WDWTravels

Adventures by Disney by WDWTravels~Vicki

2012-01-30T13:27:00.001-08:00

ADVENTURES BY DISNEY

Are you starting to plan your summer vacation? Have a student graduating school or celebrating a milestone? So, you have been to Southern California and Disneyland on your own. This vacation needs to be a vacation with Adventures by Disney!
Your Adventure begins when you are picked up at the Los Angeles International Airport. You will board a private motor coach to the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel. There you will meet your fellow Adventurers! You will enjoy Hollywood Tour seeing landmarks, restaurants, shopping and entertainment centers you have seen in pictures and movies. After your first amazing day, you go back to the Renaissance Hotel in Hollywood for the Welcome Dinner.
Your second day is filled with several private tours you will remember for a lifetime! You will see The Jim Henson Company Lot Tour, where you will enjoy a privately guided VIP Tour of the historic studio. How about lunch at Tam O' Shanter? One of Walt Disney's favorite "hangouts" and one of Los Angeles' oldest restaurants. You will also tour the Walt Disney Studios. You will do all of your touring of "Old Hollywood" aboard an open-air vehicle.
On your third day, you will arrive at the Disneyland Resort. Where you will be staying at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa.
While you are at the Disneyland Resort, you will experience VIP Custom Tours of Disneyland Park. You will visit areas that are off limits to other park guests, learn the history of Walt Disney, see Walt Disney's personal apartment, reserved seating for the afternoon parade, and special Disney FASTPASS service.
At Disney's California Adventure, you will have a privately guided VIP experince. Your adventure begins before the park opens to regular guests. You will have a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of the park. You will also experience the World of Color at a VIP Viewing Area.
During your Adventure, you will enjoy Character Dining, Breakfast inside Disneyland Park, several lunches, Welcome Dinner and Farewell Dinner. You will have the services of two Adventure Guides, accommodations, luggage service, transportation within your adventure, VIP access, exclusive activities, special fun for the kids, and surprises along the way.
Let me help you plan your next adventure with an Adventures by Disney vacation for your family!

Vicki@wdwtravels.com

Not Your Parent’s Epcot Anymore! WDWTravels~ Tracy

2012-01-29T14:53:00.000-08:00

The first time I went to Epcot, in April of 1989, I was 8 years old. I don’t remember a lot of things from my first trip… But I do remember a few things from Epcot…Such as Kitchen Cabaret, which we called the veggie, veggie, fruit, fruit show; some lady making candy animals in the Japan pavilion; the squirting water outside of Journey into Imagination; and the fuzz ball guy from Captain EO. Other than that, I remember it being a very long day for not only me and my siblings, but also for my parents who had to listen to us beg to go back to the Magic Kingdom. I remember our parents telling us it was there day to enjoy and we needed to be patient. Back in 1989, there wasn’t too much for a kid to do… We then went back, 21 years later, and I wasn’t sure what to expect… Boy have things changed!

I remember seeing Minnie all dressed up in traditional Asian clothing, and how all the kids pushed and parents pulled, to make sure their child got their picture taken with her. Me and my sister were somehow thrown in the mix. Now, there is a designated area to meet and greet your favorite Fab Five characters at Epcot’s Character Spot, near the Innoventions West exhibit in Future World. In this air conditioned building, which is open from 9am-9pm, you get to take your picture and have autographs signed by Mickey and pals with a normally very short wait time. There are larger than life cut outs behind the photo spots, making each picture a bright, fun memory. Be sure to have your photo pass and cameras ready, along with your autograph books!

Caption for Picture (Here we met Mickey at Epcot’s Character Spot. We had him sign a glow in the dark 9” Vinylmation)

As a kid from the 80s, back in Epcot, I remember coloring in menus and park maps when we would take a break or grab a bite to eat. Now there is a whole new experience for your child to enjoy! Kidcot Fun Spots are craft stations for younger kids to enjoy and “travel the world” with. Located “around the world” in the World Showcase, these spots boast activities such as coloring a Duffy on a stick, to decorating masks, to stamping and creating a take home souvenir! These spots do not cost you anything more than maybe helping with some coloring. And your child is kept busy, entertained, and happy with their take home handmade souvenir! Also, this is a great chance for you and your child to meet some amazing Cast Members for all over the world! Be sure to take the time to talk to them, they LOVE questions about their home.

Hurry!!! Kim Possible needs your help! Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure is an ultra-interactive quest at Epcot based on the Disney Channel’s, Kim Possible series. Kids and adults of all ages are welcomed to become secret agents and assist Kim, with help from a Kimmunicator, a cell-phone like device that helps you through your mission, to save the world! Missions can last anywhere from 30-45 minutes, and span 7 different World Showcase Pavilions. Each Pavilion holds different missions, so you can go back over and over again. Need some secret mission recharging fuel, AKA, a Mickey ice cream bar? No problem! You can take a break, and your Kimmunicator will pick up right where you left. Recruitment centers are located at Innoventiones: The Road to Tomorrow, on the Odyssey Bridge, and near the International Gateway, as well as locations throughout World Showcase. Be sure to stop by to find out your secret mission, and hurry to help Kim!

There are so many more fun adventures for kids at Epcot, such as meeting Duffy and finding out his story, to many street performers throughout world showcase, to interactive stations at the Innoventions stations. Be sure to take the time to look around every corner, and stop at the interactive stations. Here you can send post cards back home, creating your very own figment of your imagination, at Journey to Imagination, and making a cool video featuring you and your child right inside Spaceship Earth.

Caption for Photo (Here I created Esmerelda, the Figment of my imagination!)

Contact your WDWTravels agent today, and let us help you create these memories and more for you and your children! Oh, and in case you were wondering, Kitchen Cabaret did not with stand the test of time, but fuzz ball came back! And the jumping waters? Still jumpin.. And the lady in the Japan Pavilion who made candy? Guess what… She is still there…

Tracy Hilker

Tracy@WDWTravels.com

Caption for Photo to left (me, my sister, and fuzz ball,
all grown up!)

Caption for Photo to right (see, there she is, and there are the candy animals!)

Chef Mickey's by WDWTravels~Tammy

2012-01-27T08:40:00.000-08:00

Looking for a great restaurant where you can celebrate your Disney adventure with your family? Just hop on the monorail and head over to Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Chef Mickey's is one of Walt Disney World's most popular restaurants for many reasons. First, there's the food. Chef Mickey's is an all you can eat buffet, with a myriad of food choices including omelettes, pastries, and pancakes for breakfast, as well as fish, chicken, and pasta dishes for dinner. Chef Mickey's also offers a a buffet designed especially for smaller diners that includes kid favorites like chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, and pizza. The wide variety of desserts availabe are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Breakfast and dinner are both available at Chef Mickey's, making it a great place to either start or finish an amazing day at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Another reason that Chef Mickey's is so popular is that it is a character dining experience. Is your little one hoping to meet Mickey Mouse? He will come visit with you right at your table at Chef Mickey's! Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and friends will also visit with you, sign autographs, and pose for a picture or two during your dinner. Disney fans both young and old will enjoy the quality time with the characters at Chef Mickey's.

Are you celebrating a birthday or special event? Chef Mickey's is a great place to dine because every day is a celebration there. Every half hour, a restaurant-wide celebration is held that includes singing, dancing cast members and characters, and lots of napkin waving. Your whole family will enjoy the opportunity to cut loose and celebrate with Mickey and friends at Chef Mickey's. All of these reasons make Chef Mickey's a great place to "celebrate today" at Walt Disney World. One important tip - Chef Mickey's is VERY popular, so advanced dining reservations are highly recommended. Call early to secure this exciting and fun-filled dining experience for your family.

