Introducing Small World Big Fun, WDWNT’s Exclusive Travel Partner

[Editor’s note: WDWNT.com would like to welcome our newest sponsor, Small World Big Fun. This Authorized Disney Vacation Planner will share with WDWNT.com readers news, insights and tips for visitors to Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, and other Disney destinations. In this debut post, Small World Big Fun owner Cindy Minor shares more on the services her agency provides.] 

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My name is Cindy Minor, and I’m the owner of Small World Big Fun. Since our opening in 2008, Small World Big Fun has planned more than 10,000 Disney vacations for clients from coast to coast. Our agents are immersed in Disney values and experience and will provide you with the best vacation ever, specifically customized to suit your family. Best of all, our services are 100% free to you.

I’ve followed WDWNT.com for several years and find their content incredibly informative and a great resource, so partnering with them is super exciting for me. The information that WDWNT provides to its readers is truly invaluable, and I’m happy to be a part of it.

 Why Should I Use Your Service?

I get this question ALL THE TIME! “Why should I use a travel agent to book my vacation when it is so easy to book on the Internet?” Have you noticed that when you tell your friends that you are planning a Disney vacation, EVERYONE has an opinion? And that if you don’t follow their advice, your vacation will be a disaster? Our job is to help wade through all of that noise and plan the trip that works best for YOUR family, not theirs.

So, I could list tons of reasons why it’s best to use our services, but in the interest of time, I’ll just stick to the top five:

  1. We work for you for FREE.  It costs you exactly the same amount for us to book your trip as it does for you to book it on your own. Disney pays us a commission without passing that cost on to you – so there is no need for you to even price shop!
  2. We can save you MONEY. We work incredibly hard to make sure you are getting the best possible price for your vacation. We are always watching for discounts and will do our best to get available discounts applied to your vacation, even if you have already paid a deposit.
  3. We will save you TIME. Did you know that if you search for “Disney World” you will find more than 78,000,000 entries?  Do you really want to spend time sorting through all of that information when all you have to do is pick up the phone or send us a text to get a fast, accurate answer? Not only that, but we will be the ones up before dawn to make your dining reservations. We will be the ones planning your park itinerary to make sure you maximize your time and keep you out of the lines. We will be the ones to make sure you know how to use the latest Disney technology to get the most from your vacation. We can even tell you what to pack!
  4. We are HERE TO HELP when things don’t go as planned. No one likes to think of having trouble on vacation, but let’s face it – it does happen. If you book your vacation on your own, unfortunately, you are on your own. If you are a “planner” (like me,) we completely understand! We would never want to deny anyone the joy of planning the details of a Disney vacation; we can work together. We are a FREE resource to you and are only one call or text away.
  5. We are EXPERTS. Small World Big Fun has been an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner since 2010. This designation is given to select agencies to recognize their extensive knowledge of all things Disney and for the high level of value we provide to our clients as a result of our expertise. Our agents are constantly working to stay up to date on the latest information and resources from Disney.
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Cindy Minor and her team of agents from Small World Big Fun.

It’s a heck of a lot of fun to plan Disney trips for people. And, it’s a heck of a lot of work. I think I can speak for the entire Small World Big Fun team when I say that we all feel so lucky to play even a small part in helping families create memories that will last a lifetime. When we work with you, we’re going to get to know you and ask the questions that help you define what your vision is for your trip. Then, we’re going to make that vision a reality. All you have to do is show up and have a good time with your family. We look forward to helping plan your Walt Disney World vacation soon!

Contact Small World Big Fun and tell them you’re a WDWNT fan!

REVIEW: Donut-Breaded Chicken Nuggets, Pork Belly Burger, Pumpkin Pie Shake at D-Luxe Burger, Disney Springs

D-Luxe Burger at Disney Springs recently underwent a minor menu update, introducing a new burger, new donut-breaded chicken breast nuggets, and a new seasonal shake, so we figured we would head on over and check it out. If you haven’t been here before, be sure to go through our review of most of the other items on the menu here.

