A VacationEARS  " by the Month"  2013 Planning Guide for Disney World

May 2013

First, a tip: May is one of the very best months to visit Mickey.  The lines at the parks are minimal and the rates are the best of the year.

. Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival - through March 6-May 19

Continues through May 19th (see March for more information).

. Expedition Everest Challenge 5K - May 4

Just after sunset, teams of two take off on the exotic terrain of Disney’s Animal Kingdom in a fun, competitive 5K run, obstacle course, and scavenger hunt. The reward for completing the challenge is an exclusive after-hours party at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

. Star Wars Weekends - May 17-June 9  (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Only)
Each summer Disney's Hollywood Studios turns into a giant Star Wars fan-fest on the weekends. There are up-close meet-and-greets with your favorite Star Wars characters and actors from the film series as well as interactive games, parades, music and fun for the whole family.

Disney's Hollywood Studio's Birthday - May 1, 2013 - Opening May 1, 1989, the park turns 24 this birthday.

• Cinco de Mayo - May 5, 2013 - Annual special family/kids activities at Mexico Pavilion at Epcot

• Mother's Day - May 12, 2013

Give Mom the royal treatment at Disney.  Remember, there are over 100 restaurants to choose from! We've yet to find out specifics of this very special day but Disney always does something special!

• Norway's Constitution Day - May 17, 2013 - Annual special family/kids activities at Epcot's Norway pavilion.

June 2013

. Star Wars Weekends - Continues through June 9  (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Only).

. Car Master Weekend - Anticipated dates are June 1-2
Attention all "Cars" fans! The gang from Radiator Springs is suppose to be at Downtown Disney West Side for a fun, family-friendly event that celebrates everything "Cars." There are to be meet and greets with Lightning McQueen, Mater and Finn McMissile, and so much more.

. Sound Like Summer Concert Series - June 9-July 27
Like Paulette and Lee, you will be dancing to classic Rock 'n' Roll classic hits under the skies of Epcot's open-air American Gardens Theater! Sounds Like Summer is an annual live concert series at Epcot theme park that brings together a talented collection of TRIBUTE bands which really do authentically recreate the classic hits of legendary musical icons. There usually are three shows nightly.

. Father's Day - June 16

Downtown Disney Restaurants usually offer special meals for the best dad ever.

July 2013

. Independence Day - July 4
Get ready for a treat as Walt Disney World celebrates Fourth of July with a unique choice of fireworks shows at all theme parks.

.Bastille Day - July 4

Annual special family/kids activities at France Pavilion at Epcot.

August 2013

•Cotton-Top Tamarin Month - August 1-31, 2013

Insiders tell us special family/kids activities are to supposed to be held  at Animal Kingdom celebrating this very special creature.

 
• Great Irish Hooley Festival - August 30-September 2, 2013

This Labor Day weekend  you can party at Raglan Road at Downtown Disney which usually features top Irish bands playing traditional and rock tunes, Irish Dance Workshops for the whole family, structured set dancing, Celtic face painting and authentic food and beverages.

September 2013

• Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party - Dates to be announced..but last year from very early Sept. to just after Halloween.

  WHAT IS IT? Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party allows adults and children to trick or treat their way through the Magic Kingdom while experiencing Halloween magic throughout the park with Disney characters, special parades and fireworks and more. The evening includes Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade; trick-or-treating throughout the Magic Kingdom at numerous locations; and the special Happy HalloWishes fireworks. Lots of characters are out in the park, wearing their favorite Halloween costumes and you're encouraged to wear yours too.  Yep, it's true, guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes (some restrictions apply). The party  usually runs from 7 p.m. to midnight, Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade is almost always at 8:15 and 10:30 p.m., and the Happy HalloWishes fireworks usually begins at 9:30 p.m.  As we get more details from our insiders, we'll be sure to update you. Remember, this is a special ticket event occurring on select nights.

• The 31st Night of Joy - Sept. 6-7

The 31st Night of Joy, an annual Christian music event staged at the Magic Kingdom, is to be help September 6-7, 2013. An annual celebration, the event features top contemporary Christian music performers. As far as we can tell, the line-up for this coming year is:

-- Friday, September 6: Mercy Me, Steven Curtis Chapman & Michael W. Smith, Skillet, Mandisa, Matthew West, Audio Adrenaline, Moriah Peters, We As Human, City Harbor
-- Saturday, September 7: TobyMac, Francesca Batistelli, Newsboys, Britt Nicole, Group 1 Crew, Building 429, For King and Country, Jamie Grace

• The 2013 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival  - Sept. 27 - Nov. 10

While the  dates have been announced, the finer details have yet to leak out - not even from our insiders.  It amazing, but we've yet to get the full culinary scoop!  We do know, you will enjoy wines and delectable cuisine during this very special event.  You will certainly "EAT YOUR WAY AROUNDTHE WORLD" as Lee does. This very long festival always features live entertainment, guest chefs, culinary demonstrations, seminars, winemaker dinners, and more. Here are few of the activities from years past but do check back because we'll certainly update our information as we gather more details from our insiders: 30 international food and beverage Marketplaces to enjoy tasting plates from tons of countries around the lake, signature dining experiences with celebrated chefs, culinary demonstrations and wine seminars, and, of course, The Eat to the Beat concert series, with nightly performances from popular hit-makers.

