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

Disney to livestream "A frozen holiday wish"

Courtesy of: Walt Disney World blog

To tourists and locals alike its almost that time of year again, what better way to celebrate the fast approaching holiday season? Of course with one of the fastest growing brands last holiday season. Showing now signs of stopping and quickly becoming a staple to the holidays is Disney's Frozen. frozen's popularity has grown to record highs and this year is bound to be no different. In fact in just a few days you will be able to watch Disney's "A Frozen Holiday Wish" online, Disney will be livestreaming the show to millions of viewers worldwide on November 8th 2015. 

this will surly not only secure frozen as a main part of your holiday festivities but will grow anticipation of what is to come this holiday season. please follow this link to view this spectacle  and make sure to join in the conversation using #Disneyholidays

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?

Halloween Horror Nights 25: New Updates

Courtesy of: Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights

It's almost that time of year again Where hundreds  descend on Universal Orlando Property to enjoy an experience like no other. Whether you enjoy being scared or you simply got tricked into going by a family member or friend, Universal's Halloween Horror Nights has been around for 25 years and it certainly delivers the most terrifying of scare zones, Haunted houses that are so real you feel like you are transported to the world being portrayed and to top it all off they have amazing shows in between you being scared by the numerous scare actors who don costumes with such detail you will think they are real creatures of the night. This year Orlando, FL  and tourists alike are in for a scare like no one has ever felt before. For their 25th year Halloween Horror Nights has come up with 9 houses, 5 Scare zones and two shows all for 30 nights of fright designed to scare even the bravest Horror aficionado out there. Below find a small sample of what is to come this September 18th
First the Houses announced so far

1.The Walking Dead

2. American Werewolf In London (Just Announced)

3. The Purge

4. Insidious 

5. Freddy Vs Jason

Featured Upgrades to add to your night of fright

HHN Express Pass

Rip Tours

Scareactor Dining Experience 

Universal Dining Plan

For Accommodations 

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*