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Pork Belly Burger ($11.99)

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Pork Belly Burger topped with Cheddar, Red Onions, Lettuce, Tomato, Spicy Pepper Relish and Remoulade Sauce

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The burger patty itself is quite interesting, like a less spicy version of the El Diablo burger. The patty is another of the blended variety, mixing beef with pork belly, if you couldn’t tell by the title. Personally, I prefer spicy, so the Diablo is still my favorite, but this is certainly high on the list here. I’m not usually a big fan of remoulade, but it was nicely balanced out with the pepper relish.

Chicken Breast Nuggets ($7.99)

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Donut Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets served with Dannon Danimals Smoothie and Carrot Sticks, choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small Dasani Water

It may look a little small here, but there were over 12 of these nuggets in this box, most buried under a mountain of french fries. Considering an order of french fries is $4.99, this is a tremendous value since it came with about the same amount of fries while also offering a meal. Needless to say, we opted for fries and a soda over the traditional accompaniments Disney lists on the menu.

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I can’t begin to describe how much I enjoyed these donut-crusted chicken breast nuggets. The mix of sweet donut-flavor with salty chicken breast nuggets is a pretty perfect combination. I don’t know if kids will love these, but I’m pretty sure a lot of adults will, leading this to maybe become an entree here or elsewhere at Disney World.

UPDATE: As of October 29th, an adult order is now available for $9.99, doubling the amount of chicken and accompanied by fries. No drink is included with the adult meal.

Pumpkin Pie Shake ($7.50)

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Vanilla Gelato blended with Milk, Pumpkin Pie Filling with Pumpkin Spice, Caramel Sauce, and crushed Graham Crackers, topped with Whipped Cream and a sprinkle of Pumpkin Spice

You get what is advertised here as the shake tastes like a liquefied version of pumpkin pie. If you love pumpkin pie, I think one of these is going to be a must order and is likely worth the visit to D-Luxe Burger alone.

Overall, you have another 3 winning options at D-Luxe Burger should you choose to eat there on your next visit to Disney Springs.

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PHOTOS: New Little Orange Bird Purse On Sale at Disney Parks

A new faux-leather Little Orange Bird purse is now on sale at both the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts.

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The bag retails for $65.00 and features a lining with orange polka-dots and Orange Bird head icons.

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The purse is available in dress shop locations at both resorts. We found this one in the Emporium at the Magic Kingdom.

Annual Passholder Reserved Seating Now Being Offered at Eat to the Beat Concerts at Epcot

Beginning Sunday, October 29th, Annual Passholders can take advantage of reserved seating at the three Eat to the Beat Concert Series shows on a first-come, first serve basis.

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This offering will be available for Annual Passholders through November 13th. To take advantage of the reserved seating, eligible Guests should visit the current Annual Passholder button pick-up location inside of the Festival Center in Future World to get a badge for either the 5:30, 6:45, or 8PM performance of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series.

Guests will need their Annual Pass to receive a badge. A separate queue will be available on the left-hand side of America Gardens Theatre, near Japan, for Annual Passholders with a reserved seating badge.

PHOTO REPORT: Disney’s Hollywood Studios 10/28/17 (Rollaway Stage Show, Skyliner, Runaway Railway, Echo Lake, ETC.)

Our latest photo report brings us to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to see the latest happenings at the park.

Construction

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Walking over to Hollywood Studios from the Boardwalk, we see 5 cranes dominating the skyline.

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Parking lot enhancements and preparations for the Disney Skyliner continue outside of the park.

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Guests walk through a maze of work fences to get to the park.

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The Skyliner station for the park is under construction, with land near the bus loop currently being prepared.

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And We Are Rolling…

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Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away has returned with the new mobile, rollaway staging.

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The stage actually looks a little nicer than the one they had used before, even though that one didn’t get removed nightly.

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Following the last show of the day, the process of packing up the stages begins.