Tammyc@wdwtravels.com

Dining in Walt Disney World

2012-01-12T15:22:00.000-08:00

One of the best parts of any vacation is the food… and I love the food at Disney World! Hundreds of dining locations… thousands of menu items!
Before we get into the details of the Disney Dining Plan, let me give you the basics of food and dining at Disney World.
Types of Dining Options:
Disney offers four different ways to get your food.
Table-Service Restaurants: You go in, are seated, order from a menu and a server brings you your food — well, a few are buffets. This includes all of these restaurant types, as classified by Disney: Casual Dining, Themed Dining, Character Dining, Signature Dining, Special and Unique Dining and Dinner Shows.
Counter-Service Restaurants: You go in, order at a counter, pick up your food and take it to your table to eat it. It’s just your basic fast food restaurant. Disney calls these Counter Service and Quick Service.
Quick Bite: These are walk-up outdoor kiosks with outdoor seating. They serve primarily snacks and beverages.
Resort Shops: Every resort has a gift shop with a grocery section. You can buy soft drinks, chips, packaged pastries, milk, bread and a few other basics. The shops at DVC resorts and Fort Wilderness have many more groceries — cold cuts, canned soups, and much more. The food courts in the Value and Moderate Resorts also have a nice selection of packaged foods and fruit.
Dining Plan Basics:
Disney Dining Plans are available only as an add-on to a Disney World vacation package. Everyone in your party (that is, everyone staying in your room) must have the same ticket options and participate in the meal plan.
Every family has its own preferred way to eat on vacation. Some survive on snack foods and sandwiches. Others like burgers and pizza. Still others love to have breakfast, lunch and dinner at table-service restaurants.
And just about every family wants to dine with the Disney characters during their vacation.
A few years ago, Disney came up with a plan that is kind of a “happy medium.” It’s called the Disney Dining Plan. Some people say that it was a trick to get more people to eat at the table-service restaurants. I say that it doesn’t matter why! All I know is that if you love food, it can be a great deal.
Walt Disney World offers three different dining plans, and two dining and more plans in 2010
The Quick Service Dining Plan entitles each guest to receive 2 Quick Service or Counter Service (CS) credits and 2 Snack credits per night’s stay. EXAMPLE: Sunday to Saturday stay (6 nights) allots 12 CS and 12 Snack credits per guest age 3 and over. This plan also includes one Resort Refillable Mug per person good for unlimited refills of beverages at resorts only for the length of stay. Beverages usually include soft drinks, coffee, tea and hot chocolate.The regular Disney Dining Plan entitles each guest to receive 1 Table Service (TS) credit, 1 Counter Service (CS) credit and 1 Snack credit per night’s stay. EXAMPLE: Sunday to Saturday stay (6 nights) allots 6 TS, 6 CS and 6 Snack credits per guest age 3 and over. NOTE: This plan does not include a Resort Refillable Mug.The Deluxe Disney Dining Plan entitles each guest to receive 3 meal credits and 2 snack credits per night’s stay. Deluxe meal credits can be used for either table service or counter service. EXAMPLE: Sunday to Saturday stay (6 nights) allots 18 meal credits and 12 snack credits per guest age 3 and over. This plan also includes one Resort Refillable Mug per person.
Adult credits are assigned to guests age 10 and older. Child credits are for guests age 3-9. Children age 2 and under do not receive dining credits. Adult and child credits are not interchangeable. Children must order from a child’s menu at restaurants where one is available. However, generally speaking an adult is allowed to use an adult entitlement to order a children's meal from the child's menu.One nice feature about the dining plans is how the credits can be used. Credits are not limited to your daily allotment, and you may use multiple credits per day. (As long as there are enough remaining credits, of course.) Those on the Regular Dining Plan or Deluxe Dining Plan can even choose to exchange two table service credits for a show or signature dining experience if they desire.Signature restaurants requiring 2TS credits per person:• Artist Point (Wilderness Lodge)• California Grill (Contemporary Resort)• Cinderella’s Royal Table character breakfast/lunch/dinner with photo package (Magic Kingdom)• Citricos (Grand Floridian)• Flying Fish Café (Boardwalk Inn & Villas)• Hollywood Brown Derby (MGM Studios)• Jiko - The Cooking Place (Animal Kingdom Lodge)• Narcoossee's (Grand Floridian)• Yachtsman Steakhouse (Yacht Club)Dinner Shows requiring 2 TS credits per person: • Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show (Polynesian)• Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (Fort Wilderness)• Mickey's Backyard Barbecue (Fort Wilderness)
If you want an all-inclusive package that includes more than just dining, Disney also offers the Premium and Platinum package plans.
Premium Dining Plan$164.99 per guest 10 and older$114.99 per child 3-9 years oldPlatinum Dining Plan:$220.99 per guest 10 and older$154.99 per child 3-9 years olds
If you book either the Magic Your Way Plus Dining, Magic Your Way Plus Deluxe Dining, Magic Your Way Premium or Magic Your Way Platinum Package, you can add on the Disney Wine and Dine Plan.
The Wine and Dine Plan includes one bottle of wine per room per night of your stay. For example, if you have a five night package, you will be entitled to 5 bottles of wine.
When dining at a Signature Restaurant or when choosing Private In-Room Dining, two bottles will be redeemed.
You will make your selection from a designated wine list at select locations. This list will offer a variety of choices. The Wine and Dine Plan does not include Gratuity. It must be purchased for the length of your stay. Take the hassle out of planning and let me help you make all your advanced dining reservations for you!

2012-01-12T15:08:00.000-08:00

Want to give your family the surprise of a lifetime this Christmas? What better surprise than a Disney vacation? Whether it’s Walt Disney World, Disneyland or a Disney Cruise…we can make it happen!

WALT DISNEY WORLD

There are a few different offers right now for Walt Disney World. Whether you are staying for a few days, a week or longer… check out these ways to save on your vacation!

The most popular promotion is usually the FREE DINING OFFER-

When you buy a non-discounted Magic Your Way package for at least 4 nights at select Disney Value Resorts you get a FREE Quick-Service Dining Plan. Select Disney Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts are offering a FREE Disney Dining Plan.

Valid for arrivals most nights:

• Jan. 8-12, 2012

• Jan. 21 – Feb. 2, 2012

• Feb. 11-16, 2012

• March 3-8, 2012

• March 24-29, 2012

*This offer must be booked by December 17, 2011.

Winter Room Only Offer:

Save up to 35% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, for stays most nights Jan. 2 – Feb. 20, 2012.

For stays most nights Jan. 2 – Feb. 20, 2012, save:

•20% at Disney's All-Star Movies Resort

•25% at Disney Value Resorts (except Disney's All-Star Movies Resort) and Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

•30% at Disney Moderate Resorts (except Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter), Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney's Polynesian Resort

•35% at Disney Deluxe Resorts (except Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney's Polynesian Resort) and Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

*Offer must be booked by Dec. 21, 2011

DISNEYLAND RESORT

Here are some offers for those on the West Coast…or those looking to travel there!
Now you can save $500 on a Disneyland Resort vacation package with a 4-night hotel stay and a 4-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper souvenir ticket. This package allows you to take advantage of both amazing Theme Parks!
Travel on this offer is valid most nights Jan 2 – Feb 26, 2012 and must be completed by March 1, 2012. *Offer must be booked by Feb. 26, 2012.
Fall Room Only Offer

You can also save up to 30% on a stay at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort, for arrivals most nights Nov. 1 – Dec. 24, 2011.
Save up to 30% off a room-only reservation at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel.

Save up to 25% off a room-only reservation at the Disneyland Hotel or Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
*Must be booked by Dec. 10, 2011. Not available for travel Nov. 23-25, 2011, and travel on this offer must be completed by Dec. 25, 2011.
Upgrades:

Be sure to add tickets to your room-only reservation so you can enjoy the Theme Parks and experience popular seasonal events like Holidays at the Disneyland Resort (Nov. 14, 2011 – Jan. 8, 2012).

January/February Room Only Offer

Save up to 35% on a stay at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort, for arrivals most Sunday-Thursday nights, Jan. 2 – Feb. 29, 2012.

At Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel:

•Save 35% on most stays Sunday through Thursday.

•Save 30% on most stays Friday through Saturday.
At the Disneyland Hotel or Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa:

•Save 25% on most stays Sunday through Thursday.

•Save 20% on most stays Friday through Saturday

*Book this offer now through Feb. 29, 2012. Travel on this offer must be completed by March 1, 2012.
Upgrades:

Be sure to add tickets or upgrade your Client's room-only reservation to a package so they can enjoy the two Theme Parks of the Disneyland® Resort during their stay.

Fastpasses

Now, when you check in at one of the three Hotels of the Disneyland Resort from Jan. 4 to Feb. 29, 2012, each person in your party will receive two Disney's FASTPASS tickets, per stay! Less waiting for those attractions? Yes, please!
DISNEY CRUISE LINE

Have you ever been on a Disney Cruise? Well then you don’t need me to tell you how amazing it is on board one of these ships!

Mexican Riviera

Kids 17 and under can sail FREE when traveling with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom in Categories 4A-10C on most Mexican Riviera sailings Jan. 22 – Feb. 5, 2012. Government Taxes and Fees not included.

These cruises depart from Los Angeles and capture all the amazement of Baja California and the Mexican coasts.

Book now and get a $25 on board credit per stateroom… Contact me for more details!

Special Cruise Rates for Canada Residents

Canada residents can save 25% on select Mexican Riviera sailings on the Disney Wonder.

•Sail dates: Jan. 8, Jan. 15, Jan. 22, Jan. 29, Feb. 5, Feb. 12, Feb. 19 and Feb. 26, 2012.

•This offer is only available for Canada residents.

•This offer is valid for stateroom Categories 4A - 11B.

Excludes category with restriction IGT, OGT and VGT.

AULANI, A DISNEY RESORT & SPA IN KO OLINA, HAWAII

Special Grand Opening Offer

Now you can experience Aulani—the newest Disney Resort—and enjoy your most magical vacation yet when they stay 4 nights and get your 5th consecutive night free!

For stays most nights from:

•November 27 to December 16, 2011

•January 4 to January 12, 2012

•January 16 to January 25, 2012

*Must be booked before December 16, 2011

Contact me today at erins@wdwtravels or 877-377-0505 for more information on how you can take advantage of one of these great offers! There is something for everyone and it costs nothing to request a quote. I handle all of the reservations and itinerary. This includes all dining reservations…at no extra cost! Ask me how you can book a Disney vacation within your budget without doing any of the work…

You could be on your way to making some magical memories with your family!

2012-01-12T15:02:00.000-08:00

You've been to the parks, dined with the characters, and sailed to exotic ports with Disney. Make your next family vacation an adventure with Adventures by Disney.

Adventures by Disney offer 19 worldwide unforgettable itineraries on 6 continents created especially for families. You won't be just a tourist, but an adventurer. From the time your adventure begins, you will experience the Disney Difference. Your family will have 2 Disney-trained Adventure Guides that take care of all of the details for you. Your Adventure Guides will introduce your family to local experts, plan VIP experiences, immerse yourself in authentic experiences, and your Junior Adventurers will have an experience made just for them.

Junior Adventurers have a kids dinner or movie night that's hosted by your Adventure Guides to have fun with their new friends while you have a parent's night nearby. Junior Adventurers learn by doing hands-on projects and have a blast day after day.

