Children are sponges.

I am always amazed at what our five year old and two year old absorb in our day to day life. From the fun experiences we share as a family to the educational moments they have in their day to day lives, they are always picking up something new. Repeating some phrase that makes us giggle. Remembering a promise we made in the moment. Shocking us with the wealth of information they learn.

That is part of what is so endearing about Disney Destination vacations to our family. Not only are the an amazing time to play together as a family, our time at Disney Destinations is full of moments for our children to absorb their world in a new way. Our trips always wind up educational too.

Walt Disney World® Resort has added another opportunity for our children to be sponges this year with Wildlife Wednesdays: Families and Nature Events at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park and Epcot® The Seas with Nemo and Friends® Attraction.

During these family and nature events, kids and families will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the amazing creatures that inhabit our planet! It is an opportunity for families to ‘get wild’ together!

Be sure to see the schedule below of upcoming opportunities for families to connect to nature!

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park:

March 4: Spring Forward for Amphibians Day — Just a few days before we adjust our clocks forward for Daylight Savings Time, we’re “springing forward” to celebrate frogs, toads and other amphibians.

April 22: Party for the Planet in celebration of Earth Day — Every day is a Party for the Planet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park, as guests and cast members join together to celebrate the wonders of nature, but, on Earth Day, there will be even more natural magic. Included is a celebration of the release of Disneynature’s new True Life Adventure “Bears,” in theaters April 18, which showcases a year in the life of a bear family as two impressionable young cubs are taught life’s most important lessons.

May 6: International Migratory Bird Day — Time to celebrate of one the wonders of nature – bird migration – and the ways we can help protect birds on their journeys.

May 20: World Turtle Day — Turtles are fascinating creatures, and really cool dudes, too – just ask Crush! Both Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park and The Seas with Nemo & Friends® Attraction celebrate turtles with special activities.

June 10: Pollinator Day — butterflies, bees and other pollinators are the stars of this celebration.

July 29: Big Cat Day — It’s all about the largest cats, like lions and tigers – cats to whom you wouldn’t want to say, “here, kitty, kitty.”

August 5: Primate Day — The perfect place to find out what a 400-pound gorilla and a one-pound cotton-top tamarin have in common.

September 23: Elephant and Rhino Day — Learn fun facts and important conservation information about magnificent and endangered elephants and rhinos.

At The Seas with Nemo & Friends® Attraction at Epcot®:

April 22: Earth Day Celebration — It’s an ocean of fun at The Seas on Earth Day as this Earth Day celebration focuses on marine animals.

May 20: World Turtle Day — See the magnificent sea turtles swim by in the main aquarium and find out what each of us can do to keep turtles safe in the wild.

June 4: World Oceans Day — Join Nemo, Dory, Crush and the rest of the gang in celebrating the wonders of the oceans.

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With its expansion complete, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai’i, is the perfect place to escape in 2014. Additional dining, shopping and water experiences have been added to a long list of amenities and activities that are already included in the cost of your stay, including Waikolohe Valley Pools, Aunty’s Beach House kids’ club, and family entertainment like Starlit Hui show.

For a limited time, purchase a minimum 4-night stay most night Jan. 5-Apr. 7, 2014 and receive the 4th night free. Also, enjoy breakfast for two adults daily at the new Ulu Cafe on the “Mouse.”

Booking Window:
Book now – Mar. 1, 2014

Travel Dates:
Most days Jan. 5-Apr. 7, 2014

Availability is limited so contact your Magic Maker® today!

4 Nights for the Price of 3 Nights with Two (2) Adult Breakfast per Day promotion for Guests who stay four or more consecutive nights all between Jan. 5-Apr. 7, 2014. The free night savings is distributed across total room nights and is reflected in a reduced nightly rate, based on the non-discounted rate. Must book between Oct. 2, 2013 – Mar. 1, 2014, inclusive. The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited, and room availability may vary by dates of stay. Package includes two (2) Aulani Adult Breakfasts per room per night of your package stay. Breakfast is only redeemable at Ulu Cafe during normal breakfast operating hours and includes one (1) entrée and one (1) of the following nonalcoholic, non-specialty beverages: regular coffee, tea, fresh fruit juice, fountain beverage, hot cocoa or milk. Breakfast entitlements may not be redeemed for cash in whole or in part, sold separately, transferred or refunded. All entitlements will expire at midnight on package departure date. This offer excludes Resort fees and taxes. Not valid in combination with any other discounts or offers. Offer excludes suites and 3-bedroom Grand Villas. Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than two adults per room. Limit two rooms per reservation and subject to room occupancy limitations. Advance reservations required. Subject to additional restrictions and change without notice.

This offer has expired. CLICK HERE to view current Walt Disney World® Offers

Add some Magic to your Walt Disney World® Resort vacation

There’s so much to see and do this Spring at the Walt Disney World® Resort! Whether enjoying the blossoms at the Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival, traveling to a galaxy far, far away during Star Wars™ Weekends, or simply enjoying some time with your favorite Disney pals, you’ll have a blast showing your Disney side at the “Most Magical Place on Earth!”

For a limited time, you can save up to 30% on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels during most nights Mar. 14-Apr. 12 and Apr. 20-Jun. 15, 2014.  And as a bonus, guests who upgrade their stay to a room and ticket package with a minimum 4-day Magic Your Way® Ticket will receive one more ticket day FREE!

Ask your Magic Maker® about other great rates that may be available for travel Feb. 24 to Mar. 5, 2014.

Booking Dates:

Book now – Mar. 31, 2014

Availability is limited, so contact your Magic Maker® today!