• The 13 Reflection of Evil Trading Even - Sept. 13-15

To be held at Epcot, this event is supposed to feature Villians inspired merchandise INCLUDING PINS, Vinylmation, art and collectibles, and more.  We'll post more information as we get it.

• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend - Select weekend in Sept.

While we've yet to find out the actual dates, we do know the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend, certainly will take place at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park during the Epcot Food & Wine Festival. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler is a nighttime road race that will end in the shadows of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios. As in the past, you will have to brave dark and ghostly streets haunted by Disney villains.  Your run into the fifth dimension will also take you to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex before returning to Disney's Hollywood Studios where the course will surely feature the Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show, then turn down New York Street, wind past the Sorcerer's Hat and return you to an unforgettable finish at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. The race features Disney Entertainment on-course and a Family Reunion Area with live entertainment and characters. Finishers will receive a commemorative Finisher medal.  Your commemorative medal announces your towering triumph as you ride thrilling Disney's Hollywood Studios attractions till 3:00 a.m.!   Here is an example of Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-miler weekendevents:

Disney’s Health & Fitness Expo
Disney’s Health & Fitness Expo is a two-day celebration located at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex that will be your one stop for everything happening during race weekend. The Expo usually hosts a Speaker Series featuring celebrity runner appearances and seminars on training, racing, nutrition. Of course,a variety of race merchandise will be available for purchase at the Expo.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler

 

Disney Family 5K Run
This is a fun-filled 5K that the whole family can enjoy. There's something for everyone at the Disney Family Fun Run 5K where adults, teens and tweens can be a part of this official The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend event. Experience a 5K course that winds through the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex with an unforgettable finish! Disney Entertainment on-course. Finishers will receive a commemorative 5K Finisher medal.

runDisney Kids' Races-

runDisney Kids' Races will get your little one warmed up for The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend. Sign up for any of the Kids' Dashes to participate in the fun! Children ages 8 and under can participate in these races and earn their very own finisher medallion. Races event is limited and takes place at ESPN Wide World of Sports Track & Field Complex. Races by ages groups include:

·               12 months and under - Diaper Dash for crawlers

·               1-3 years old - 100m dash

·               4-6 years old - 200m dash

·               7-8 years old - 400m dash

Disney Villains Hollywood Bash
Runners and Guests can party in the shadow of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at the Disney Villains Hollywood Bash where you will enjoy Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Star Tours, Muppet vsion 3D, The Great Movie Ride, and Toy Story Mania!, in addition to DJs and character meet & greets with your favorite Disney Villains. Admission to the Disney Villains Hollywood Bash is included in The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler race registration.

October 2013

• The 2013 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival  - Entire month to Nov. 10  (See above - Sept.).

• Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party - Entire month to just after Halloween (See above - Sept.).

And, at Downtown Disney the Halloween/Fall season is celebrated the entire month of October with special photo spots, pumpkin patches, an Oktoberfest band and more.

• Epcot's Birthday - October 1, 2013 - Opening Oct 1, 1982, the park turns 31 this birthday.

• Magic Kingdom's Birthday - October 1, 2013 - Opening Oct. 1, 1971, the park turns 42 this birthday.

November 2013

• The 2013 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival  - Entire month to Nov. 10  (See above - Sept.).

• Old Spice Classic - Nov. 28, 29 & Dec. 1
This Division/Men's Holiday Tournament will feature eight college basketball teams and 12 exhilarating games played over Thanksgiving weekend at the HP Field House at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Each team will compete in one game per day, advancing through a bracket-tournament format. If memory serves, Old Spice Classic bragging rights for 2012 go to the Gonzaga University!

• The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights - Mid Nov. - Early Jan.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights on the Streets of America at Disney's Hollywood Studios is a breathtaking Christmas display featuring millions of glittering lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music.  Last year, the spectacle began on Nov. 9 and concluded on Jan. 6.  The lights are so extensive it is hard to comprehend. Entire buildings are blanketed in sheets of multi-colored lights, and thousands more lights form twirling carousels, heavenly angels, and even Santa and his reindeer. Approximately every 10 minutes, the lights dim and then dramatically spring to life — dynamically choreographed to traditional holiday music. You have to see the effect to believe it and some nights, if you truly believe in holiday magic, the show is capped off with an enchanted flurry of snow (artificial of course).