With the value of Adventures by Disney you get more than ever imagine. It's all included! All of your admissions to events and attractions, airport meet and greet and transfers to/from hotel, transportation within your trip, luggage service, concierge service, accommodations, most meals, adult dining experience, privately guided tours, backstage access, bypass the lines at popular museums, fun surprises and gifts throughout your vacation.

New to 2011 is the Exotic Egypt Adventure. You'll explore the King Tut Collection, ride camels at the pyramids, marvel at the majestic Aswan Dam, and sail to temples. You can choose a 7 or 9 night Adventure.

Want to learn to throw a boomerang with an Aboriginal tribe member? The Discovery Down Under Adventure is for you! Some of the highlights include a privately guided snorkeling expedition to the Low Isles, a high-speed jet boat ride around Sydney Harbour, and an Aussie breakfast at the Taronga Zoo, then meet the marsupials, platypuses, even Tasmanian devils.

Want to walk in the footsteps of our forefathers? The Spirit of America Adventure takes you back in time to live the colonial life, just as it was hundreds of years ago. You'll bike around the capital, enjoy authentic 18th-century cuisine and service at Philadelphia's City Tavern, and at the harbor step aboard replicas of colonial sailing ships.
Every adventure is packed with exclusive experiences. Now's the perfect time to start planning your Adventure!

Port Orleans- French Quarter by Stacy

2011-11-17T03:49:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to tour Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-French Quarter during a recent Agent Education Program, and the moment I saw the resort, I said “This is the next resort I want to stay at.” When planning a last minute trip to Walt Disney World for October 2011 there was no discussion of what resort we were staying at. As the official vacation planner of the family, I decided we would be staying at Port Orleans-French Quarter and the topic was not up for discussion.

Themed after the French Quarter Section of New Orleans, the resort makes you feel like almost like you are staying there rather than a resort in Florida. As you enter the main entrance you are greeted by a cast member decked out in Mardi Gra attire handing out beads or doubloon “coins” to be tossed into the fountain in the lobby. The lobby area itself is not large and everything is very easy to find. The food court and Scat Cat’s Club are on one side with registration, the arcade and Jackson Square Gifts on the other. There are 7 buildings in this resort which has a total of approximately 1000 rooms. The buildings are close together and close to the main building and bus stop so there are no preferred room locations since every building is a great location. The buildings are located along “streets” lined with wrought iron fences, gas lamplights and tiles embedded in the sidewalks with the names. There are gardens and sitting area among all the buildings.

All resort rooms recently underwent renovation and now house new queen sized beds, flat screen TVs and renovated bathrooms. Rooms also include a mini fridge and coffee maker. Access to the internet is available for $9.95 per 24 hour period and data port cords are in all rooms. Also in the room is vanity area with double sinks, iron and board, large shelf and closet area as well as a shelf with hooks in the sleeping area. The vanity area is separate from the sleeping area by a curtain which allows for privacy when family members are still sleeping.

There is only one bus stop area in the resort and is less than a 4 minute walk from any building. We stayed in building 7 in room 302 which is the building and room farthest away from the main building and the bus stop, but to me was closer than several other resorts I have stayed at (including some deluxe resorts). The bus ride to EPCOT is 9 minutes, 12 minutes to Magic Kingdom, around 8 for Hollywood Studios and about 5 minutes to Downtown. Yes, I timed them.

French Quarter has its own bus to and from the parks. The only time we had to share a bus with neighboring Riverside was to Downtown Disney. You can take a resort riverboat up to Riverside or to the Downtown Disney area. Boat runs every 10-20 minutes depending on the time of day and run from 10 am – 11pm. The boat drops you off at the marketplace entrance at Downtown by Rainforest Café.

The resort has one main pool area centrally located and has spa areas, children areas with some cool slides and a pool bar called Mardi Grogs Pool Bar. Towels are available poolside and the laundry facilities are located here as well.

There is tons of recreation and activities at this resort. There is fishing excursions, Bayou Pirate Adventure Cruises, Boat rentals, bicycle rentals, plain ole pole fishing and scenic evening horse drawn carriage rides. Some activities are at neighboring Riverside resort and is a short walk or you can take a riverboat up to the resort. There are movies shown outside on a big screen every night (weather permitting) and every night behind building 5 you will find a campfire the makings for smores.

There is no table service restaurant at French Quarter but there is still plenty of food. The Sassagoula Food Court has a lot to offer. There are 4 food areas, plus a bakery. You can choose from Pizza, to burgers, steak sandwiches (I recommend these) and some traditional southern food. There is plenty of seating inside and outside. The hours are 6 am – midnight. Some food selections are limited after 10 pm.

Next to the food court is Scat Cat’s Club which is open from 4pm – midnight and features live entertainment Wednesday – Saturday. You can get cocktails here and either enjoy a quiet moment while the kids are at the arcade or bring the drink poolside.

Room service is not available at this resort but you can order pizza from Sassagoula Pizza Express and they will deliver to your room. Service is available 4 pm to midnight.

French Quarter to me is one of the best kept Disney resort secrets. I truly enjoyed the intimate layout of the resort, the overall theme and the fact that everything is so close. No one wants to get off a bus from a resort at the end of a very long day and then have to walk a distance to their room. The resort itself was quiet and you felt like you were on vacation, on your vacation. I have recommended this resort to several of my clients and I hope they enjoy it as much as I did. I would definitely stay here again and would have to say that it definitely moved up to one of my top favorite Disney resorts that I have stayed at...and I’ve stayed at a lot of them.

I would definitely suggest this resort to anyone who is looking for a moderate category resort and wants a quiet, homey setting.

California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort

2011-11-10T03:25:00.000-08:00

As you check into California Grill in the second floor lobby you can tell that this is going to be one special evening. Once you have been checked in and your reservation is confirmed you are taken into an elevator up to the 15th floor of the Contemporary.

When you step off of the elevator you are immediately immersed in the excitement of this incredible restaurant! You are greeted by the host or hostess at the front desk, once officially checked you are given your pager, you are told that there are three walkways that extend outside of the restaurant and that you are more than welcome to go out and explore them. After being given permission go ahead and explore do it!

The views from the walkways are amazing, you can see everything from downtown Orlando to the inside of the Magic Kingdom. No place else can you get these views.

Once the pager goes off you are escorted to your table I personally recommend a seat next to the Kitchen, the open kitchen is a sight to see, the chefs hustling to produce the food for all of the hungry customers is very entertaining especially if you have young children. Soon after being seated the waiter or waitress will come over and take your drink order, the wine list is suburb and has a great selection of California Wines. After you receive your drinks the server will ask if you to place your appetizer order, the sushi and flatbreads are to die for. After you order the starters you will be asked if you are ready to order your meal.

You cannot go wrong with any selection on the menu. However I would recommend the oak wood filet of beef. After placing this order you then wait for your meal to come it may seem like it takes a minute to receive your dishes but trust me the staff at this restaurant have the timing of the evening down to a science. After your appetizers and main courses have arrived your server will ask you to place your dessert order, again you cannot go wrong but the cheesecake is excellent.

As you are waiting for your dessert the lights will begin to dim and the music for wishes (the firework show at Magic Kingdom) will begin. Your server will ask you if you want to go outside and watch the show and trust me you do! This is a magical experience and by far the best place in the "world" to watch fireworks from. After the show is done you may see your server setting your table with the dessert (perfect timing). This restaurant is truly amazing I personally feel that no trip to Walt Disney World is complete without a stop at California Grill.

Amy Blades

amyb@wdwtravels.com

1-800-397-4674

Last Resort I Stayed At: Bay Lake Tower by Kristen

2011-09-22T03:08:00.000-07:00

Let me start off by saying this was my 15th visit to Walt Disney World! I was 2 ½ on my first trip with my parents back in 1976 and while each trip after that was memorable, I knew this particular trip was going to be the most magical. Why? Well, because it was my 2 ½ year old daughter’s first visit to Walt Disney World! I wanted her first trip to be special, not just in the parks, but at the resort as well.
The question was…which resort? My parents were joining us on this visit and I knew a villa resort would be perfect for us. We chose Bay Lake Tower (BLT) at Disney’s Contemporary Resort because of its close proximity to Magic Kingdom (approximately 8 – 10 minute walk) and for the infamous Monorail – “Disney’s Highway in the Sky”.

Check-in was at the front desk of the Contemporary Resort and I must say it was quick and painless. We were assigned to room number 7935 – a one bedroom villa with a Bay Lake view, located on the 9th floor. The cast member checking us in made sure to tell us to bring our room key wherever we go because that key is the ONLY way to access the building, room and pool area.
I was quite impressed when we entered BLT. The first thing I noticed was the “new” smell it had even after opening on August 4th. The lobby was so clean and I loved the classy, modern décor.

We finally made it up to our room – and what a room it was! The size, layout and amenities were perfect for 4 adults and 1 child. I think having two separate bathrooms really made a difference in our stay. It was so convenient! Even the washer and dryer were helpful (yes we did do a load or two)! We stocked the full sized kitchen with breakfast cereals, snacks and beverages. My parents raved about
how comfortable the queen-sized sleeper sofa was in the living room. It had a memory foam mattress and they felt like they were sleeping on a standard bed!
The king sized bed in the Master bedroom was like sleeping on a cloud. Words cannot describe how much I looked forward to crawling into it after a long day at the parks. It was so comfortable I didn’t want to get up when the alarm went off in the morning!! While my daughter loved taking baths in the jacuzzi tub (who wouldn’t), I enjoyed taking a “rain” shower in the Master bathroom. My husband
enjoyed his daily morning cup of coffee out on the balcony, which had a beautiful view of Bay Lake and the pool area.
Here is a photo from the balcony at night!

