March In Disney World

Magical Happenings

Can you believe we are talking about March already? This year is moving right along and we are supper excited to announce some extra fun during this month!

Epcot’s Festival of the Arts will be ended late last month, but no worries, a NEW festival coming this month! Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival will make it’s debut beginning on March 6th. The festival this year runs extra long, not ending until June 3rd! WOW!! So, you have plenty of time to experience everything this festival has to offer.

Weather In March

March begins to heat up, but can also see some cool nights. Bring a light jacket and ponchos for the rain showers!

Crowds In March

March in Disney World begins pretty slow, but boy oh boy, it does NOT stay that way! Most United States schools have their Spring Break vacations during this month. From about the second week in March through the end of the month, it will stay pretty busy. Don’t stress! With a good plan, it’s totally doable!

Check out the CROWD CALENDAR over at Dad’s Guide to WDW to find out what the crowds will look like each day in March.

Refurbishments and Closures

It’s never fun to plan a trip to Disney World and then find out your favorite attraction is undergoing refurbishments. While there is still a ton to do, it’s still nice to have a backup plan. From attractions to dining to the resorts, if there are any refurbishments going on, we will list it here.

Please note that our information comes straight from Disney and sometimes this information will change daily. We do our best to keep it updated.

MAGIC KINGDOM

• Liberty Square Riverboat: Jan. 8, 2018 – TBD
• Walt Disney World Railroad: Dec. 2018 – until further notice
• Tomorrowland Speedway: Jan. 2019 – until mid-May, 2019

EPCOT

• No reported refurbishments

ANIMAL KINGDOM

• Rafiki’s Planet Watch
  Starting October 21, 2018, Rafiki’s Planet Watch and Wildlife Express will be unavailable to Guests. In the meantime, our world-class animal care will still continue behind the scenes. Ongoing until further notice.
• Kali River Rapids: Jan. 2018 – late March 2019

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

• No reported refurbishments

MONORAIL

The Walt Disney World Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form or transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available.

RESORTS

Disney Skyliner: We have embarked on creating a new transportation system, Disney Skyliner, which will give Guests a bird’s-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort while traveling via gondolas. During this time construction noise may be seen or heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9 am. Ongoing until further notice.

The Skyliner process will affect the following resorts: POP CENTURY, CARIBBEAN BEACH RESORT, ART OF ANIMATION and BOARDWALK INN & VILLAS.

Coronado Springs: A few refurbishments are going on.

• Room Refurbishment: During this time, amenities including dining locations (such as the newly re-imagined Rix Sports Bar and Grill) and merchandise locations, pools, La Vida Health Club with the spa and salon, and recreation activities such as beach volleyball, Iguana Arcade, Movies Under the Stars and more, will remain available. Please note that noise will be heard while our Resort is undergoing refurbishments, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms prior to 9:00 am daily. Ongoing.
• Pepper Market: During this time, the quick-service restaurant, Pepper Market, will undergo minor refurbishment work, but will remain in operation. If Guests would like to experience one of the other dining locations, they can visit Maya Grill, Las Ventanas, Café Rix, Laguna Bar, Siestas Cantina and the newly reimagined space, Rix Sports Bar & Grill, featuring a variety of sandwiches, salads and refreshing beverages. All amenities will remain in operation, including the Dig Site pool area, La Vida Health Club, Salon & Spa and the Iguana Arcade. Through Summer 2019.

Check out the new guest rooms at All Star Movies!! It’s pretty awesome! Their refurbishment is complete and is absolutely stunning!

DISNEY SPRINGS

• No reported refurbishments

WATER PARKS

• Typhoon Lagoon will be re-opening on March 16th!

runDisney

No events this month.

Have you ever thought about doing a runDisney event? Click the link and check it out!

ESPN WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS

Please note: Roadwork
Intermittent overnight lane closures, lane shifts, traffic congestion and noise impacts can be expected along Osceola Parkway / Victory Way.

There are several events going on this month, be sure to check the calendar right here: ESPN WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS CALENDAR.

• The Atlanta Braves Spring Training will be going on through the end of March
• National Dance Competition: March 1-3, 2019
• AmeriaCheer and AmeriDance competitions: March 16 and 17, 2019

There are several other events this month. Be sure to click the link to help your planning process.

Stay Tuned

We love March in Disney World! Stay tuned to Walt Express for more March happenings and breaking news!! Did you know that you can have an ALLERGY FRIENDLY Disney vacation? YES!! Just click the link to learn more!

Check out some of our favorite ways to ADD MORE MAGIC to your Disney World vacation!

