Category: Uncategorized

Food And Wine is Set to Return For 75 Days With 35 Marketplaces!

by Guide4WDW

Food And Wine Festival is Set to Return For 75 Days With 35 Marketplaces! 

by: guide4wdw – Collin
instagram: @guide4disney
The Epcot International Food And Wine Festival is set to return for the 22nd time! This year’s event is set to take place over a record breaking 75 days beginning August 31st and running until November 13th. The overall event is set to be the longest running food and wine experience in the festivals history and will be nearly two weeks longer than the previous year.

In addition to a longer run time, this years festival is upping it’s game in regard to food locations and Marketplaces around the World Showcase. As a part of this years event, in order to celebrate 35 years of Epcot Center, new Marketplaces will be added to grow the total number to 35 unique locations! Continuing the trend from previous years, the event will extend beyond the World Showcase on into Future World with some outstanding new experiences.
While the details of the new additions have yet to be released, the Disney Parks Blog has debuted the following descriptions of a few new items seen above and below: 
“Chefs are busy at work on new dishes for the Marketplaces, paired with wines, beers and ciders. We got a taste of the new crispy chicken with griddled cornbread and red-eye gravy for the Farm Fresh Marketplace and the spicy Korma Chicken with cucumber-tomato salad, almonds, cashews and warm naan bread from the India Marketplace– just two of the intriguing and delectable new tastes that will be in the 2017 cookbook. Another favorite was the charcuterie in a cone from the Spain Marketplace, perfect for strolling and tasting. For a favorite sweet, it’s back to India with the pistachio cardamom cake with a dollop of chocolate coconut mousse. And these are just a sampling of dozens of new tastes.”


As you can see, there’s certainly a lot to anticipate and experience for this years festival,and it will surely be a hit for guests as it is each and every year! The festival keeps growing and the guests will certainly appreciate the new offerings. Food and Wine is a Legendary Epcot event! Be sure to check out epcotfoodfestival.com for the most up to date Disney Food And Wine information! 
(Source/Photos: Disney Parks Blog) 

5 Ways To Beat The Heat At WDW This Summer

by Guide4WDW
5 Ways To Beat The Heat At WDW This Summer
As the first of many surprises that will be popping up on Guide4WDW.com in the coming 
months, today we’re bringing you a guest article from Laura Pitcher over at The Bucket List 
Narratives! If you like this article, be sure to check them out over on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook! (Click on each word to reach their accounts!) 


Summer at Disney is a fickle beast. It’s a great time of year to visit (one of our favorites) because of the extended hours, fantastic fourth of July entertainment, and natural time off that most people have. But there’s also the added crowds, and crushing Florida heat, that makes you feel like someone has locked you inside a sauna. There are ways to manage the heat, and make the trip not just bearable, but fun. Today, we’re compiling a list of our best ways to escape the weather and humidity, while still enjoying everything Disney has to offer.


1. Get There Early
Get there before the park opens, and you’ll not only beat the crowds, but you’ll be experiencing rides during the coolest part of the day. Everything you do at Disney during the summer months before 11 am, will feel significantly cooler than trying to do the same thing during the afternoon hours.

2. Rest In The Middle Of The Day
It’s hottest from noon to about five. We recommend heading back to the hotel (especially if you’re staying on property), to take advantage of the pool, and take a nap. You’ll enjoy your vacation a lot more, and feel a lot better if you aren’t in the parks during the hottest part of the day, and feel rested for the evening.


3. Take Advantage of The Lounge
We have our favorite lounges all over Disney property (The Nomad, The Tune-In, etc), that we use during the hottest parts of the day to pop into to take advantage of the cold air-conditioning, and the cold beverages. We camp in a comfortable chair, with a frosty drink, and wait until we don’t feel like the heat outside feels so formidable.


4. Don’t Expect To Do It All
When you’re going during the summer months, you need to have reasonable expectations. You’re not going to go to the park from open to close, jam-packing your day with attractions, without being miserable in the process. It’s more reasonable to decide on four or five ‘must-do’ attractions for each park to accomplish, and then enjoy the ambiance and shows.