When we weren’t visiting one of the four theme parks or sleeping, we enjoyed our time at the pool. BLT’s pool was zero entry, heated and had two water slides - corkscrew type for adults and a short, gradual slope slide for the kids. There was also a Mickey-shaped kiddie water play area, which my daughter loved! They even had some great interactive poolside games to pass the time!
Transportation to and from BLT are shared with the Contemporary’s monorail, bus and boat services…all were convenient and timely.
Views of the fireworks at night were spectacular from the connecting bridge to the Contemporary or even the North and South elevator lobbies. You could even catch a glimpse of the nightly Electric Water Pageant on Bay Lake from your balcony or the stairwells located at each end of the hallway on every floor. While there are no restaurants in BLT itself, we enjoyed the Contempo Café for quick service meals, Chef Mickey’s for character dining and The Wave for a sit down restaurant - all
delicious and all located at the Contemporary Resort.
So yes, this trip WAS magical! Magical not only because I was at my favorite place on Earth or that it was my daughter’s first visit or the fun times we shared in the parks, but because of our fabulous stay at BLT!

Kristen Grant
kristen@wdwtravels.com
1-800-509-0831

Having a Ball at 1900 Park Fare by Nancy

2011-09-15T20:51:00.000-07:00

On our last Disney trip, we decided to do a character meal that we had never experienced before. Since my mother’s favorite character is Cinderella, I chose dinner at 1900 Park Fare. 1900 Park Fare is a buffet dinner with Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine (aka Cinderella’s evil step-mother), and Anastasia and Drizella (aka Cinderella’s evil step-sisters).

Located at the Grand Floridian Resort, this restaurant is just a short boat ride or Monorail ride from the Magic Kingdom. The cost is currently around $43 for adults and $21 for children ages 3-9 (depending on the time of year). 1900 Park Fare is on the dining plan and takes 1 sit-down credit. The price includes the buffet, non-alcoholic drink, and, of course, lots of character interactions.

While it is not the only Cinderella meal at Disney World (there is another one inside the Castle at the Magic Kingdom), 1900 Park Fare consistently gets very high reviews from guests. I decided to test those reviews – both on character interaction, as well as quality of food.

Character Interaction
As soon as we entered the restaurant, we were escorted by our server to our table. He assured us that the characters would be along shortly and that each one would be announced when they entered the dining room. About ten minutes after we sat down, Prince Charming entered the dining room. He stopped for a while at our table and gave us the chance to take plenty of pictures.

Shortly thereafter, Cinderella entered the dining room. Prince Charming stopped where he was and went over to greet her. Cinderella then greeted each table and posed for a long time with pictures. Since she was the “star” character for my family, we made sure to get LOTS of pictures with everyone. Cinderella was gracious with her time and waited until we were happy with the pictures. The character interaction was definitely living up to the hype.

Approximately 15 minutes later, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, and Drizella entered the ballroom. They also spent plenty of time at the tables, interacting with guests. When teasingly questioned by several members of my family, these outstanding actors never broke character once. This led to an even more humorous and enjoyable experience for my family.

The culmination of the evening came when Prince Charming invited Cinderella to dance with him in the middle of the dining room. He bowed to her, she curtseyed, and they began to waltz. The moment
was spectacular, but it got even better when they invited young guests to join them on the dance floor. Prince Charming’s smile could be seen across the room as his much shorter dance partners’
eyes illuminated while they danced. When it comes to character interaction, this restaurant surely gets a 10 out of 10!

Food Quality
The other aspect that I wanted to examine while visiting 1900 Park Fare was the food quality. I had chosen this restaurant over Cinderella’s Royal Table inside Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic
Kingdom because it reportedly had much better food variety and quality. After a glancing overview of the buffet table, it was clear that there was an excellent variety to choose from. After tasting it, the food was also very delicious. There was a nice selection of entrees, including chicken, prime rib, turkey, and salmon. Also, there were plenty of sides and vegetables to compliment the main course.
For the little “princes” and “princesses” – or even the older ones – there was also a kids’ corner with chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, pasta, and pizza. One of my favorite parts was the chilled
strawberry soup. I had heard wonderful things about the soup and it is absolutely not to be missed!

Just like the character interaction, the food also exceeded my expectations. My one criticism was the lack of variety in the desserts offered. While they did include typical desserts, such as ice cream,
cookies and brownies, they also had a few small fruit tarts and bread pudding. However, there was such a small quantity of those that those plates were frequently empty. Yet, the staff continued to
overflow the cookies and brownies plates repeatedly. Aside from that, the food at 1900 Park Fare gets a 9 out of 10.

Overall, this restaurant may be a little pricey if you are not on the dining plan (which is one of the reasons the Disney Dining Plan is a good deal!). However, the food and experience that you get far outweighs the cost. Disney World is about making memories with your family and if you have fans of Cinderella in your family, this restaurant is NOT TO BE MISSED!

Written by:
Nancy Bressler
484-706-3788
Nancy@wdwtravels.com

“Seeing is Believing” by Amy Blades – WDWTravels

2011-03-10T16:46:00.000-08:00

If for one minute you ever lost the Magic of believing you will never again after seeing “Believe”.
This Broadway caliber show will more than knock your socks off. Tinker bell introduces this show with special effects that will leave you wondering just how she does it for days after you return home from your vacation. I have always held a special place for Tink knowing her magic was real, however seeing is believing and you will never doubt again the magic of Tinker Bell. The show kicks off with Dr. Cornelius Greenaway focusing on the everyday frustrations of providing for his daughter Sophia, forgetting about the magic that is in everyday life. The show continues with an unforgettable birthday wish from Sophia that will bring the Genie from Aladdin to the stage along with many of your favorite characters not only from today but from childhood memories as well. The show will leave you wanting for more, it is not one to miss. The special effects from set design, lighting and costumes not to mention the phenomenal talent will have you going back to watch the second show, skipping dinner. The only difficult thing about writing a review of this show is not wanting to give up the secrets that await you, every character that appeared came with a gasp of the audience, children and adults alike. The story takes a turn into the unexpected that will not leave a dry eye in house, reminding us that time goes so fast and that every magical memory counts…….you will not leave this show without rediscovering the magic you can find in every step you take on and off the Disney Dream.

"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!" at WDW

2011-01-17T18:18:00.000-08:00

If you’re visiting Disney World during the holidays, and are wondering “is there anything to do for FREE during Christmas time at Walt Disney World?”....then here are a few ideas you’ll love…and yes, they’re FREE! First, take in all the festive sights and sounds at each one of the parks! It’s the most wonderful time of the year...at Walt Disney World! Tons of decorated Christmas trees are found all throughout the parks and in shops. Twinkling lights, miles and miles of garland, poinsettia balls are everywhere you look. There are Cinderella’s Castle Dream Lights and Cinderella’s Holiday Wish Stage Shows at Magic Kingdom. There is also a 65 ft Christmas tree at the entrance of Main Street at Magic Kingdom .

Second, visit the resort’s lobbies. A gingerbread house, 16 ft high, made of thousands of gingerbread pieces, is displayed in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Guests actually walk inside the gingerbread house. There is also a life-size carousel made from chocolate and gingerbread in the lobby of Disney’s Beach Club Resort. And the Animal Kingdom Lodge has a gigantic Christmas tree in its lobby. You can spend time just “resort lobby hopping” to take in all the holiday magic.

And last, but definitely not least, visit Downtown Disney! Disney does an amazing job decorating Downtown Disney. You can meet and greet Santa in front of The World of Disney Store. Christmas carolers, jazz ensembles, and street performers are feature events at Downtown Disney as well.

So as you can see, there are many free things to do during Christmas time at Walt Disney World! You’re sure to find Disney holiday magic everywhere you look!

T-Rex Restaurant: A Prehistoric Family Adventure in Downtown Disney

2010-12-27T18:01:00.000-08:00

Nancy Bressler
nancy@wdwtravels.com
484.706.3788

When T-Rex restaurant opened in late 2008, it joined numerous Disney themed restaurants on property. Owned by the same company that runs the Rainforest Café restaurants, T-Rex has become quite popular. Disney fans looking for a place to dine, shop, and explore should make dino tracks over to Downtown Disney’s Marketplace district. T-Rex offers something for every member of your family. Whether you are traveling with kids who enjoy the various dinosaurs inside and out, or adults looking for a great meal, there is something for everyone here. Plan on making a dining reservation in advance if possible, or prepare to wait a long time for this popular restaurant. The wait is worth it, though! While you are waiting to dine, you can shop in the nearby gift shop. One of the cool options at the gift shop is the “Build-a-Dino” workshop.

Similar to the “Build-A-Bear” merchandise, you can build and take home your own stuffed dinosaur! Once inside the restaurant, there are lots of sights and sounds to immerse yourself in. At the entrance, a massive Tyrannosaurus Rex greets you with a very big smile.

Inside the restaurant, there are several themed prehistoric areas, each with plenty of life-size audio-animatronic dinosaurs on either side of you and flying dinosaurs and prehistoric sea creatures above you. Two of my favorite prehistoric creatures are the wooly mammoth and her two babies. Covered in snow, they are not intimidating to children and look as huggable as the family pet.

On our last visit in June, we were seated next to the Triceratops baby. It was a get-away weekend for my mother and I, who both voted hands down to enjoy one of our new favorite restaurants. After reviewing the menu, I chose the “Fire-roasted Rotisserie Chicken” and my mother chose the “Mammoth Mushroom Ravioli”. Shortly after we ordered, the meteor experience began. If you have children who are frightened by noises or the darkness, I would recommend warning them in advance or skipping the restaurant all together. This experience is similar to the Rainforest Café’s rain experience. It occurs about every 15 minutes and definitely enhances the atmosphere. Most of the prehistoric animals come to life and make a lot of noise, drowning out the talking of their human guests. The experience doesn’t last long and the restaurant eventually returns to normal.

