3/2/16 - 5/30/16
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival : Disney's Epcot expanded this event 90 days in 2016 and in 2015 Anna & Elsa joined over 100 topiaries, outdoor kitchens and marketplaces and the Epcot Flower power concert series as well as the butterfly house where guest can see 100's of unique butterflies
3. April 14th -17th
Star Wars 5k - The Dark Side
events include star wars 5K, 10k, The dark side challenge and much more. Registration starts in September

Reservations now open for NYE at Walt Disney World

Courtesy of: Disney Tourist Blog

December is fast approaching and you know what that means, Christmas decorations will soon fill the shelves of your local retail store as everyone prepares for what some consider the best time of the year. Before you know if the year will be over and you will be ringing in 2016. The question is how will you celebrate the beginning of a new year? have you planned out your new years celebrations yet? If not then lucky for you we have a top list of Disney experiences for you to take advantage of before anyone else. 

1. The Atlantic Dance hall: Bring in 2016 with a big band just like it would be in the 30's and 40's with fun and spirits, party hats, horns, a beautiful view of Epcot's famous fireworks display and a champagne toast at midnight is all included with the cost of admission. Worked hard all year? Treat yourself to an upgraded experience in your very own VIP section with your very own bartender and an ample desserts bar. 

2. California Grill: featuring food stations throughout the restaurant and a spectacular view of Magic Kingdom Park's fireworks display. A complimentary bar is included, in addition to wine served by the glass until the clock strikes midnight. Everyone attending is required to look their best, jackets for men are a requirement as well as a dress or pants ensemble for women.

3. Chef Mickey's: ring in 2016 with your family and friends with a holiday brunch complete with character dining starting from 7:00am till 1:00pm

4. La hacienda De San Angel: Bring in the new year with a 5 course Prix fixe dinner. seating is at 9:30 and includes a welcome margarita for adults, a mariachi band and epcot's fireworks display

5. Le Cellier Steakhouse: Celebrate with a four course meal starting at 4:30, 6:45 and 9:00pm. Lunch will also be served starting at 11:30am till 2:00pm 

6. Monsieur Paul's: Indulge in a special 3-course prix-fixe menu on New Year’s Eve. With lunch seatings at 11:45 a.m., noon, 2:15 p.m., and 2:45 p.m.; dinner at 5:45 and 6:15 p.m.; late night at 8:45 and 9:45 p.m.

7. Narcoossee's: Don’t miss this unforgettable opportunity to revel in the festivities of New Year’s Eve while enjoying a four-course prix-fixe meal while overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon. First seating takes place between 5:00 and 5:55p.m., second from 8:45 to 9:40p.m.

8. Victoria & Albert's: Bring in the new year with a ten course dinner with 8 savory courses and two dessert courses. Additionally enjoy a 9 course wine pairing 

9. Epcot's World Showcase: Enjoy a custom New Year’s Eve Dinner buffet at World Show Place. Photo opportunities and classic Disney tunes make this a great dinner for the whole family. Look for a variety of soups and salads, oven-baked cod, chicken breast, mojo roasted pork, carved mesquite-spiced deep-fried turkey breast, plenty of sides and a scrumptious dessert station. A kid-friendly station features favorites like mac and cheese, fried chicken fritters, mini corn dogs and more.

There are plenty of options to choose from so tell us, Where will you celebrate 2016?

The Epcot international Flower and Garden festival is here!

Its that time of year again, where millions of guests travel to Orlando Florida to view the International Flower and Garden Festival hosted by Disney's Epcot Theme Park. head over and view all the new Flowers, enjoy fresh seasonal food both locally and global fare alike. Take in the unique Disney character topiaries, enjoy live presentations as well as live entertainment from the new Garden Rocks collection. New topiaries include Anna & Elsa which are located at the world showcase plaza, Goofy about spring which feature Chip & Dale, Goofy and friends and is located at the main entrance. Miss piggy from the Muppets is located at the Italy pavilion. Spring is in the air is a brand new topiary which features butterflies located behind spaceship earth. Disney Pixars lightning McQueen and Master are located near test track, if you are taking your children and they are a fan of Buzz light year, he will be located near mission space in topiary form. Fantasia is located at West Future World. There are plenty of photo opportunities with your children's favorite Disney Characters. There is also plenty of food for once you and your family get hungry. New to the outdoor kitchens is Botanas Botanico, enjoy a festive assortment of Latin American fare such as seafood ceviche consisting of Shrimp, Scallops and Grouper with mango and avocado. a Cachapa con queso which is a corn pancake with farmers cheese and many other vegetarian and gluten free options. As you can see there are plenty of options for a family wanting to take part in the Epcot Flower and garden festival. If looking for somewhere to stay please consider us as our homes are within 20 minutes of Walt Disney World and are far more spacious than a hotel. To book your stay please head to American Vacation Homes, We also offer discounts on Disney tickets which are required to enjoy the Flower and garden festival. *Discounts only valid for Disney passes of 3 days or more*

Great tips for flying with children

Flying can sometimes be stressful enough on it's own, try adding a baby and a toddler to that equation! Do not worry, it is not impossible, with some helpful planning and (a lot!) of patience it can be done.

We've compiled a few of the best and must-have tips out there to share with you.

Allow Yourself Time
This is probably the most important tip, give yourself time.  Arrive early, this will give the kids plenty of time for snacks, bathroom breaks, etc and it will save you stress! Read more here on this great post by DeliciousBaby.com

Choose Wisely
Nothing will make you loose your mind more than an airport packed with people, flight delays, lines to check in, and not to mention the security process!  Check ahead on when peak times are and if possible try to avoid those.  Less crowds, less stress! 

Give Them Something To Do
Pack activities: coloring books, story books, puzzles.  Give in to technology, you will never appreciate a portable DVD player or game system more but make sure to charge the batteries the night before!

These tips and more can be found on OneStepAhead.com.  Read more here

Know The Rules
Do you research, every airline has different regulations as far age and car seats.  Did you know that there are risk-based procedures for children 12 and under? For example, a child under 12 does not have to remove shoes.  Knowing this will save you time and stress as you get through security.  Also, know the regulations in regards to formula/milk if travelling with an infant, you are allowed to bring it on your carry on and on board but are encouraged to only carry the least amount necessary.

Find more information on TSA.gov they have great videos you can check out as well.

We hope this information was as helpful to you as we found it to be, do not stress or worry about travelling with small children, with a bit of planning, it can be a breeze.

Planning a vacation to Orlando/Disney? The last tip we can offer is to rent a vacation rental over a hotel room.  Not only do vacation rentals offer more room/space, but fully equipped kitchens, washer and dryer and in some instances a private pool.  Prices are reasonable and sometimes even considerably less than what you would pay for a hotel room.  For more information, visit our website www.AmericanHomesAVH.com.