5. Go Late At Night
One of the best parts about visiting during the summer months is the extended operating hours. We always take advantage of this, by touring the parks late in the evening (sometimes after midnight!). It’s by far the coolest part of the day, as well as an added bonus of the extra ambiance of the parks at night.


We know you’ll have a blast at WDW no matter what the temperature is outside. We hope our tips for beating the heat help keep you cool, and sane during the summer months at the happiest place on earth.


If you liked this article, be sure to SHARE it with friends on your favorite social media pages! Want more content like this? Be sure to go check out Laura’s site below:


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How You Know You’re a DisNerd – 10 Sure Signs You’re a Disney Fanatic

by Guide4WDW

How You Know You’re a DisNerd
by: guide4wdw – Caitlin
instagram: @guide4disney
Craig Barton of nerdhq.com tells us that a DisNerd is “Someone whose life is influenced by all things Disney, whether it be movies, music, theme parks, television, or even general Disney company history.” As a self-proclaimed DisNerd, I have compiled a list of the tell-tale signs that you are one yourself.
1. You consistently apply Disney movie quotes to your daily life. 
– How many times have you found yourself using a Disney quote in a situation that leaves your non-DisNerd friend thinking you’re crazy? One of my personal favorites is, “Pull the lever, Kronk” for anything that involves buttons, doors, and switches of any variety. On a sappier note, who’s told their best friend, in the words of Randy Newman, “You’ve got a friend in me?”

2. There is a standard wardrobe when visiting Disney World which includes a variety of t-shirts adorned with Walt’s favorite characters and ears to match.
-When packing for your favorite park, you can’t bear the thought of entering the gates without debuting your new Disney merch. 

3. You collect at least one type of Disney Merchandise. 
– True Disney fans tend to accumulate a variety of collectable merchandise due to the sheer need of having each and every pin or Olszewski Miniature available. 
4. You can pinpoint an exact location within a Disney park based upon a single scent.
-When walking by the Confectionary windows, be sure to glance up and to your right to target the source of the hidden Disney magic. The smellitzers, as Disney has coined them, make an impressionable memory on all who visit these parks.  
5. All of the words to Wishes are engraved in your memory.
-Staring up at the glowing castle in the Magic Kingdom, every guest anticipates the brilliant fireworks display that awaits them. Jimmy Cricket speaks straight to your heart with his famous words, “Let your conscious be your guide.”
6. You are commonly asked the question, “You’re going to Disney again?”
-When Disney touches your heart, you can’t help but return to the parks again and again. 
7. A button is needed during every Disney trip, even if you aren’t particularly celebrating anything.
-Guests travel to Disney for very special occasions. Birthdays, anniversaries, and my personal favorite, engagements, are wonderful times to commemorate at a Disney park. Sometimes, being in the parks is reason enough to celebrate! Be sure to pick up your very own button from a cast member at guest services or near the entrance to the parks. 

8. If anyone happens to use the phrase, “Let’s get down to business,” you know that defeating the Huns must be in order.
-Be honest, you’ve sang out these lyrics in public at least once in your lifetime. 

9. Dole whip is a basic food group.
-If you didn’t get a Dole whip, did you really even go to Disney at all? Newcomers to the parks, be sure to stop at Aloha Isle or Pineapple Lanai to get a taste of this addictive pineapple soft serve. Aside from the Dole plantation in Hawaii, the Disney parks are the only place to indulge in this sweet treat. 
10. You don’t know a bit of Spanish, but can easily translate, “Por favor mantengase alejado de las puertas.”
-A ride on the monorail is not complete unless you’ve quoted this famous warning. If you speak Spanish, the Disney community apologizes for our obsession with the now iconic phrase. 
There you have it! 10 Sure signs that you are indeed a Disney fanatic. How many items on the list can you relate to? Be sure to share this article with your friends and find out if they too are a DisNerd! 

