Friday, April 14, 2023

Beat the Heat: Why Summer is the Perfect Time to Visit Disney World


Summer is just around the corner, and for many families, that means it's time to start planning your annual Disney vacation. I know that traveling to Disney World during the summer months can come with some challenges, such as the heat and the crowds. But fear not! I'm here to show you why a summer trip to Disney World can be an unforgettable experience that's worth braving the heat for. From exclusive events to unique dining experiences, there are so many reasons to visit Disney World this summer. So, grab your sunscreen, a hat, and your sense of adventure, and let's explore why you should visit the most magical place on earth during the summer season.

Here are just 5 reasons to visit Disney World during the summer:
  1. Longer park hours: Disney World typically extends its park hours during the summer months, allowing visitors to make the most of their time in the park. This means that you can enjoy your favorite rides, shows, and attractions for longer periods.
  2. Fun summer activities: Disney World offers a variety of summer-themed activities and events that are perfect for families and children. These activities include water parks, pool parties, outdoor movies, and other seasonal experiences.
  3. Great weather: Although it can get hot during the summer months in Florida, the weather is generally pleasant and sunny, making it perfect for spending time outside and enjoying the park's many outdoor attractions.
  4. Special events: Disney World hosts several special events during the summer, including the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon, and Disney After Hours at EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios. These events provide visitors with unique experiences and opportunities to explore the parks in new and exciting ways.
  5. Summer discounts: Disney World often offers special discounts and deals during the summer months, making it an affordable time to visit the park. From discounted hotel rates to park ticket packages, there are many ways to save money on your Disney World vacation during the summer.
Disney's H2O Glow Nights
First let's focus on the different events offered in the summer. Disney H2O Glow Nights is a separately ticketed event that takes place at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon water park during select nights in the summer. The event features a special glow-in-the-dark theme, inspired by the Pixar short film.


"Partysaurus Rex". By the way, I love this song! The entire album is fun to listen to, DConstructed.

During Disney H2O Glow Nights, guests can enjoy shorter wait times for popular water park attractions, as well as special entertainment, including a DJ dance party, and character meet-and-greets. There are also special food and beverage offerings, including a limited-time menu and glow-in-the-dark drinks.

Overall, Disney H2O Glow Nights is a fun and unique way to experience Disney's Typhoon Lagoon water park, with a special theme and entertainment offerings that are not available during regular operating hours.

Disney After Hours
Next up, Disney After Hours events at both Hollywood Studios and Epcot can be a great option for guests who want to maximize their time in the park, experience popular attractions with shorter wait times, and enjoy unique entertainment offerings that are not available during regular operating hours.

During Disney After Hours events, guests can enjoy exclusive access to the park after it has closed to regular day guests, meaning that wait times for popular attractions are significantly reduced. In addition to shorter wait times, guests can also enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks, as well as special character meet-and-greet opportunities and entertainment offerings.

At Hollywood Studios, attractions may include rides like Slinky Dog Dash, Tower of Terror, Star Wars Rise of the Resistance and Smuggler's Run with shorter wait times. Meanwhile, at Epcot, guests can enjoy attractions like Test Track, Frozen Ever After, Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind and Soarin' with shorter wait times and exclusive access to select restaurants and snack locations. Tip: check walk up availability for Oga's Cantina. 

Disney After Hours events officially begin at 10:00pm but with your event ticket you can get in as early as 7p. Tip: if you arrive early at EPCOT, you can watch EPCOT Forever. And let's not forget a tip or Hollywood Studios: arrive early and try and catch Fantasmic. Please note that offerings can vary from year to year. After Hours events are only offered on select nights throughout the summer. They can sell out so it's best to buy your tickets in advance.


Attending the Disney After Hours events at Hollywood Studios and Epcot can provide a fantastic opportunity to experience the parks in a whole new way and maximize your time there during the summer. With the added benefit of the events taking place in the evening, after the sun has gone down, visitors can enjoy a cooler and more comfortable temperature than during the daytime.



EPCOT Food and Wine Festival
One of my favorite festivals at Epcot is the Food and Wine Festival. This event runs from late July through mid-November. I love the opportunity to try new foods and rediscover some of my past favorites. During the festival, guests can enjoy a wide variety of food items from around the world, showcasing different cuisines and flavors.

In addition to the food offerings, the festival also features live concerts that are included with park admission, located at the America Gardens Theatre. This is a great way to experience some great music while enjoying the festive atmosphere and delicious food. Some of the performers this year include. Hoobastank, Boyz II Men, Ray Parker Jr., and Sugar Ray to name a few.



All in all, the Epcot Food and Wine Festival is a must-visit for foodies and anyone who loves to explore different cuisines and flavors. It's a great opportunity to sample dishes from around the world, enjoy live entertainment, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Epcot during this special event. 

Over the years, I have attended Food and Wine Festival several times. I really enjoy sampling the beer or wine flights in the different countries. Some of my favorite dishes are the Maple Bourbon Boursin Cheesecake with Maple Bourbon Cream, Caramel and Pecan Crunch, and the La Passion Martini Slush made with Vodka, Grey Goose Le Citron, Cranberry, and Passion Fruit Juice. Additionally, my family loved the Loaded Greek "Nachos" made with Pita Chips, Meatless Sausage Crumbles, and Vegan Tzatziki so much that we developed our own recipe and make it often at home. We also enjoy the Teriyaki Chicken Bun, which is a steamed bun filled with Chicken, Vegetables, and a Sweet Teriyaki Sauce from Japan.