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The stage features two “green rooms” where the characters can emerge from during the show, hiding until it is their turn on stage.

Below, we have video of the stages rolling away at 7PM. Disney has made a little show of it, which reminds me of the Backlot Studio Tour quite a bit. An announcer says it is time for a scene change, followed by Gus the crew chief making the order for the stages to roll…

It is nice to see this process turned into a small show that fits the (current? past?) theme of the park. We’ll see if this sticks around once Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge open.

This and That

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Work continues on Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. There is now this set of expanded construction walls near the old Great Movie Ride exit.

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There are now more work walls up by Grand Avenue, now crossing the path towards Red Carpet Dreams.

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The path from Star Tours to MuppetVision 3-D no longer exists, guests now having to walk down Grand Avenue to get there.

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A planter and a wall will fill in this former path.

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Work continues on Echo Lake.

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Scaffolding has come down on Min and Bill’s, marking that the painting is finished.

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Gertie looks shiny.

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The Holiday 2017 Droid Factory figure has been released.

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PHOTOS: Construction Underway at Adventureland Veranda for Likely Club 33 at Magic Kingdom

While announced quite some time ago, we have heard little about the 4 planned Club 33 locations at Walt Disney World since. While not confirmed, it appears that the Magic Kingdom location for the exclusive club is finally under construction.

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The remainder of the Adventureland Veranda restaurant that wasn’t utilized by the Skipper Canteen appears to getting repurposed for Club 33.

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The outside portion of the Veranda has had a large section of the awning removed to be rebuilt.

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This area will likely be reconfigured to offer a view of fireworks at the Magic Kingdom. Some trees will need to be removed.

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Disney has yet to confirm any of the Walt Disney World locations for Club 33.

Three New Italian Eateries Announced for Disney Springs, Walt Disney World

Three new eateries for The Landing at Disney Springs were announced this morning by Orlando dining columnist Scott Joseph on his blog.

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The new venues are Maria & Enzo’s, an Italian trattoria; Enzo’s Hideaway, a speakeasy; and Pizza Ponte, a fast-casual concept. All three are being developed by the Patina Restaurant Group and will be located in the Edison complex across from STK Orlando.

The trattoria occupies an abandoned airline terminal from the 1930’s in its Disney Springs backstory. Decor will feature air travel memorabilia and maps, while the dining room will have 50-foot ceilings and a view of Lake Buena Vista. The menu will have a Sicilian accent, with Arancini di Carne (rice balls stuffed with meat), Melanzane Parmigiana (eggplant Parmesan), and handmade pastas served tableside. Other highlights will include fresh fish, steaks and chops. This menu sounds somewhat similar to the now shuttered Portobello restaurant at Disney Springs…

Enzo’s Hideaway occupies supposed rum-rummer tunnels and is accessible through the interior of Maria & Enzo’s. Enzo’s Hideaway will feature Prohibition-style cocktails but will also serve a menu of more casual Italian dishes. This space was originally going to be the Neverland Tunnels and Walt’s Lounge, but Disney eventually handed the space over to the third-party Patina.

Pizza Ponte will be a fast-casual dining concept with pastries, pizza, Italian sandwiches, and espresso. It will feature Bomboloni, or Italian doughnuts, Triangolo (stuffed pizza bread) and Porchetta, as well as pizza by the slice.

All three restaurants are slated to open this holiday season.

Animal Kingdom’s “Pandora: The World of AVATAR” Banshees Now Available for Adoption Online

ShopDisney is now selling the Pandora – World of Avatar Interactive Banshees online! If you missed your chance to get them at the parks because they were sold out, here is your chance to get them now! Online, they are coupled with the perches to display them when not in use.