When the food arrived, we remembered why this was one of our favorite meals! My chicken was flavorsome and moist – something that not all restaurants can achieve. Yet, what makes the meal the best are the garlic mashed potatoes (which are awesome!) and the scrumptious cinnamon apples! My mother also enjoyed her mushroom ravioli, which was plentifully filled with mushrooms in a delicious lobster cream sauce.
Overall, I would highly recommend this restaurant for your next trip. Unfortunately, it is one of the few restaurants not covered on the Disney Dining Plan – but trust me, it’s worth the extra expense! You can view the menu on our website: http://wdwtravels.com/TRex.aspx. Your Disney trip won’t be complete without taking a step into the past and visiting this prehistoric hot spot!

Sailing with Mickey- Facts about Disney Cruise Line

2010-12-15T07:11:00.000-08:00

Laure Sims
laure@wdwtravels.com

I love all things Disney. I especially love the parks, and when I am there, I am a big kid. My family loves it, too. This February, we were fortunate enough to go on a Disney Cruise. I bet most people didn’t realize there was such a thing, and most who do know about it will think it is a crazy ship overrun with kids and characters. That is not the case at all. Of course there are children on board and the cruise is geared toward families, but it offers so much for the adults as well. The ships are decorated in the Disney theme, but it is very subtle. You do not feel like you are drowning in animated characters.

Fun facts about Disney Cruise Line

On June 30, 1998, the Disney Magic set sail on its maiden voyage from Port Canaveral, Florida. It was joined by its sister ship, the Disney Wonder, in August of 1999. These two ships were the only two in the DCL fleet, until in 2011, the Disney Dream will make its maiden voyage on January 26. And in 2012, the Disney Fantasy will also set sail bringing the fleet to four ships, and offering more itineraries than ever before.

The Disney Magic and Wonder were built in the legendary Fincantieri Shipyard of Italy. The bow of the Magic was built in Ancona and the stern was built 100 miles from there in Marghera, and then the two sections had to be welded together to make one grand ship. Both the Magic and Wonder has a gross tonnage of 83,000 with a length of 964 feet and width of 106 feet. The ships cruise at a speed of 21.5 knots with a max speed of 24 knots. Each ship has 875 staterooms and a crew size of 945. 73% percent of the staterooms have outside views and 44% have private verandahs.

The Magic and Wonder are very similar in color, but not in style. The Disney Magic and Wonder’s colors are red, yellow and dark blue but the style of the Magic is Art Deco and the Wonder is Art Nouveau. One interesting fact about the color scheme is that Disney had to make a special request to paint their lifeboats yellow instead of the typical orange that you see on all other sailing vessels. The Coast Guard allowed this special request, which is why the Disney ships look like Mickey’s colors. Each ship has Mickey at the bow, but the Magic has Sorcerer Mickey and the Wonder has Steamboat Willie at the bow. One of the other differences in the two ships is who is hanging off the stern seeming to be painting. On the Magic, you have Goofy, and on the Wonder you have Donald and his nephew Huey. The lobby statues are also different on each ship. The Wonder has a beautiful statue of Ariel from the Little Mermaid, and the Magic has Helmsman Mickey to greet you when you walk aboard.

Disney Cruise Line Firsts

The Disney Cruise line wanted to be different from any other cruise line around and offer a unique, unforgettable vacation opportunity for families. First, Disney's staterooms are 25% larger than most cruise ships, and most have a bath and a half so that families can have a little more space to get ready for the day. DCL was the first to have a dock at the private island, Castaway Cay, allowing guests the ease of walking on and off the ship. DCL is also the only line that has rotational dining, which means you dine in a different restaurant each night. The best part about that is that your servers come with you, and stay with you for the entire cruise. They are the first cruise line to have fireworks at sea for the Pirates in the Caribbean celebration. DCL dedicates almost an entire deck to the children’s areas and activities. They have Flounder’s Reef Nursery for 12 weeks to 3 years then there are two areas for older children. Once, there was the Oceaneer’s Club and Oceaneer’s Lab and the age groups were separated; that is no longer the case. Kids can go back and forth between the two areas and choose the activities they want to participate in. There is also a special area for the older kids, aged 13 and up, called the Stack on the Magic and Aloft on the Wonder. Both are located in one of the ship's funnels high atop deck 11. DCL is also the first cruise line to offer free soda on board at all times. There is a 24-hour beverage station on deck 9 that guests can have as much soda, coffee, tea or water they could ask for. On DCL, you will also get to see movies on board the night they premier. DCL also has some fantastic Broadway-style shows that you can’t see anywhere else. There is one thing Disney Cruise Line does not have on its ships- a casino- which creates more space to dedicate to families, and age-specific areas for everyone. DCL is also the only cruise line to have an animated character as the Godmother of a ship. Tinkerbell is the Godmother of the Disney Wonder. The new ship, the Disney Dream, will also have some firsts to boast. It will have the first water coaster on board, called the Aqua-Duck. It also has a treat in store for those who book an inside stateroom: virtual portholes that give real-time views to the outside, and a character or two may be inclined to swim by. So even with the inside staterooms, you'll still feel like you have an outlet to the world.

I guess the best thing about the Disney Cruise Line is that it is a place to go with your family and friends, so that you can enjoy each other and relax. You can do as much or as little as you want on board a Disney Cruise ship; it is all up to you. But no matter what you do, it will be wonderfully magical, and it will keep you dreaming of the fantasy you experience over and over again.

Let me plan your next cruise on Disney Cruise Line, and have a Magical day!

Adventures By Disney

2010-12-06T05:40:00.001-08:00

Vicki Price
vicki@wdwtravels.com
512-971-6011

You've been to the parks, dined with the characters, and sailed to exotic ports with Disney. Make your next family vacation an adventure with Adventures by Disney. Adventures by Disney offer 19 worldwide unforgettable itineraries on 6 continents created especially for families. You won't be just a tourist, but an adventurer. From the time your adventure begins, you will experience the Disney Difference. Your family will have 2 Disney-trained Adventure Guides that take care of all of the details for you. Your Adventure Guides will introduce your family to local experts, plan VIP experiences, immerse yourself in authentic experiences, and your Junior Adventurers will have an experience made just for them.
Junior Adventurers have a kids dinner or movie night that's hosted by your Adventure Guides to have fun with their new friends while you have a parent's night nearby. Junior Adventurers learn by doing hands-on projects and have a blast day after day.

With the value of Adventures by Disney you get more than ever imagine. It's all included! All of your admissions to events and attractions, airport meet and greet and transfers to/from hotel, transportation within your trip, luggage service, concierge service, accommodations, most meals, adult dining experience, privately guided tours, backstage access, bypass the lines at popular museums, fun surprises and gifts throughout your vacation. New to 2011 is the Exotic Egypt Adventure. You'll explore the King Tut Collection, ride camels at the pyramids, marvel at the majestic Aswan Dam, and sail to temples. You can choose a 7 or 9 night Adventure.
Want to learn to throw a boomerang with an Aboriginal tribe member? The Discovery Down Under Adventure is for you! Some of the highlights include a privately guided snorkeling expedition to the Low Isles, a high-speed jet boat ride around Sydney Harbour, and an Aussie breakfast at the Taronga Zoo, then meet the marsupials, platypuses, even Tasmanian devils.

Want to walk in the footsteps of our forefathers? The Spirit of America Adventure takes you back in time to live the colonial life, just as it was hundreds of years ago. You'll bike around the capital, enjoy authentic 18th-century cuisine and service at Philadelphia's City Tavern, and at the harbor step aboard replicas of colonial sailing ships.
Every adventure is packed with exclusive experiences. Now's the perfect time to start planning your Adventure!

Cape May Cafe

2010-11-24T11:13:00.000-08:00

Elyssa Antonelle
elyssa@wdwtravels.com
888-812-8750

The Cape May Café is one of the most loved restaurants on Disney property according to many that have visited. Located in the Beach Club Resort, it is full of charm and character. That might be because it is one of the most popular character breakfasts at Walt Disney Resort. Character Breakfast by day and Clam Bake Buffet by night, this restaurant boasts the best of both worlds. The first thing to note is the beautiful resort that houses this remarkable restaurant. The Beach Club Resort is one of the deluxe resorts located by Epcot and is within walking distance to Epcot and right across the lagoon from the bustling Boardwalk area. The Cape May Café offers a wonderful assortment of great food both at breakfast and dinner. At the character breakfast buffet, there are many different delectable items to choose from. Everything from eggs, waffles, pancakes, fresh fruit and yummy baked goods are all offered while you enjoy your favorite characters meandering around looking for that special photo or autograph. Who can resist Donald coming up to that little boy or girl who is so anxiously waiting for that special hug all while enjoying the scrumptious delights on the buffet. It is a dream come true for any Disney fan! At night, when the characters have gone into the theme parks for the evening, the Cape May Café turns into a New England Clam Bake buffet. You can’t beat it! You can dine on everything from New England Clam Chowder, a wonderful salad bar, not to mention, crab legs, clams, mussels, chicken, ribs and a great dessert selection. The atmosphere in this restaurant is sea-side charming with a bit of laid-back beachiness. You can relax in this restaurant while enjoying great food. The best part….you can go back as many times as you want for more food. Didn’t get to fit the crab legs on your first plate….go back again for more. You can eat until you are stuffed and no one will care if you take one bite out of a yummy dessert just to try it. After your meal, you can simply walk outside and take in the beautiful sights of the Boardwalk area with all its happenings. You can also take a quick stroll toward Epcot through the International Gateway and enjoy a day or night in one of the many countries in World Showcase. The thing to remember is that the Cape May Café is not only a wonderful restaurant with charm and character, but it is centrally located to so much that it is a must-do restaurant experience. I highly recommend eating at the Cape May Café at any time of day. You will be glad you did!