(Photos: Disney) 

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson Is Working With Disney to Redesign Jungle Cruise Attractions Worldwide!

by Guide4WDW

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Is Working With Disney to Redesign Jungle Cruise Attractions Worldwide!     

by: guide4wdw – Collin

instagram: @guide4disney 

In what may become a controversial topic for quite some time, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson posted on Instagram earlier today that he will be working with Disney to “Re-design and Re-Engineer” the Jungle Cruise attractions worldwide. While no real details were released about the upcoming changes, The Rock has been officially granted the rights to a production based on the Jungle Cruise. A few short weeks ago, as a part of a research trip, Dwayne Johnson arrived at Magic Kingdom and commandeered a Skippers boat to give a few lucky guests the cruise of a lifetime! 

While the production itself has faced some interesting criticism, even before a director has been selected, this could be good for the attraction in the end. As a big proponent of keeping the attractions the way they have always been, I have to set the nostalgia aside for a moment and take into consideration how much this could do for the attraction in the end.

Adventureland has always been underrated in my opinion by most guests and this could really bring a greater appreciation for the land back into the park. However, I’m really hoping Disney takes this partnership and uses it to further develop the story of The Society of Explorers and Adventurers in the United States parks. For those of you who are not familiar with this society that Disney has hidden throughout attractions (new and old for generations) be sure to check out our post Could The Adventurer’s Club be Returning in an Entirely New Way? for a closer look at one of the most overlooked and iconic tales of the Disney parks that has never been truly explained. 

The attraction could have an interesting future ahead of it, but one thing is for sure, The Rock was in the Disney Vault recently and will be working with Imagineering in this upcoming project.   

Here’s a closer look at his post on Instagram earlier today: (*some abbreviations may not be suitable for all audiences*)  
    
Grateful SOB to have Walt and Mickey watching over my shoulder as @danygarciaco and I embark on this amazing project. For our big #JungleCruise creative meeting at DISNEY’s highly secure R&D facilities, me and @danygarciaco were escorted into THE VAULT. A legitimate vault where all of Disney’s biggest secrets and plans are kept. Curtains were pulled back for us to reveal the actual drawn up plans that Walt Disney had his brother, Roy Disney take to New York to present to the bankers in 1950 for the potential loan to build what’s now known as Disney Land. Cant imagine what that meeting with bankers was like. Roy: Alright gentlemen, so me and my brother Walt, want to build the greatest multiple theme park attraction in the world. Banker: Oh that seems fun, Mr. Disney. Roy: *smiles in a playful mischievous manner, Oh yes my good man, it will have a few things that are in fact, fun. Well, clearly I don’t know how the hell men were actually talking in the 50’s, but what I do know is being able to star in and produce #JungleCruise is a dream come true. BUT what takes this to the next level, is that we’ll partner with Disney’s brilliant Imagineers to help re-engineer and re-design the #JungleCruise ride in all the Disney theme parks around the world. A very special opportunity for us and our @sevenbucksprod to create an unforgettable and fun EXPERIENCE for families around the world. And as Walt Disney himself would say… it’s magical. Next step is finding our visionary director. Exciting times. #JungleCruise #TheExperience #DisneyStudios #Imagineers #SevenBucksProds #WaltAndRockWouldveBeenBesties #AndWorkoutBuddies #WaltWouldveLovedMyJackedUpPickUpTruck 😉🤙🏾
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New Special Occasion Cakes Are Arriving Soon at Walt Disney World!

by Guide4WDW

New Special Occasion Cakes Are Arriving Soon at Walt Disney World! 

by: guide4wdw – Collin

instagram: @guide4disney 

If you or someone you know is spending a Birthday, Wedding Anniversary, or other type of special occasion at the Disney parks, you will definitely want to look into this new offering debuting soon throughout the Disney parks and resorts. Today, Disney has officially released via their Disney Parks Blog site that a new cake offering will arrive at table service locations beginning May 17th. 

The offering, which would be an outstanding treat for those celebrating a special time with friends or family in the park, can be ordered and added to your Table Service reservation for $35 plus tax. Could you imagine the surprise this offer could create for someone celebrating a special occasion. 

(Photos: Disney) 


The cake, which can be ordered in both chocolate and white chocolate variations, can feature “Congratulations” or “Happy Birthday” written prominently across a Mickey shaped ear or left completely blank. The new cake will serve 4-6 guests and advanced payment is not required as it is for many of the Disney ad-on, special occasion, experiences.