Disney Springs
While the after-hours events at Disney World and festivals offer a unique way to experience the parks, there's another destination at Disney that offers a different kind of fun and entertainment. Disney Springs, located just outside the theme parks, is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience some of the best of Disney dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Visiting Disney Springs in the summer can be a great option for guests who want to take a break from the theme parks and enjoy some shopping, dining, and entertainment offerings in a more relaxed atmosphere. For the best experience, I suggest visiting Disney Springs early in the day to avoid crowds or taking advantage of the cooler weather in the evenings by visiting later in the day. 

As an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, Disney Springs offers guests a wide range of experiences, from luxury shopping to family-friendly activities. During the summer months, guests can enjoy live entertainment like street performers and musicians, as well as special events and limited-time offerings.

Disney Springs is home to a wide range of dining options, from quick-service eateries to upscale restaurants. Guests can enjoy everything from classic American fare to international cuisine, with options for every taste and budget. Additionally, it's important to keep in mind that dining reservations are often necessary for the most popular restaurants at Disney World. If you have your heart set on a particular dining experience, be sure to make a reservation well in advance to ensure availability.


The Springs also offers a variety of unique shops and boutiques, offering everything from Disney merchandise to designer fashion. Whether you're looking for souvenirs to bring home or simply want to browse and shop, Disney Springs has something for everyone. Visiting the Springs in the summer can be a great way to take a break from the theme parks and enjoy some shopping, dining, and entertainment offerings in a more relaxed atmosphere. You may be wondering if I have any favorites at Disney Springs. I do! My top favorite eateries are Wine Bar George, Hangar Bar, and Gideon's. And here's something you may not know: many times you will find George, the owner of Wine Bar George, working at the restaurant, ensuring every guest has a memorable dining experience. So, whether you're in the mood for wine, craft beer, or mouth-watering cookies, you won't be disappointed.




Staying in the middle of the magic
Staying on-property at Disney World is the best option for experiencing the magic bubble that Disney World has to offer. When you stay at one of Disney's on-site hotels, you're not just getting a place to sleep - you're immersing yourself in the full Disney experience from the moment you arrive.

One of the biggest advantages of staying on-property is the convenience factor. Disney's on-site hotels are located just a short boat, bus, monorail or Skyliner ride away from the theme parks, which means that you can easily come and go from the parks throughout the day, without having to worry about driving, parking, or navigating unfamiliar roads. This is especially valuable during the hot summer months, when you may want to take a mid-day break and retreat to your hotel for a nap or a swim. With complimentary transportation options available throughout the day and evening, you can rest assured that getting to and from the parks will be a breeze.
  

Another advantage of staying on-property is the level of theming and immersive storytelling that Disney is famous for. Each on-site hotel has its own unique theme and design, from the grandeur of the Grand Floridian to the whimsy of the Art of Animation resort. When you stay on-property, you're not just staying in a hotel - you're entering a world of Disney magic and imagination.

Staying on-property also comes with a number of perks and benefits, such as early access to purchase Individual Lightning Lane Entry, complimentary transportation throughout the resort, and early theme park entry. These perks help to create a truly seamless and immersive Disney experience, where every detail is taken care of and every moment feels like magic.

Sometimes, after a long day at the parks, there's nothing better than taking a relaxing evening in your hotel room. With so many great dining options available at Disney World, you can easily pick up some delicious meals to go and enjoy them in the comfort of your own room. Whether you're in the mood for a pizza, a salad, or some sweet treats, you're sure to find something that satisfies your cravings. As you dine, you can catch up on your favorite movies or TV shows, or even watch a recording of the park's nightly fireworks displays on your hotel room's TV. It's the perfect way to unwind after a busy day and recharge for the next day. 


Art of Animation Resort
Grand Floridian


Ultimately, staying on-property at Disney World is the best option for fully immersing yourself in the Disney experience and enjoying the magic bubble that Disney is famous for. From convenience to theming to exclusive perks, there are countless reasons to choose an on-site hotel for your next Disney vacation. Disney World is currently offering a special room offer for summer 2023. Guests who book a stay at select Disney Resort hotels can save up to 25% on their room. Restrictions apply and discounts are based on availability. I am happy to put together a personalized, no-obligation quote based on your preferences and needs. Simply click here to fill out my Disney Vacation Inquiry form and provide me with some basic information about your travel dates, party size, and any specific requests or interests you have. From there, I will use my expertise and insider knowledge to create a tailored itinerary and quote that suits your unique needs and budget. So don't hesitate - take the first step towards your dream Disney vacation today!

In conclusion, despite the hot temperatures and crowds, there are plenty of reasons why visiting Disney World in the summer is a magical experience. From the exciting after-hours events to the delicious food festivals and everything in between, there's something for everyone to enjoy. And with the convenience of staying on-site, you can easily take a break from the heat and crowds whenever you need to. As a travel agent, I highly recommend considering a summer trip to Disney World for a truly unforgettable vacation.  

Ready to plan your dream summer vacation to Disney World?
So, do you think you're ready to experience the magic of Disney World this summer? From thrilling attractions to unique dining experiences, there's something for everyone to enjoy. As a travel agent, I'm here to help you plan the perfect summer getaway that's tailored to your needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a relaxing resort stay or a jam-packed park adventure, I can help you create a vacation that's unforgettable. So why wait? Contact me today to start planning your summer Disney vacation, and let's make your dreams come true!

Thanks for reading my blogpost! Be sure to follow my travel adventures on Facebook and Instragram @GwendolensTravels. Or click here to learn more about me and to start planning your magical vacation.




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