Let's Take a Riverboat to the Riverside

2010-11-19T06:30:00.000-08:00

Amy Blades
amyb@wdwtravels.com
800-397-4674

Close your eyes for a moment….picture landscaping perfection, gorgeous gardens, you can smell the warm south and hear banjos playing in the distance. Now open your eyes; you're in the middle of Port Orleans Riverside, my favorite of the moderate resorts, where you will more than get what you pay for. Prepare yourself for some exercise; the property is spread out, but the benefits to walking are truly abounding, as everywhere you turn it is sure beauty. Some Riverside Facts:
Rooms –
2048 Guest Rooms
Disabled accessible rooms available
All rooms non-smoking
Buildings offer elevators and stairs
Each room includes -
Alarm Clock
Ceiling Fan
Coffee Maker & Setup
Dial-Up Internet*
Hair Dryer
In-Room Wall Safe
Iron and Board
Mini-Refrigerator
Table & Chairs
Telephone*
Television - ABC, Disney Channel, ESPN & more
Vanity Area
Voice Mail

Dining –
Food Court
Riverside Mill Food Court – Excellent selection
1 Full Service Restaurant
Boatwright's Dining Hall – Has an excellent reputation – reservations are a must
Pool Bar
Lounge
In-Room Dining: 4pm to 11:30pm (limited menu)
Recreation -
6 Pools Feature Pool water slide
Child pool
Whirlpool spa
Children's playground
Arcade
Marina/boat rental
Family fishing hole
Jogging trail
Carriage rides
Bike rentals
Transportation -
Motorcoach transportation
Disney Theme Parks
Disney Water Parks
Downtown Disney®
Disney Resort Hotels**Requires one transfer at a Disney Theme Park
Water launch to:
Downtown Disney®
Port Orleans: French Quarter
Walking Distance to:
Port Orleans: French Quarter
Disney Resort Benefits
Merchandise location (gifts, sundries)
Self service laundry facilities
Valet laundry service

Whether or not you’re looking to stay in a Mansion or in the Rustic South, you will not go wrong in either. This resort offers the feeling of family togetherness; the pools are cozy, the carriage rides take you back to yester year, the fishing hole brings back memories of stories we have all heard passed on for years. This is the perfect resort for runners, with trails lining the property for early morning runs. You will forget you are on vacation at Walt Disney World when you step into the surroundings of Port Orleans Riverside…sit back, relax, and enjoy the old South!

Wishes Nighttime Spectacular

2010-11-09T13:03:00.000-08:00

2003 was my daughters’ first trip to Walt Disney World. Five out of the seven nights we were there, we watched Fantasy in the Sky, the lively fireworks spectacular duplicated at many of the Disney theme parks around the world. It was set to songs like, “The Second Star to the Right” and “It’s a Small World,” that made us feel sentimental, and “Davey Crocket, King of the Wild Frontier,” or “A Pirate’s Life for me” that brought out our adventurous sides. That show coined a familiar phrase in our family… “Every night should end in fireworks.” Upon our return 18 months later, we were initially disappointed to hear that Fantasy in the Sky had been replaced, after its amazing 32-year run. I don’t remember much about the first time I saw Wishes, other than being blown away, and not quite knowing where to look first. Hosted by Jiminy Cricket and The Blue Fairy, Wishes takes us on a journey through the wishes of many Disney characters including the infamous Disney Villains. The special effects play an important part in setting the mood and include lighting, projections on the castle, amazing sound, and of course, the sprinkling of pixie dust from Tinker Bell. When the lights dim and the haunting first single cords of the orchestra begin, everyone knows it’s time. It’s time to learn about our “wishes”. The poem “Starlight, Starbright” is put to music and sung by a young children’s choir. The fireworks dance to the music, and you realize that you are watching not just a show, but a story. The story is that of all Disney characters, of all of us and our wishes – wishes for love, wishes for adventure, and of course, magical wishes. It’s upbeat, it’s fun and it’s happy. But then, the villains must make an appearance, for they have wishes too. The special effects, music and fireworks make you feel their much darker and sinister wishes. But their plot to take over the show, and the castle is interrupted, and just like any classic Disney story, there is a happy ending. During a spectacular finale, we are reminded to always believe in our wishes, for they have the power to make all our dreams come true. A version of the Wishes theme song plays as you exit the park. Whether you choose to be part of the mass exodus of strollers, balloons, and dads with sleepy children on their shoulders; or if you choose to hang back and wait for the opportunity to meander down a less crowded Main Street, everyone feels the same way. You are right where you should be at that moment. You are happy, your kids are happy, and you’re so glad you took this trip. You achieved what Walt Disney himself wanted you to; you left the “world of today and entered the world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy.” And maybe, just maybe, you too now believe that every night should end in fireworks.

How NOT to Break the Bank on Disney Souvenirs

2010-11-08T18:44:00.000-08:00

Samantha Barnes

800-817-7084
Souvenirs!

You will want to take home a few souvenirs to remember your trip to Disney World. Your kids want something around every corner. Goodness knows, Disney gives you a ton of opportunities to buy stuffed animals, pens, shirts, and much much more. With a little strategy, you can really save some cash! So, here are a few tips:

Autographs - Kids love character autographs which only require an autograph book and a fat marker or pen (easier for the characters to hold). Wait until you arrive to buy an autograph book, so that it will be a special treat.

Pressed Pennies – All around The World you will find machines to flatten pennies with unique Disney designs. You only need a penny and 2 quarters for each impression. It can be fun to pick a theme for your collection. Maybe you collect pennies with Donald Duck, thrill rides, countries from Epcot, etc. So, give the kids a few dollars in quarters and find some bright shiny pennies and then set a daily limit (2-4 pennies a day). There are also books that you can buy all over Disney World, to place your pennies in. It keeps each penny in a little clear pocket, and showcases your whole collection!

Transportation Collector Cards - Whether traveling by bus, boat or monorail be sure to ask your driver if they have any of these great collector cards! There are 18 cards in the "Official Walt Disney World Transportation Collector Card" series. There are 3 cards for Walt Disney World's busses, 3 cards for Walt Disney World's boats and 12 cards for Walt Disney World's monorails. Ask your bus, boat or monorail driver if they have any and don't be deterred when you are told no. These collector cards are pretty hard to come by, so just keep asking!

Buttons – If you are celebrating a special event such as a birthday, anniversary, wedding, or anything else. You can get a free celebration button from guest services!

Stickers – Cast members are often found handing out stickers on Main Street USA. You can also ask for them at the shops when you are checking out. A ‘Clean Plate Club’ sticker can also be found at the 50’s Prime Time Café!

Email e-postcards to your friends and family from Epcot. You can find the kiosks in Innoventions, or at the after-show of Mission Space! Don’t forget to send yourself one!

Paper ephemera – If you are a scrapbooker you will be in paper paradise! You can collect everyday paper items like: unused fastpasses, children's menus from restaurants, napkins, resort newsletters, park maps, and much more!

Epcot Kidcot stations offer great souvenirs that your kids make themselves. Make a mask and add charms and decorations in each country. You can also ask the cast member in each country to write your child’s name or a message in their native language.
If you want to buy the traditional souvenirs such as picture frames, jewelry, t-shirts, stuffed animals, snow globes, etc., I suggest saving those for your last day. I know it is hard to convince the kiddos to wait, but go to the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney, where you can find just about everything in one place (ride-specific items are only available in the parks themselves). When you check out, you can ask to have the items sent to your home so you don’t have to lug them on the plane, and as an added bonus you won’t have to pay sales tax if you live outside of Florida. There is also a bonus Discount if you have a Disney Visa Card.

Disney is for Lovebirds: Honeymoons in Walt Disney World

2010-11-08T18:07:00.000-08:00

When most people think honeymoons, they think somewhere nice, warm, and relaxing. Walt Disney World offers some amazing and never-to-be-forgotten adventures and memories. Walt Disney World is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations for couples. There is so much to do while on your honeymoon at Walt Disney World, and the amazing Disney cast members go out of their way to make your honeymoon extra special. A recent new feature at Disney World gives bridal couples the ability to register for a Disney honeymoon allowing your guests to contribute toward the cost of your honeymoon as their wedding gift to you! You also don’t have to be married through the Disney Fairytale Weddings program in order to register in the Disney Honeymoon registration.
The biggest thing to remember when you are on a Disney World honeymoon is to enjoy yourselves, and take time to pay attention to all the details that Disney puts into their product. One thing I recommend is to really take time and tour world showcase in Epcot. There is so much so see and do; enjoy yourselves and try new things. You won’t regret it. Here are some tips to making your Disney World honeymoon more enjoyable:The first thing to do when you arrive at Disney World and check in to your resort is ask for your “Just Married” buttons. Make sure you where them everywhere you go, because cast members really go out of their way to congratulate you. Take note: Disney throws in some hidden magic along the way! At every opportunity, let a Disney photographer take your picture. A Disney photo pass is free to everyone, and you’ll have lots of great photos to choose from when your honeymoon is over. Taking advantage of Disney’s photo pass is a great way to remember the memories from your honeymoon. What a great memory maker!
Couple's massages are a great relaxing time to spend with your spouse. Port Orleans-Riverside has romantic horse-drawn carriage rides that are amazing. If you honeymoon during a special event time, such as Flower and Garden Festival, or Food and Wine Festival, there are lots of extras offered, both free and ticketed. These are both great times to be in Disney World. If you are golfers, Disney World has a wide variety of championship golf courses, which allow you a break from the parks. Fireworks can be very romantic at Disney World; one of my favorite spots to watch Wishes is from a hammock on the beach at the Polynesian Resort. My final tip would be to make sure you take advantage of extra magic hours. To be able to use extra magic hours, you have to be a Disney resort guest.