Arrangements for the experience can be made via telephone through Disney Dining (407-WDW-DINE) or it can be requested at resort check in. It can also be requested at the restaurant location itself. Unfortunately, quantities for day-of offerings are limited as a result of availability. However, if you know someone celebrating in the parks in the near future be sure to share this with them. This could be a wonderful surprise at a fairly reasonable price! If you’re flying, this option could be outstanding in order to save some of the hassle of trying to transport a special snack to commemorate a special day in the lives of someone around you! 

As always, thanks for reading and be sure to share this post with friends! We’re looking forward to some big announcements for the site in the coming weeks so stay tuned for more information! 

(Source: Disney Parks Blog) 

Disney’s Fireworks Supposedly Causing Increased Brush Fires on Property

by Guide4WDW

Disney’s Fireworks Supposedly Causing Increased Brush Fires on Property

by: guide4wdw – Collin

instagram: @guide4disney 

According to Tim Stromsnes, President of Reedy Creek Fire and Rescue, Disney’s pyrotechnic displays have played a role in the increased fires experienced by the Disney property. The Reedy Creek Fire and Rescue group services the parks and resorts across property in the event of an emergency and have been doing so for quite some time. Recently, as a result of the extraordinarily dry conditions Florida is facing, the role of this department has been greatly increased. 

(photo: Disney)

Just a short time ago, Disney placed bans on open fires and charcoal grills at Fort Wilderness Campground (propane is fine to use) in order to try try and develop a preventative measure given the current conditions. In addition, Disney has temporarily halted all resort campfires. Fortunately, these precautions have been fairly respected and have played a role in keeping fires as limited as possible. 

With that being said, Tim Stromsnes stated today to the Orlando Sentinel that Reedy Creek is responding to an unusually high number of fires as a result of Disney’s fireworks displays. The issues stated for the increase included the obvious dry conditions of central Florida at this time, but also mentioned that when Disney built their latest launch site for ‘Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular’ (which is quite impressive) they did not clear enough land and did not install enough sprinklers. As a result, the brush fires are occurring at an increased rate than in the past. 

While this very well could be true, it should also be mentioned that in the past, Disney’s Hollywood Studios did not have a long term fireworks display (excluding ‘Fantasmic!’). The infrastructure could be to blame, but this is certainly something to look out for in the coming weeks if you are planning a Disney vacation. 

Disney has no current plans to suspend fireworks across property, but it has happened in the past due to similar situations. In certain areas of Florida there is currently a ban on public use of fireworks, but that does not apply to theme parks (likely due to the extra equipment provided by the launch sites). If the conditions do not change in the near future, look out for an update on this story that could be just beginning to develop. Once again, Disney has no current plans to suspend their fireworks displays. 

With the planned replacement for ‘Wishes!’, ‘Happily Ever After,’ arriving in just a few weeks, Disney will likely take every necessary step to prevent a fireworks suspension. The date for the transfer over has been set for many months and T-shirts are already being sold for the Wishes farewell.  


If you missed our last article, be sure to check it out as well! If you like what you see SHARE it with friends! Thanks! Last Article: The Top 10 Things You May Not Know About Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

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(Source: WDWInfo and Orlando Sentinel)              

The Top 10 Things You May Not Know About Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

by Guide4WDW

The Top 10 Things You May Not Know About Prince Charming Regal Carrousel – At Walt Disney World

by: guide4wdw – Collin

instagram: @guide4disney 

A Fantasyland Carrousel has always been a part of the original parks in both Walt Disney World, as well as Disneyland. From the very beginning, the simple attraction sparked Walt’s interest and held that interest for years on end. A short time ago, we did an article on The Often Untold Story of the Disney Carousels  detailing the big picture role the carrousel (it is spelled two different ways – more on that later) played in the development of the original Disney parks. However, today we’re taking a closer look at many elements of the Walt Disney World carrousel that go beyond it’s link to Walt Disney. 

