Hi there! Welcome to our weekly roundup of the most interesting news surrounding Disney and the Orlando theme parks.
This week’s highlights:
A week into the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which runs through Nov. 11, the Orlando Sentinel has offered up the five least-expensive food items at the World Showcase marketplaces (not including desserts), for the budget conscious among you. Picking and choosing among the lowest-priced items is one way to keep costs down at the festival. Our biggest advice for saving money is to set your budget in advance! Do you have tips for saving at the festival? Share in comments below! - In a disappointment to our fellow pond friends (and fans), the twice-daily duck waddle through the Peabody Orlando lobby ended this week when the International Drive hotel became the Hyatt Regency Orlando.
We launched our Undercover Tourist of the Month Contest for October, wherein we're giving away a $250 credit AND a signed copy of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids 2014 edition. All you have to do is share your review of the best Walt Disney World Resort attraction for kids.- LEGOLAND Florida is expanding and renovating its toddler-dedicated area, which will be called DUPLO Valley when it opens in spring 2014. It will feature new farm-themed attractions, an indoor play area and an outdoor water play area.
- There is some great (and at times humorous) advice for heading to Universal's Halloween Horror Nights from veteran HHN bloggers. Pay attention to the suggested dress code.
- Speaking of Halloween Horror Nights, it'll be one of the many special events we're attending this weekend in Orlando. Read more about where we're headed, and be sure to send us any questions you have about the parks.
In yum news, Hollywood & Vine at Disney's Hollywood Studios has added a chocolate fountain with an assortment of fruits, marshmallows and other goodies for dessert after lunch and dinner. My mouth is watering.- In light of last week's news that Disney is changing its program for guests with disabilities inside the parks, we found this post on how using a wheelchair changes the theme park experience to be timely and appreciated.
- While full details of the new program have not yet been announced, Touring Plans has a few more details about how it is expected to work.
- One of the most fun things we read this week was Theme Park Insider's list of 42 things we've loved about Disney World in honor of its 42nd birthday. We'd love to hear what you love about Disney World. For Mommy Frog, I think it boils down to caramel apples :).
That’s all for this week. Have a great weekend!
If you're thinking about a trip to Disney World, make sure to check out the other news, tips and information we post to the blog throughout the week. If you’re ready to plan your trip, we recommend you start with our planning pages.
— Leap