It's Magic...The Disney Magic!

2010-11-03T08:10:00.000-07:00

The Disney Magic has been our vacation home for the past five years. With its distinctive design and room to accommodate 2,400 passengers, the Disney Magic is one of the most admired and recognizable ocean liners in the world—making hundreds of trips to dozens of exotic international ports every year. The Magic has 10 expansive decks, a total length of 964 feet, a width of 106 feet and a gross tonnage of 83,000. Aboard the ship, 945 Cast and Crew Members are on hand to accommodate the needs of each and every Guest, day and night. Before cruising with Disney, we had been on a few Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruises. I always tell people, once you sail on a Disney cruise, there is no going back! Disney’s ships are the cleanest best maintained, most efficient, and by far the best at pampering the guests!
The first event onboard is the Sail Away party. I enjoy the excitement of this event! The first time you hear the ship horn, it is magical. The Disney ships horns play the first seven notes of When You Wish Upon a Star. I get a lump in my throat and goose bumps when I hear it on the ship! My children find the party a bit loud, so I am going to tell you our family secret – but don’t tell everyone! We go to the elevators by Shutters on Deck 4 when the party starts. The characters use these elevators to go up to the party, so this is the first spot to catch them all! They are usually great about waving and giving hugs to the kids on their way up to the party – and we are usually the only ones there, so it is a great opportunity to interact early on without the crowds! After playing with the characters, we go out to the shuffle board area. You can hear the party above, but have the deck to yourself. The kids play shuffle board and I get pictures of them with the life savers. There are two dining rotations, Main and Late. If you are not familiar with dining rotations, it is Disney’s plan for allowing the guests to enjoy all the main dining rooms and keep the same servers from night to night. The benefit of this is personalized service every night. On your first night, the staff gets an idea of what you like, and then after that when you arrive, your favorite drink choice is waiting for you! They also get to know any special needs you may have. When our children were smaller, we would always leave dinner with milk in to-go cups for our room cooler and the servers would end the meal with these. Even if there is someone in your party who has special needs, you can expect the wait staff to pay special attention to their needs. The wait staff is wonderful about remembering needs and preferences to really add that extra service every evening! We have always opted for Main, since we go to bed earlier than most and have younger children, but I just learned about an option that makes the late seating look quite appealing! It is called Dine and Play. Basically, your children (ages 3-12) come with you to dining and are served quickly. The adults have the more leisurely meal with multiple courses and of course dessert! 45 minutes into the meal program, counselors arrive to escort the kids to the Oceaneer Club and Lab! I think this sounds wonderful and am looking forward to trying it! While half the ship eats dinner, the other half enjoys the outstanding show Disney is famous for in the Walt Disney Theatre. The only other assigned dining time is a Character Breakfast in Parrot Cay that is a "don’t miss!" If you prefer not to eat at your assigned times, there are other options. Room service is available 24/7 with some great options, and it is free – unless you order soda or special drinks; we also tip room servers. Soda is free in the dining rooms and on Deck 9. Also on Deck 9 is Topsider’s Buffet, where you can have great meals buffet-style. If a multi-course experience is not your thing, there are Goofy’s Galley, with sandwiches and ice cream, Pluto’s Dog House with hamburgers and hot dogs and hot sandwiches, and Pinocchio’s Pizzeria.
The main rotational dining rooms are:
Lumiere’s (Deck 3) – which offers a wonderful open to everyone table service breakfast and lunch and assigned seating at dinner. It is a more formal dining area with rose encased chandeliers and a large mural of Belle and the Beast dancing.
The Animator’s Palate (Deck 3) - on your first night of rotations is a don’t miss! When you walk in to your table everything is black and white – including the wait staff’s uniforms. During your meal the pictures on the wall become colored along with theme music that sets the mood. At the end of your meal everything is in bright colors – including the wait staff and there is an appearance by your favorite Sorcerers Apprentice, Mickey, leading a parade of guests and servers through the dining room!
Parrot Cay (Deck 3) – is a Caribbean styled dining room serving grill-inspired menu. When you first enter Parrot Cay you may think birds have invaded the ship! There are sounds of parrots and parrot chandeliers. We prefer the Magic, because we want the longest cruise possible! It is so much fun for the children when Mickey, Minnie, and all the other characters get to know them throughout the week! They become a part of your family! I always feel so rushed with character time at the parks! The cruise experience is so much more face time than even a character meal. My kids have started a dance party with Mickey and Minnie – they loved getting my son to sing and dance for them - and spotted him approaching, played Wendy Says – like Simon Says, only Wendy calls the shots, had tickle fights with Chip and Dale, had Goofy steal my son’s car slippers and play with them on the floor, just to name a few unplanned, magical memories. The best time for more character interaction is late in the evening! There is a boat full of characters: We have met all the princesses, Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, Dopey, Jiminy Cricket, Alice and the Queen of Hearts, Mickey and all his friends, Timon, Jo-Jo the Clown, Capitan Hook, Mr. Smee, and Capitan Jack Sparrow. The program counselors also become a part of our family for the week We love spending time with our kids in the clubs! Our kids really enjoy the clubs and we enjoy some couple time on our vacation. Where else can you go and feel good about your date time, knowing the kids are having just as much fun on vacation as you are?
One of our favorite date times was a couple’s massage. I thought the Cabana Massages on Castaway Cay were heaven, until they built the Spa Villas! We love to have a couple’s massage in the villas which includes a hot tub overlooking the ocean, hot tea and fresh fruit, we usually order a bottle of wine, a day bed on the balcony, and a massage for you both – we like the stone massages! It is INCREDIBLE and you will feel so pampered! We also book Palo every chance we get! My husband and I are foodies and love Italian cuisine. Palo offers amazing food and over-the-top service! All the dining there is wonderful, and each meal has its own reason for booking. Brunch has a great buffet with fresh seafood and wonderful pizzas. Dinner has the chocolate scuffle that you can’t imagine having room for, until you taste it! I would go on the cruise just to eat at Palo!
There are always plenty of activities on the ship. You can stay very active, or take it easy – it is up to you! We enjoy all the character meets and parties, catching up on our Disney movies – in 3D, swimming while watching movies, the theatre shows (which are the only time I ever see my children sit quietly enthralled), and so many other events; I could go on for days! Every evening there is a Navigator placed in your stateroom, which will outline the next day’s activities – and there are pages of them! Some of the activities include bingo, yoga, Heffalump hunts, story time with Snow White, pajama parties, art auctions, pin trading, wine tasting, galley tours.
Usually the final stop for the Magic is Castaway Cay! This is a blog article in itself! Disney’s private island is AMAZING! Beautiful beaches, characters, free food and activities on the island, and incredible experiences! It is a must-visit paradise! Although all my experiences on the Disney Magic have been as a mom with small children, I have met many people over the years who do not fit into this category, that love cruising with Disney. My Mother-in-law is a single lady, and they have activities planned for singles. She has attended singles receptions, and gotten to know a few other single travelers this way. I have also met honeymooning couples and childless couples who prefer Disney cruises. They enjoy the absence of casinos and the shows. As a parent, and I know the childless travelers feel the same way, I love the fact Disney is strict with the adults-only areas! There is a section of Castaway Cay dedicated to adults only, and many areas on the ship for quiet, childless relaxation. I have seen crew members several times, stop children from entering the sacred areas.
I would highly recommend a Disney cruise to anyone! I do believe the name Magic is true! My experiences aboard the Disney Magic have been very magical and the best vacations I have ever experienced!

Current Disney Promotions: How to add Sparkle to your Vacation!

2010-10-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

Stephanie Sprenkle
stephanie@wdwtravels.com
1-800-450-8039

Does your vacation need a little sparkle? Are you looking to visit Walt Disney World but just aren't sure where to start? or..maybe you have thought to yourself..I wonder when the best time to travel to Disney would be? Well, the answers now more than ever are HERE and NOW!!! Disney has released an unprecedented promotion, or should I say promotionS. Disney World is running not 1, not 2, but three different promotions for various dates through September of 2011. That's right...you can book your vacation for next year and already receive a fantastic discount. So where is the magic in these deals, well let me tell you.
FREE DINING, FREE DINING, FREE DINING, for select dates through September of 2011. What a wonderful idea, it allows you to get a great deal in advance and pay in it throughout the year...it's almost like a vacation layaway plan! This promotion is wildly popular as it is a HUGE savings, and for Disney to offer it for the next year, well that is just downright magical!

Disney's second promotion might have the kids jumping for souvenir joy! With any 5 night/5 day non discounted package you book you can receive up to a $500.00 Disney gift card. This can be used throughout the parks for merchandise, food or you can save it and even use it to book your next magical Disney vacation! You will receive a $200 gift card if staying at a value resort, $300.00 if upgrading to a moderate, or receive a whopping $500.00 gift card when you book a deluxe or deluxe villa resort. This offer is good for select stays through Feb 16th of 2011.