(Photo: Disney)


For years the carrousel experience has thrilled guests of all ages, and is typically a small piece of every guests vacation. It’s classic, it’s enjoyable, and it’s fun for guests of all ages. Fortunately, the story doesn’t end there. When you unravel the attractions past and current application in the park, a few unique details reveal themselves. So, here’s a closer look at our Two Ten Things You May Not Know About Prince Charming Regal Carrousel.

1. If you were to take a single horse from today’s carrousel and attempt to sell it individually, a rare collectors market would bid astronomical prices on the piece. The history of the horse coupled with the connection to the Disney parks leaves estimated values in the $150,000-$200,000 mark for a single horse! Try not to think about that next time you climb aboard!


2. Many believe that a single horse in the second row with a gold ribbon swirled through the tail was designed to be “Cinderella’s horse.” While many cast members go along with the story for the overall guest experience, it isn’t actually true. The carrousel was repurposed from an antique Liberty carrousel, so the horses were already built and simply repainted for Disney’s application. 


3. The original attraction, as mentioned, was a Liberty Carrousel developed by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. Surprisingly, despite it’s redesign and upkeep by Disney, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel is one of the last remaining examples of a true Liberty Carrousel! The name itself comes from the design elements originally built into the attraction. It was developed with classic Americana in mind and if you look carefully, that subtle theming is still recognizable today.


4. When Disney repainted the attraction, every horse was intentionally painted white (supposedly). They were all done this way with the idea in mind that every guest got to ride the “heroes” horse. 


5. In the beginning there were 72 horses, but when Disney started utilizing it they decided to expand that number to 90. After some time, in order to accommodate all types of guests, they removed 6 horse to allow the “chariot type” bench seat to fit the attraction. 


6. As a result of the original build date, 1917, many believe this to be the oldest attraction at Walt Disney World. However, one of the steam engines, the Roy O. Disney, was built one year sooner in February of 1916. So, technically, it depends on what you consider an “attraction.”


7. When the Carrousel arrived at the Disney parks, parts of the overhanging facade were completely redone and painted to tell the story of Cinderella. In the years prior to it’s time in the park, we’re not quite sure what story (if any) it told. 


8. The horses you see on display aren’t the only horses available for use. Due to the attractions popularity and ability to turnover guests at a fairly high rate, Disney has made every effort to minimize the attractions refurbishment and down time. In order to do so, the horses are held on standby. This allows individual horses to be swapped out so that the next  one can be repainted or touched up. 


9. According to a classic Disney Imagineering tale, when the carrousel was being installed, Roy Disney noticed that the placement was slightly off center in relation to the castle. As a result, the entire project was moved eight inches in order to center it’s orientation. 


10. Carrousel can actually be spelled two different ways and Disney tends to do this across different merchandise, as well as different attraction names across the parks internationally. The two correct spellings are carousel with 1 “R” or carrousel with 2 “R”s. Surprisingly there is no true consistency except for the attraction name.


There you have it! If you learned something new today, do me a favor and SHARE this list with friends in your favorite Facebook group or other social media platform! Let us know what your favorite fact was on the list!                 

"Departed Disney" – A Look Back at Main Street U.S.A.’s Penny Arcade!

by Guide4WDW

“Departed Disney” – A Look Back at Main Street U.S.A.’s Penny Arcade! 

by: guide4wdw – Collin

Long before the days of the giant Emporium store we recognize today as a continuing portion of one full side of Main Street U.S.A, the experience was divided into many much smaller locations.

As quite a few of the nostalgic Disney fans may recognize, the Penny Arcade was a huge part of the Main Street experience for many years. Guests clamored to the lights and sounds of the antique games being played, but unfortunately, on March 19, 1995, Disney decided to permanently shut the doors on this day one experience.

The arcade certainly had an outstanding 24 year run, but by looking back at the experience you can really appreciate the details that made the experience so special for guests of all ages.

The location, which debuted on October 1st, 1971, was one of those distinctly simple Disney parks creations that developed memories for guests of all ages no matter how simple it really was. Some loose change could buy you entertainment for quite some time, and even in 1971, many of these games were exciting to witness first hand. Many guests had never seen, and much less tried a Mute-o-Scope, a PianoOrchestra, a classic football/baseball game, or even a Cail-o-Scope from the early 1900’s. These games were one of kind and largely remain that way today (we’ll explain how on down below).