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Pandora – The World of Avatar Interactive Banshee Toy – Blue – $84.99

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Pandora – The World of Avatar Interactive Banshee Toy – Red – $84.99

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Pandora – The World of Avatar Interactive Banshee Toy – Purple – $84.99

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Pandora – The World of Avatar Interactive Banshee Toy – Green – $84.99

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Pandora – The World of Avatar Interactive Banshee Toy – Yellow – $84.99

 

To see what it’s like to adopt a Banshee in person at the park, check out our video below:

CONCEPT ART: Tower of Terror Becomes Hollywood Toy Hotel for Sunset Seasons Greetings at Hollywood Studios

As part of Sunset Seasons Greetings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, debuting November 9th, guests will see the Hollywood Tower Hotel transform via projection mapping into the Hollywood Toy Hotel, according to some new concept art released by Disney.

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The art shows the Tower of Terror as if it was built out of toys, just one of many scene changes the structure will make during the new holiday offering. This particular projection will tie-in to a Toy Story scene in the show.

PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 10/31/17 (MARVEL Invasion, New Princess & Tinker Bell Merchandise, Halloween Party, Club 33, ETC.)

Our latest photo report brings us to the Magic Kingdom for one last look at the Halloween season before Christmas settles in next week.

Welcome to the Magic Kingdom

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The last Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Part is on November 1st, and then it’s full speed to the Christmas season at the park.

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A section of the Emporium is still behind tarps.

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Items in the Vera Bradley Alice in Wonderland collection are buy one, get one 50% off at Uptown Jewelers.

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The Little Mermaid collection is also available here.

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A smaller version of The Dress Shop has opened towards Casey’s Corner. Many of the dresses, purses, and more from the Disney Springs shop can be found here now.

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For some reason, this limited release shirt from ShopDisney is being sold in the parks concurrently. The location makes sense as this space was the House of Magic many years ago. Hopefully, more limited release shirts like this get released at the parks as well. Sadly, the matching MagicBand is online only.

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The more confusing part is putting the shirt in a window that’s currently boarded up and no one can see…

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Even though a few parties remain, any guest at the Magic Kingdom can now buy select items from the event.

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As I said last year, I don’t agree with this. At least wait for the last party to end or send it to the outlets. It takes away one of the parks of the very expensive party ticket.

The Club That’s Made Not for You and Me

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As we reported over the weekend, work has begun on what will likely be the Club 33 locations for the Magic Kingdom, the remainder of the old Adventureland Veranda.

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The path into Adventureland is quite narrow right now due to the work.

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Some are speculating that this work is actually for a permanent Moana meet and greet, but it seems way too extensive for something so minor.

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Giant sections of awning that have been there since the 70’s have been removed. This wouldn’t be necessary for a meet and greet and could have been kept.

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With a little tree clearing, the patio would offer some unique fireworks views for Club 33 guests.

This and That

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All of the trees between Be Our Guest Restaurant and the village had to be removed due to hurricane damage.

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In fairness, it doesn’t look terrible since all of the walls the trees covered are well-themed.

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We’re still hoping they plant some new trees, at least to cover this speaker tower.

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Work continues on the outdoor covered seating area at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe. Should open very soon.

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Pecos Bill’s has added an menu with pictures… it’s a window cling.

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Splash Mountain is still closed for refurbishment.

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Some new holiday plush for sale. Goofy’s sweater features bulbs that actually light up.

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You can get the blown-glass Monorail ornament personalized at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe.

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For some reason, they have a Haunted Mansion merchandise cart out in front of the store selling accessories. I suppose this is to capitalize on Halloween Party guests.

Princess Apparel 

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A number of new Princess items were released recently, including this Snow White line.

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$36.99

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$39.99

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$36.99

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$39.99

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Sir Mickey’s has the new Little Mermaid line as well.

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The collection also includes this hoodie, $49.99.

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Jasmine top, $36.99

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Aurora top, $36.99

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Belle long sleeve top, $44.99

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There are also 4 new Tinker Bell shirts. They range in price from $36.99-39.99.

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A large section of Sir Mickey’s is now selling items from Olaf’s Frozen Adventure.

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This pillow is exclusive to the parks.

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It retails for $27.99.

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Shop ‘Till You Drop

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