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights started modestly in Arkansas as a single home's annual display. The spectacle was originally the creation of Arkansas businessman and philanthropist Jennings Osborne.  It began 20 years ago when Jennings strung 1,000 red lights as a Christmas gift to his daughter Breezy. Soon, their 22,000-square-foot home was covered in millions of lights ... and the display continued to grow and glow.  Every year, Jennings Osborne and his family set up an elaborate collection of holiday lights and over the years, the collection of lights grew, and grew... and grew! After the home exhibit grew larger over several years, the Arkansas Supreme Court ordered the display to be turned off .  In 1995, the Osborne family decided to share their magic with the world, and Walt Disney World Resort happily offered to become the new permanent home for this exceptional exhibition of holiday cheer. The Streets of America backlot area sparkles with millions of twinkling lights during the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Some of Osborne's original creations still sparkling brightly at the park today are a giant Mickey Mouse light, dozens of flying angels and Santa Claus light designs.  In 2006, the lights took a high-tech turn... with a light-show synchronized to holiday music (hence the addition of the word "Dancing" to its official title!).  The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is included with standard admission to Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park.

• Holidays Around the World and Candlelight Processional  - Late November - Late December.

During the holidays, Epcot is transformed into an international celebration of Yuletide traditions filled with festive decorations and live entertainment. From Holidays Around The World to  the Candlelight Processional, you can delight in the sights and sounds of the season.

Epcot’s World Showcase is home to international holiday lore and legends during the Holidays Around the World celebration. Guests can not only meet Santa Claus in the American Adventure showcase, but they also have the opportunity to hear storytellers detail the adventures of Père Noël in France, La Befana in Italy and other legends from around the world.  Throughout World Showcase, storytellers share customs and lore from their heritage from Nov. 23 to Dec. 30. Strolling around the promenade during the Holidays Around the World celebration may put you face-to-face with the good-hearted witch La Befana, known in Italy for filling children’s shoes with treats, or the jolly gift-bearer Father Christmas in the United Kingdom. There are meet and greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus in The American Adventure, plus other legendary icons who share messages of goodwill. At nightfall, Disney characters host a giant tree-lighting ceremony, complete with music and storytelling, in World Showcase Plaza. "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth," completes the celebration with a magical holiday finale.

The Candlelight Processional is a special holiday event held nightly at the American Gardens Theater as part of Holidays Around The World. The event retells the stirring story of Christmas with a special celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir.  The Candlelight Processional is a terrific way to get in the Christmas spirit and to share the real reason for the season with your family and friends. The event has become an essential family tradition for many Guests — once you experience it, you will be inspired to share it every year with the ones you love. This unforgettable spectacle is held on select nights during the holiday season and, due to its popularity, often fills up quickly, so arrive early. Based on our experience, we do not recommend you sign up for the Candlelight Dinner Packages. 

• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party  - Select nights mid-Nov. - late Dec.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a special event held each "winter" on select nights at the Magic Kingdom, but purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required to attend.  This festive celebration is filled with live entertainment, spectacular fireworks and an oh-so-jolly Christmas holiday parade.  Celebrate the magic of the season in the holiday wonderland of Magic Kingdom which began last year on Nov. 3! Gather with loved ones for a festive sight and sound-filled special event that is sure to make you merry!  Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party features:  The enchanted Castle Dream Lights of Cinderella's Castle, Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, complete with a special appearance by Santa Claus himself, and an exclusive holiday fireworks extravaganza — Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season. There is also plenty of live entertainment featuring Disney Characters, meet and greet opportunities throughout Magic Kingdom with some of your favorite Disney Characters, and complimentary cookies and hot cocoa.  There is even a very magical snow fall on Main Street (pretend snow of course) and more!  The official hours of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party are 7 PM to midnight. However, guests attending the party are admitted as early as 4 PM. Tip: the turnstiles on the right hand side are used for party guests and the turnstiles on the left are used for day guests. Note, even though you may enter the park before the party starts, the special events do not begin until 7 PM. Here are some features of this great evening:

- Castle Dream Lights on Cinderella Castle: -- When daylight has passed during the holiday season, Magic Kingdom guests can behold a breathtaking transformation during the Castle Dream Lights ceremony. Each evening, Cinderella and favorite characters decked out in holiday garb take to the stage and magically transform Cinderella Castle into an ice palace aglow with 200,000 white lights – a perfect centerpiece to a park all decked out with wreaths, bows, garland and towering Christmas trees.
- Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade: celebrates the many festive moods of the holiday season, showcasing a series of holiday themes including a Friends and Family Christmastime Party, a sleigh ride through a Winter Wonderland, a romantic Fairy Tale Christmastime, a scrumptious display of Christmastime sweets, and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus in a grand finale. And, for longtime Disney Christmas parade fans, the toy soldiers, snowflakes and dancing deer are all still in the parade. The parade features original music as well as both classic and current holiday tunes.  Here is just some of the fun:
- Holiday Wishes Fireworks
- A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Show
- Celebrate The Season Show
- Meet and greet opportunities with Disney Characters
- Character Dance Parties
- Complimentary cookies and hot cocoa
- Magical snow fall on Main Street
- Many of the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions

Here is even more about Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party:

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, which kicks off at 7 p.m. on select evenings (after regular Magic Kingdom closing), is pure, time-honored Disney magic. Holiday revelers can sip cocoa, catch a "snowflake" on a fingertip, and catch the spirit of the season through enchanting entertainment that includes live shows, fireworks, carolers and special character meet and greets. Dancing gingerbread, marching soldiers and Santa's sleigh parade down Main Street to seasonal melodies during the twice-nightly "Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade". Cinderella Castle is draped radiantly with 200,000 glistening white lights and "Holiday Wishes, Celebrate the Spirit of the Season" fireworks lights the night sky during a pyrotechnics show orchestrated to holiday melodies.  The night wouldn't be complete without the forecasted flurry of snowflakes along Main Street and a warming cup of cocoa in hand (Tip-it is pretend snow and you certainly won't need cocoa to keep you warm....this IS Florida! Party-goers can also enjoy complimentary cookies and apple slices and enjoy unlimited admission to favorite attractions. Holiday stage shows include Celebrate the Season at the Castle and Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Show in Tomorrowland's new theatre.

A separate admission ticket is required.  Hours – 7 p.m. - midnight

In previous years, the park would close and then reopen. Now the park stays open through regular closing time. Be sure to get a special MVMCP wristband before 7 p.m. Cast Members will direct guests without the bands to leave the park.

• Thanksgiving  - Nov. 28

Something unique happens this time of year at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – a ceremony performed in the lobby called the Blessing of the Four Directions. November is Native American Heritage Month and every year visiting interpreters James Hansen (Black Wolf) and Anita Hansen (Quick Silver) perform a short ceremony, symbolically driving out negative energy and purifying the resort for the year ahead.  Also, as Thanksgiving Day nears, chances are you will have turkey on your mind too. We do, and we’ve found some interesting facts to share before you enjoy your big turkey meal. It’s estimated that guests consume more than 1.6 million turkey drumsticks every year at the Walt Disney World and the Disneyland – that’s 2.5 million pounds of turkey. So, how much of the total are you responsible for?

Thanksgiving is one of the favorite time for people to visit Walt Disney World. The magic of the holiday season combined with the magic of Disney brings warmth and happiness to visitors far and wide. Many dining locations at Walt Disney World create special meals for guests who would like to share a holiday meal with their loved ones on Thanksgiving. Some locations offer a special Thanksgiving menu just for this day while other locations offer additional Thanksgiving specialties in addition to their regular menu.

December 2013

First, a tip: The time BETWEEN Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks is one of the best times to visit Mickey.  The lines at the parks are minimal and the rates are among the best of the year.

• Pop Warner Championship Tournaments  - Early Dec.

Each December, Pop Warner championship tournaments are held at ESPN's Wide World of Sports for football in the Pop Warner Super Bowl and in Cheer & Dance National Championships. Some public exhibitions may be scheduled and guests can expect heavy bookings by youth groups.  However, early Dec. is just wonderful at ALL the parks since ALL the Christmas Shows are in full swing.  It is a great time to visit.  The rates are among the lowest of the year and there are hardly any lines at the parks.

• The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights - Continues through early Jan. (See Nov. above)

• Holidays Around the World and Candlelight Processional  - Continues through December. (See Nov. above)

• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party  - Continues through late Dec. (See Nov. above)

If you have ANY questions, or if there is ANY thing we can do to help as you plan your trip to Disney and all the attractions of central Florida, simply email us at <drherron@mindspring.com>or call 407-351-9530.  We’ll look forward to hearing from you.  In fact, we’ll be all EARS!

SUN-cerely…..Paulette and Lee

Paulette & Lee Herron
"Next to Disney and Close to Perfect!"
Great Family Vacation Homes by VacationEARS!

call 407-351-9530
Email: <drherron@mindspring.com>