The Mute-O-Scopes have entertained guest for years on end. Essentially, these “games” allowed guests to look into a machine through a viewfinder and turn a crank in order to watch a silent movie (similar to a flip book). After trying this for myself, I have to say that even today it is quite an intriguing experience. The slides on the “stage” rotate at the same pace as you crank the machine and the story unfolds before your very eyes. It’s a multi sensory experience that is hard to explain. As a classic cartoon or “film” unfolds before your very eyes and the quiet ticking of the slides rolling over is audibly heard, a memory develops that’s hard to forget.

Years later, improving on the invention of the Mute-O-Scope, the Cali-o-Scope took over with a simple, guest assisting addition. Instead of cranking over the slides by hand, the machine did it for you! Of course, these aren’t revolutionary concepts today (quite the opposite), but the experience brought a sense of authenticity and nostalgia to the early days of Main Street U.S.A. The Disneyland resort still features a small Penny Arcade, but it’s days in Walt Disney World are essentially over. However, you can still find what’s left o the Penny Arcade machines scattered around Disney property.

Many of the games can be found in the Main Street Station, a short ways away from their original location. Sadly, many of the machines are no longer operational, and have been placed that way by Disney intentionally. Of course, many of the more popular offerings including a fortune teller have never reappeared, despite being guest favorites. Surprisingly, a select few variations of these arcade game concepts have popped up over at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort.

After visiting the resort multiple times, I stumbled into one of the antique games while walking out of the resorts main lobby (as you head in the direction of Epcot). Just on the left hand side of the walkway as you walk towards the bathrooms of the lobby, you’ll find two nearly original (possible reproduction) Mute-o-Scopes that are in functioning order! Today, the machines are there to use free of charge and provide another little hidden gem for the Boardwalk Resort (As of December of 2016 I believe they were playing a classic Mickey cartoon)!

As you can see, the unfortunate closing of the Penny Arcade led to some small changes, but over time these new locations developed into an aspect of the park many of us love today, the expanded Emporium. In the arcades pre-1995 location, the Penny Arcade held a special place behind the Tobacconist and the House of Magic.  Of course, these two locations also eventually faded away when the push away from the small, independent stores began in the Disney parks.

In the world of Disney, some things get left behind, and some things carry on for generations, but overall it develops the Disney Parks experience so many of us have enjoyed for generations!

You can catch a glimpse of the Penny Arcade in it’s original state at the 8:55 minute mark in the following video:

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How Disney "Sets the Scene" On Main Street U.S.A – A Closer Look

by Guide4WDW

How Disney “Sets the Scene” On Main Street U.S.A – A Closer Look

by: guide4wdw – Collin
Without a doubt, many of you have walked down Main Street U.S.A. time and time again, but did you know that the Main Street experience sets the stage for your time in the park by developing a better guest experience without you ever recognizing it?