The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited and details of this offer are subject to change. Length of stay requirements may apply. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room. Everyone in the same room must be on the same package. Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than two adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts. Discounted room rate will only be applied to travel dates that are valid offer travel dates. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required. Offer excludes campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort—The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms and The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Theme Park tickets must be used within 14 days of first use.

It’s hard to believe that in just a few hours, we will be saying goodbye to 2013! It has been a great year. All of our favorite Disney Destinations have received some great additions and improvements over the past 365 days, and we’d certainly be remiss to not reflect on our favorites (listed in no particular order).

• Starbucks® – Our Magic Makers® aren’t the only ones over-the-top excited about this addition. In 2013, three Starbucks® locations were opened inside the gates of Disney Parks – Magic Kingdom® Park, Epcot®, and Disneyland® Park. These full service locations offer a wide selection of famous Starbucks® products like iced and regular coffees and teas, frappuccino, espresso, smoothies, and refreshers. As an added bonus for guests at the Walt Disney World® Resort, most of the drinks are only (1) snack entitlement for those on one of the Disney Dining Plans!
• Mickey and the Magical Map – Disneyland® Park debuted a brand new stage show in the newly remodeled Fantasyland® Theatre this year called “Mickey and the Magical Map.” Many of our Magic Makers® had a chance to see the new show which features music and beloved characters from several classic Disney films just last month and immediately fell in love. From start to finish, the show will captivate guests of all ages.
• The Garden – Disney Destinations has always had a strong focus on assisting guest with dietary restrictions. The Walt Disney World® Resort added a special kiosk inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park this summer that is staffed by knowledgeable Cast Members that are able to assist guests with restrictions. Click here for more details.
• Frozen – Disney Animation Studios’ film Frozen recently made its way into the Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® Resort, and to say guest response has been great would be a huge understatement! In both Disneyland® Park and Epcot®, guests can meet the royal sisters, Anna and Elsa, during their visit. Since opening, wait times for this meet and greet at Epcot® have peaked at over 3 hours! If you are visiting the sisters at Disneyland® Park, be sure to watch for an audio-animatronic Olaf!
• Norsk Kutler Gallery – Also part of the Frozen fun is a new gallery, Norsk Kultur, which opened in the Norway pavilion at Epcot®. The new exhibit explores how the culture and beauty of Norway inspired the filmmakers during the creation of the film. The gallery is well worth the visit.
• Friday the 13th ‘Unleash the Villains’ Event – This September, Disney’s Hollywood Studios® hosted an ‘Unleash the Villains’ event on Friday the 13th. When promoted, the Limited Time Magic event was described as something that “you won’t want to miss – and won’t soon forget… even if you try!” In true “Disney-fashion,” they lived up to their words! Click through the link to view our photos from the event.
• L’Artisan des Glaces – The France Pavilion in Epcot® World Showcase debuted a new “sweet spot” this year. L’Artisan des Glaces serves a variety of artisan ice cream and sorbet that is made right there on premises. Forget the diet and try a scoop (or two – we won’t judge)!
• Disney Magic® – Disney Cruise Line® performed a reimagination of their first ship, the Disney Magic®. From stem to stern, no details were overlooked in this huge refresh. Even if you have sailed on this ship before, you’ll want to check out the exciting changes and new areas onboard.
• Monstrous Summer All-Nighter – Disney Parks welcomed summer by keeping Magic Kingdom® Park, Disneyland® Park, and Disney California Adventure® Park open for a full 24 hours on Friday, May 24th!
• Tangled Themed Restrooms – When walking through the new Tangled themed area of Fantasyland®, it’s easy to get caught up in the details. This beautifully designed area features a sitting area with much needed charging stations as well as restrooms.
• Princess Fairytale Hall – This fall Magic Kingdom® Park debuted a new location for loyal subjects to visit Cinderella, Rapunzel and some of their visiting princess friends. Click here to view our photo tour of the hall.
• Garden Marketplaces – New Garden Marketplaces were added this year to the offerings at the Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival. These kiosks, similar to those at Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival, provided guests with garden- and backyard-living-inspired food and beverage items. These marketplaces will return in 2014.
• MyMagic+– Off to Neverland® Travel has had guests participating in the MyMagic+ system since testing started earlier this year. Words can’t describe how much convenience using the MagicBands adds to your vacation. And scheduling your Fastpass+ in advance ensures you’ll have the chance to do your family’s “must do” attractions. We are excited to see the future of MyMagic+.

What were your favorite additions in 2013?

Disney’s Hollywood Studios® popular Disney Junior Play n’ Dine at Hollywood & Vine will see some new faces in 2014!

Beginning Jan. 26, 2014, Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First will join Handy Manny and Jake from Jake and the Never Land Pirates in greeting guests during Hollywood & Vine’s breakfast and lunch service. Disney Junior Play n’ Dine is a fun way for your youngsters to meet their favorite TV stars!

This change will remove June from Disney’s Little Einsteins and Special Agent Oso from the character dining experience. For more information or to make an Advanced Dining Reservation at Disney Junior Play n’ Dine for your upcoming Walt Disney World® Resort vacation, please contact your Magic Maker®.

Over the years, our guests have fallen in love with Disney’s Beach Club Resort’s Beaches & Cream Soda Shop. Upon stepping through the doors, you are taken back in time to an old-fashioned soda shop complete with a jukebox serving classic hot foods and cool treats! You may have heard about their featured dessert – The Kitchen Sink: 8 scoops of ice cream smothered in every topping they have!

This quaint table service location has limited seating and didn’t accept Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) which has made it difficult in the past for guests to enjoy without an hour or longer wait. Now, Beaches & Cream Soda Shop will accept ADRs up to 180 days in advance for both lunch and dinner!

For more details, please contact your Magic Maker®!