Archive for July, 2010

Beautiful June!  With the sunshine and showers, the grounds around the parks and resorts are lush and lovely.  The remaining Star Wars Weekends are on the calendar for June, joined in 2011 by the USA Gymnastics Open Championships scheduled to take place at the  ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

For nearly twenty years, June has also been the month chosen for the annual non-Disney-affiliated get-together known as Orlando Gay Days.  Participants typically stay at a designated off-site hotel and enjoy  a roster of both family- and adult-oriented activities there, which include parties, literary and film festivals, religious services, and seminars, as well as time in the Walt Disney World parks.

Fast Facts

Special Events: Star Wars Weekends; USA Gymnastics Open Championships

Attendance levels: School’s out and the summer crowds begin to arrive.   Generally speaking, events held at ESPN Wide World of Sports have little effect on park numbers, although participants may be housed at a specific resort,  typically one of the Value Resorts, which may impact the experience of other guests staying there.  The Gay Days schedule calls for a visit to a designated park each day, so those wishing to avoid the additional crowds can choose to visit a different park.

Weather: Although not quite the  rainiest month of the year,  on average, guests can expect rain during 14 of June’s 30 days.  With high and low temperatures ranging from the lower seventies to the low nineties, and the humidity up 5% over May, it’s getting hot and humid and will remain so until October.

Packing: Pack for summer but let your own habits be your guide – some guests like to bring a small hand-held fan or mister, and a day pack large enough to hold a water bottle; others prefer a light-weight, long-sleeved garment to wear in chilly, air conditioned areas.

No one does Disney quite like our friend Sam.  You may remember his amazing image for our Grand Floridian Resort and Spa page.  We thought we’d give you another peek at the world, as seen through his own special looking glass.  We think it really “reflects” his uniquely creative point of view!

Those of you who experience the annual frustration of trying to make reservations for the special events at the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival will want to hear more about a new food and wine celebration vacation package to be offered from Sunday, October 24 to Wednesday, October 27, 2010.

Although the details are still sketchy, we know that it will be limited to only 100 guests and, much like an Adventures by Disney itinerary, will be filled with wonderful, exclusive experiences.

This unique and exciting vacation package, Disney’s Grape Getaway, will be available inclusive of resort reservations, or without the accommodations for those who have already made their travel plans.  It will feature three days of exclusive events including a special private party.  Although the members of the Tables in Wonderland program will be notified as further information becomes available, including the cost and the booking window, this package will be open to all guests.

If you would like to be notified when the delicious details are released, please email Whimsical World Travel using the form on the Contact a Concierge page, or call 888-373-2752.