Without a doubt, today’s Main Street is a far cry from its original, 1971 state, but a few things have remained largely the same along the way. Today, the park still “sets the scene” for the Magic Kingdom experience the same way it did in ’71. 
As you walk up to the gates of the park, you’ll notice a few distinct elements of the experience right away if you step back and take a look with a new perspective. First, glance down at the concrete beneath your feet. The pathway is mostly red as you approach the Main Street station after passing through the turnstiles. Many believe that Walt did this to roll out the red carpet for the guests, but in reality it served an additional purpose that often gets overlooked.
In the development of the facade for the street, Imagineering made a special effort to utilize the backdrop at hand. In Florida, they were working with a much brighter natural background than what they had experienced in developing Disneyland. As a result the colors vary subtly between the two parks. Of course, the overall design features similar elements across both parks, but they feature a distinctly different color pattern which many guests don’t recognize. 
However, there’s one main characteristic that carries over across all the Disney Parks, Main Street Station. For many, Main Street is a gateway to the joys of a day in Magic Kingdom, but when you think about it, the station develops an element of the “Disney Experience” for each and every guest, the Cinderella’s castle reveal. 
The station itself is the only full scale building on Main Street and is designed to act as a curtain to hide the big story reveal that the director, Walt Disney, has developed. Without the scale of the building, the effect of the grand castle reveal would be lost, and the feelings invoked would never be the same.  
In addition, the Main Street experience is affected by subtle changes that transform the guests interaction despite going nearly unnoticed. For example, as you enter the park, along the right hand side you’ll find necessities that you may have forgotten and need for your day in the park (ex: sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, etc). Of course not all guests follow this path into the park, but these necessities lie along the right hand side as a result of a majority of the population being right handed (an ingenious business decision). In a similar way, food and snacks that guests use to fuel up for their day lie along the right hand side of the walkway. At the end of the day, it’s natural to follow the opposite path out of the park as you are returning from the other direction. So, Disney naturally placed a majority of the shopping (even before the Emporium stretched the length of the street) as you exit the park. 
You see, the park sets the stage for a natural guest experience. While from a business perspective, this is quite clever, it also benefits the majority of guests as they tour the park. Everything is where you would want it to be and it really adds to that feeling of being “at home” in the park. 
Disney sets the stage for every guest in the way of their interaction with the park, but the overall experience is like going to a grand movie theatre to witness an on screen production (Walt’s specialty!). The station is your curtain, the popcorn is right inside the door, and the film itself is your families Walt Disney World experience driven by the stories played out in the attractions and elements you experience in the parks.  
If you liked this article, be sure to check out our other posts in the history section of the site above! As always, please share this post with friends and invite them to join this Disney community!  

Confirmed: Free Dining Returns With Some Interesting Changes

by Guide4WDW

Free Dining Returns With Some Interesting Changes 

by: guide4wdw – Collin
Over the years, Disney has offered a “free dining” promotion for select dates throughout the calendar year. For quite some time, the promotion was used to fill unsold rooms and promote vacations in times of the year that were notoriously less popular for guest vacations. 
(Whispering Canyon – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge)  
In more recent years the offering has become less and less prevalent as a result of altered dates and increased theme park attendance. However, this may not be a bad thing for guests looking to book a vacation. From personal experience, many guests seeking reservations are able to secure better overall pricing when room rate percentage discounts are offered rather than the free dining promotion. 
This year in particular, a few changes have been made that make the percentage offers much more attractive, especially for those working with a very limited budget. 
The current offer, beginning booking Monday, April 24th, will include free dining on the regular Disney Dining Plan for guests staying at only the deluxe resorts. Those staying at moderate resort will only receive free dining in the form of the quick service dining plan. The two plans, which both feature plenty of food for the entire family differ drastically in guest experiences. On the quick service plans, guests will no longer receive a table service meal and, as the name implies, will replace that meal with an additional quick service offering.

These details will be updated if changes are made to the offer when officially released tomorrow morning (once again, Disney could delay this release).   

Here’s a look at this year’s dates and resorts for “free” dining (straight from Disney): 

Get a FREE dining plan when you purchase a non-discounted 5-night/6-day Magic Your Way room and ticket package with a Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus Option.

Select Disney Deluxe Villa Resort Hotels
FREE Disney Dining Plan
Valid for arrivals most nights:
8/21-9/30, 11/14-11/20, 11/25-11/27, 12/8-12/23/17
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Select Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels
FREE Disney Dining Plan
Valid for arrivals most nights:
8/21-9/30, 11/14-11/20, 11/25-11/27, 12/8-12/23/17
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Select Disney Moderate Resort Hotels
FREE Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan
Valid for arrivals most nights:
8/21-9/30, 11/14-11/20, 11/25-11/27, 12/8-12/23/17
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside (Valid for arrivals most nights: 8/21/17 – 9/30/17)

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Select Disney Value Resort Hotels
FREE Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan
Valid for arrivals most nights:
8/21-9/30, 11/14-11/20, 11/25-11/27, 12/8-12/23/17
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Family Suites only
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
As usual, these offers will go quickly and are likely to be limited in availability. Fortunately, if you do miss out on this offer, Disney has some great percentage based discounts out currently that may even work out to be a better deal for your vacation opportunity!
(Source: Disney)