The post What To Expect In Disney World During The Month Of March appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

4 Favorite Cocktails At Epcot’s Flower And Garden Festival

If you love the Flower and Garden Festival and you love cocktails, well this is for you! Adrienne @DisneyTripsandSips, was so kind as to take us around the world and beyond at some of her favorite places and hideaways on her Flower and Garden cocktail tour. So let’s get started:

1. La Vie en Rose: comes with Grey Goose Vodka Orange, St. Germain Liquor, White and Red Cranberry Juice. This cocktail is a sure showstopper and is one of Adrienne’s favorites at the Flower and Garden Festival located at the The flavors of France at Fleur de Lys. 
2. Garden Rocks Dining Package at Via Niopoli: Adrienne and her husband were able to dine with this fantastic package as they enjoyed Smash Mouth. For the entire GARDEN ROCKS lineup, just click the link!
3. Violet Sake in Japan: located at the Garden House in the Japan Pavilion offers a few refreshing drinks, but this one is definitely a favorite of many.
4. Germany Pavilion Dark Beer and Wine: Adrienne could’t pin down just one here so she chose the whole Pavilion! Any kind of dark beer or wine will do here!

You will find lots to see and do AND lots to taste and drink at Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival. It’s truly a magical experience! For a complete list of the deliciousness you will find, be sure to read the complete menu!

One of Walt Express’ favorite drinks, of course, is the COFFEE!!

Join us in our Facebook group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, and let us know what your favorite is!

We LOVE Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival! Better hurry, it won’t be “blooming” much longer! Follow along with us on our Instagram account and see the final days of this amazing festival!

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Epcot’s Pere Noel in France

Bonjour!! France, being one of our favorite spots in the World Showcase HAD to be our first stop on this “Holidays Around the World” tour.  As we began to hear sleigh bells, out of nowhere it seemed, came a tall and slender man with a white beard and red suit. We knew instantly that it was Pere Noel! He gathered us all up and began his story of how and why Christmas is celebrated in France.

This was one of the most wonderful storytellers I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. Both of my children were awestruck and did not move until Pere Noel was finished speaking and invited them both over for pictures and a hug.

Pere Noel tells us all about “le petit Jésus” and then how “Bobette” tried to trick him with leaving her brother’s shoe out on Christmas Eve, instead of her own!

It was such an honor to learn about other customs and traditions in different countries. You can bet that we will be leaving our shoes under the tree this year, waiting on Pere Noel to visit!

Be sure to stop by and grab some of France’s favorite holiday treats:

• France – A classic Buche de Noel au Chocolat (chocolate Christmas log) and a special glace à la cannelle et noix de pecan caramélisées (cinnamon ice cream and caramelized pecans).

Holidays Around the World

Every year, Epcot hosts “Holidays Around the World“. You are able to visit all eleven of the different countries and see what each Holiday Season is like. From holiday foods, to parties with singing and dancing and even down to Santa! Yes, Santa! Let me tell you, this is something that you DON’T want to miss. You can grab a times guide from the Showcase Plaza and find out at exactly what times the shows and events will take place in each country. ***Please Note: Valid park admission is required to Epcot (Holidays Around the World is a FREE event).

Are you looking for Santa in Disney World? Find out where you can find him!

Don’t forget to join us for more LIVE Facebook videos.

Be sure to join our Facebook group: DISNEY EXPRESS LANE for more Magical Disney fun!

photo credit: Jeff Krause Photography Epcot – Colonne Morris via photopin (license)

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What a great NEW way to end the evening in Epcot!! Find out why everyone is super excited about this breaking news: Breaking News: Frozen Dessert Party Coming to Epcot’s Norway.

Breaking News: Frozen Dessert Party Coming to Epcot’s Norway

Walt Express has learned of a magical new dessert party coming to Epcot’s Norway Pavilion beginning this summer, on July 17th. This new party will take place on select evenings and has a little bonus! After the dessert party and the Illuminations fireworks show, you will enjoy a “no wait” ride on the attraction: Frozen Ever After! This is one “sweet” party!! Our friends from Disney Parks Blog has announced that booking for this delicious party will begin TODAY!

“A Sweet Finale”: What’s Included

Your celebration begins in Epcot’s World Showcase Plaza East, an exclusive setting for Guests of the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party.  You will enjoy sweet treats, specialty beverages and prime seating along World Showcase Lagoon—with clear views of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, the nighttime fireworks spectacular at Epcot.

The bountiful dessert buffet features sweet and savory options, which may include:

• Olaf’s warm double-chocolate s’mores pudding cake
• Elsa’s warm cottage pudding with salted caramel glaze
• Hand-dipped vanilla bean ice cream
• Wandering Oaken’s éclairons
• Hans’ key lime tarts with red glitter glaze
• Living Rock crispy bonbons
• Anna’s blue velvet cupcakes
• Kristoff’s no-sugar-added lemon curd with blueberry
• Sven’s fresh fruits and berries
• Grand Pabbie’s winter-spiced snack mix
• Duke of Weselton’s cheese fondue served with country bread cubes, broccoli and grilled flatbread

You can raise a glass of your favorite beverage to toast your day of theme park adventures—and the enchantment to come. Drink selections may include:

• “Melted snow” and other non-alcoholic beverages
• Summertime cocktails, like margaritas and piña coladas
• Beer and wine

After IllumiNations, you’ll be escorted to the Norway Pavilion, where Guests of the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party will experience the popular attraction Frozen Ever After—a musical boat-ride adventure through the wintry world of Arendelle.

Pricing

Admission is $79 per adult (ages 10 and up) and $47 per child (ages 3 to 9), including tax and gratuity.

Reservations

Reservations can be made through My Disney Experience, by calling (407) 939-3463, or your travel planner.

Tips

• Admission to Epcot will be required to attend this party.
• IllumiNations may be changed or canceled without prior notice.
• This is not a Character meet-and-greet experience. Characters of the movie Frozen will not appear.
• This celebration will be offered on a variety of days depending on the time of year, beginning one hour prior to the start of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.
• An event reservation is required when participating in the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit.
• Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. A valid form of government identification will be required to verify your age..
• To check in for this event, please meet the greeting Cast Member at World Showcase Plaza, located next to Port of Entry and adjacent to the Mexico Pavilion.

Please join us in our Facebook group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, for more Disney breaking news!

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The 2016 Food & Wine Festival has begun at Walt Disney World and I can smell the snacks all the way in Alabama. Ok, maybe not all the way in Alabama. However, my senses are in overdrive just thinking about the delicious snacks that are are being served up right now. My family has been a few times to enjoy this incredible event and I have some tips to pass along to help you make your Food & Wine Experience the best yet.

Proper Planning is Key

What’s that you say? You don’t need a plan? Are you kidding me?! You need a plan, people! Have you even looked at these menus? If not, check out full menus and all of the choices for the 2016 Food & Wine Festival here. Trust me when I tell you that you really want to look over these and plan out a strategy. You can’t just go in to Food & Wine and taste a few here or there. Why? Well, hello! There are about eight gazillion booths with several options at each.

I’m serious when I say that there are so many delicious choices that will assault your senses that you can give up on self control. You will need to be rolled out of the place if you aren’t careful. So yes, a plan is warranted and needed to get the most out of this experience. Pick up a Food & Wine Festival Passport when you get there and stick to your plan!

Pick a Top Five

Here is the way I plan, folks. First, read the menus and decide on a top five and do your best to stick to it. Our strategy is for my husband and I to both pick different snacks and drinks and to try each others. Also, because we are not locals, the plan is always to get the Park Hopper passes and go at least twice during our vacation to make the most out of the trip. If the grandparents are with us, even better!

We also print out the map ahead of time each year and look over it to see where we want to start and end. You can find the 2016 map HERE. To see my top 5 picks from the 2016 Food & Wine Festival, stay tuned for that blog coming soon.

Go When It Isn’t Too Crowded

Another great way to get the most out of the Food and Wine Festival is to go at the right times to avoid heavy crowds.The best advice that I can give you is to avoid the weekends and late evenings. The weekends are busy with lots of locals who come out for long weekends to experience the event. Sundays are especially popular. The late evenings are also very busy because there is an annual pass option for Florida residents that allows pass holders to enter Epcot after 4pm every day. This combined with everyone on vacation from all over the world can create heavy crowds.

The best advice is to stick to the middle of the week and get to the World Showcase area as close to 11 a.m. as you can. Also, try to avoid the very first week of the festival when everyone is foaming at the mouth to be the first ones to try everything. The last few days can also be a bit on the busy side too, so plan accordingly.

Keep the Lines Moving

The thing that bothers my family the most is the sheer amount of people who get in line to get their food, wine, or drinks and don’t have a payment method in hand. This is the main reason the lines move slowly at Food & Wine, so do your part and be prepared (are you singing that like Scar in The Lion King?). My family prefers to purchase the $100 Disney gift card before we leave, because it’s super easy and we don’t have to carry cash into the park. However, my parents prefer to stop and purchase the special gift cards at the festival that have the logo as a keepsake. If you are carrying cash, it’s important to note that most servings are the size of a small appetizer and cost between $4 and $8.

About Those Special Gift Cards

Like I said before, my parents prefer to get the Food & Wine gift cards that are only available for purchase in the park. These gift cards are mini-sized and come with a wristlet to help you keep up with it. You can load it with as little as $15 and it works at all the Food & Wine booths.

If you feel like you will be spending the big bucks at the festival, you can also get the limited Festival Gift Card. This one must be loaded with at least $200, but it comes with a lanyard, a card sleeve,  and a full size gift card with the festival logo. These are all easily swiped or scanned at every booth and will keep the line moving. So for crying out loud, get one and make your life easier and keep the frustration down for everyone. You can find the locations and more information on these gift cards at the following locations:

• Festival Center
• Bridge Kiosk East & West
• Festival Emporium (Canada pavilion)
• Festival Boutique (Japan and Morocco pavilions

Hot Tip

If you are a Disney Chase Visa cardholder, there is a special lounge you can enter at Epcot during this event. It’s located on the 3rd floor in the America Pavilion. This special lounge has charging stations and air conditioning, plus they serve complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Just show you Disney Chase Visa and take advantage or this great place to rest and recharge.

So, there you have it. My tried and true ways to get the most out of your Food & Wine Festival experience. Create a plan, pick a top five, go when it isn’t crowded, and keep the lines moving. Of course, don’t forget those keepsake gift cards that will help you pay quicker and have for years to come.

Do you have tips that I left off? Tell us in the comments section or join us at Disney Express Lane Facebook Group and discuss this and many other Disney topics!

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