Last but certainly not least is Disney's room discount promotion. This promotion is for select dates through Feb 16th of 2011 and could have you saving up to 40% off your room depending on where you stay. Select value resorts and Disney's Animal Kingdom are offering 25% off room rates. If staying at Disney's Grand Floridian or select moderate resorts you could save 30% and on select deluxe or deluxe villa resorts could have you saving up to 40% room rates. Of course tickets and dining can be added to these rooms essentially making them into great Magic Your Way packages.

Of course promotions like these don't last forever and rooms are limited, so the sooner you contact a WDWTravels agent, the better chance you have of getting one of these great promotions. We have a wonderful group of Disney vacation specialists that can help determine which promotion would best fit your vacation, getting you everything you want at the best price.

So maybe you are more of a swashbuckler and looking to try out your sea legs with an adventure on the high seas. Well, Disney has not forgotten you! Right now, kids sail free on most 7 night Caribbean cruises. That's right, any pirate in training or princess in waiting ages 17 and under sails free when traveling with 2 full fare guests in the same state room. Hurry though, this offer is sure to sell out quick and is only for sail dates from Jan 8th-Mar 5th(excluding feb 19th). Visit us at http://www.wdwtravels.com/ and any one of our knowledgeable and friendly travel specialists can help you book the cruise of a lifetime!

Don't fret; for those of you on the west coast not ready to visit the sunny seas of the East, or those wanting to visit the golden coast of California. Disneyland has lots of great offers for you to choose from. You could receive a $300 savings when booking a 4 day/4night resort package that includes a 4 day Disneyland resort park hopper souvenir ticket for select stays through December 20th. Disneyland is also offering room rates discounts of at least 30% off rooms for travel through December 18th...of course you can also turn these room discounts into packages by adding tickets and dining as well.

Here at WDWTravels we can help you find the perfect vacation package that best fits your traveling party and budget, while listening to your needs the whole step of the way. Let us turn your dream into a magical vacation!

Extra Magic Hours at Walt Disney World

2010-10-01T07:23:00.000-07:00

Kris Bravate
kris@wdwtravels.com
1-800-519-0602

If you're looking for some extra value for your Disney vacation, then look no further! Extra Magic Hours is a program offered only to guests staying at Walt Disney Resort hotels, and also at four other hotels: the Swan, Dolphin, Shades of Green, and Downtown Disney Hilton.
Each week, each of Walt Disney World’s theme parks offers at least one morning Extra Magic Hours program, and at least one evening program.

During morning Extra Magic Hours, a theme park opens one hour earlier to these guests than it opens to the general public. During evening Extra Magic Hours, a theme park remains open for these guests for three hours later than it is open to the general public.
Not all rides and attractions operate during these hours. However, most of the most popular ones are open in the morning hours, and even more are open in the evening hours. The effect of these hours is to increase the operating hours of the theme parks for Walt Disney World resort guests—and for the guests of the four additional hotels listed above. These are not, however, necessarily less crowded periods. There are some seasoned travelers who avoid Extra Magic Hours in order to be at the park where the least guests are drawn that day.

EXTRA MAGIC HOURS TRICKS, TIPS, DOs, AND DON'Ts

Don’t assume that the parks will be less crowded during Extra Magic Hours.

In general, the parks will be less crowded at the beginning of morning Extra Magic Hours, but by an hour after the park has opened to the general public, the park will be more crowded than usual. Evening Extra Magic hours can be a zoo, particularly on nights when the park closes to the general public early enough that the Evening Extra Magic Hours fall during a period when many people are comfortable attending theme parks (like when school is out, or during holidays).
For example, in the off-season, it’s not unusual for evening Extra Magic Hours to begin at 5pm at the Animal Kingdom, 7pm at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Magic Kingdom, and 8pm at Epcot. These times are not a barrier to attendance…they are an invitation!
On the other hand, during busier periods, it’s not unusual for the normal closing time of the Magic Kingdom to be 11pm or midnight. Extra Magic Hours can keep the Magic Kingdom open until 2 or 3am! I can assure you that the Magic Kingdom will be quite empty at 2am.

Do try to see fireworks shows during evenings that the respective park has evening Extra Magic Hours.

Walt Disney World’s fireworks shows Wishes at the Magic Kingdom, Illuminations at Epcot, and Fantasmic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are among its best loved attractions.
Commonly—and almost always at Epcot—these shows end at the same time the park closes. The result is a mass of people exiting the park at once, that has to be seen to be believed.
By seeing these shows on Extra Magic Hours evenings, you will have more reason to stay after they happen, and more to do during that period. This lets you avoid the jams exiting after the shows.

Tricks and tips

Morning and evening Extra Magic hours pay off particularly well at Disney’s Animal Kingdom during the low season. In this period, the Animal Kingdom’s normal hours are from 9-5, and that just isn’t quite enough time to fully enjoy the park. You should begin your morning Extra Magic Hours at the Animal Kingdom with seeing the Kilimanjaro Safaris, as the animals are much more active early in the morning than they are later in the day. You should think of evening Extra Magic Hours at the Animal Kingdom as a way to see a few shows and to enjoy the environment of the Animal Kingdom in the dark—an experience that is almost never available other than during evening Extra Magic Hours. The rides themselves will be mobbed.

Because Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are a 20 minute walk from each other (they are the only Walt Disney World theme parks you can walk between), you can make the opening of both if either has morning Extra Magic Hours (and if you have the park hopper option on your ticket.) For example, during a period when normal opening hours are 9am, and a day that Epcot has morning Extra Magic Hours, you could get to Epcot in time for its 8am Extra Magic Hours opening, FASTPASS Soarin, walk from there to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and be there in time for its opening at 9am.
(There are also boats, and often buses between these two parks. Neither is on a frequent enough schedule, nor fast enough, to beat walking.)
MORE ON EXTRA MAGIC HOURS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD
Extra Magic Hours are open only to guests staying at Walt Disney Resort hotels, and also at four other hotels: the Swan, Dolphin, Shades of Green, and Downtown Disney Hilton. During morning Extra Magic Hours, your family will be admitted by showing both your room key (one for each member!) and your theme park admission. In the evening Extra Magic Hours, once you are already in the theme park, your family will be allowed on the rides by each member showing a room key. (You can use your key the day you check out–that is, you are welcome to Extra Magic Hours in the morning or the evening of the day you check out of your hotel.) Almost every day, at least one park will offer hours in the program. Keep in mind that Fastpasses aren't distributed during Extra Magic Hours. One nice benefit, if you're in Epcot, is that the restaurants are open much longer.

A great way to use Extra Magic Hours (EMH) is to visit the park holding morning EMH, then hop to the park that held evening EMH the night before. Chances are, everyone was at that EMH and won't be visiting the same park the next morning! This way, you get to take advantage of morning EMH without being hindered by the resulting crowd that stays in that park for the rest of the day, and you get to take advantage of the low crowds in the park that held EMH the night before. It might not always work, but it's a pretty good system to try!

I Hope this has helped anyone considering staying on property for this perk. It is well worth it, as long as it's used wisely. If you're interested in many more tips and tricks for touring without hassles- please contact me at Kris@wdwtravels.com.

Castaway your Cares in the Renovated Castaway Cay, Disney's Private Island

2010-09-21T06:36:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Claybourne
jennifer@wdwtravels.com
866-308-5817

We all love Disney vacations. The theme parks with the rides, shows, and of course the characters are great fun. For my family though, nothing beats a Disney Cruise. Disney cruises feature great shows, great food, and the Disney characters, while traveling to wonderful locations. The true gem of the Disney Cruise Line, however, is Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.Castaway Cay is an island paradise. Clear blue water, white sandy beaches, and all the amenities you expect from Disney. With the Disney Dream soon to set sail, with its much higher passenger capacity, Disney has had to make some changes to the island to accommodate the additional people. For the young ones, Scuttle’s Cove has been expanded, with a two-hundred square foot wet deck. The wet deck will feature geysers, pop jets, and bubblers. This kids’ area provides great, supervised fun for the kids while parents go check out the enhancements to the Adult’s only area, Serenity Bay.Serenity Bay is the place to go for adults who want to enjoy the island in peace. Not to be forgotten in the upgrades, Disney has added three private massage cabanas to the area. This should add a whole new level of relaxation to the day.By far, the biggest additions will take place at the family beach. The area itself has been expanded by 700 feet to make room for the hundreds of additional lounge chairs. A 2400 square foot floating platform called Pelican Plunge will feature two corkscrew water slides suitable for all ages. Private cabanas will be available on the family beach with various levels of service, including those with a personal host.
Almost all areas have been enhanced, from the stingray pool to the boat rentals. Castaway Cay is still the island paradise we all know and love. Of course, the only way to be sure is to see for yourself!

Lights, Camera, Action! It's Disney's All Star Movies Resort!

2010-09-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Stafford

jenn@wdwtravels.com

888-835-5702

If during your stay at Walt Disney World, you want to be surrounded by Disney movie magic 24/7, then look no further than Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort! Do not let the fact that it’s categorized as a “Value Resort" mislead you into thinking your stay will be a “value experience!"
My family and I had the pleasure of staying here during our stay in 2008, for our daughters’ birthdays. From checking in at the Main Lobby, to dining in the World Premiere food court, the cast members were always friendly and helpful. They went out of their way to tell our girls “Happy Birthday,” and delivered autographed pictures of their favorite Disney characters with balloons to our room. They were also chosen to be the “Chefs of the Day,” where they made their own ice cream sundaes at a decorated table in the food court. We found the food court always had plenty of different items to choose during our stay. At one end of the food court, there is a movie screen continuously playing Disney films.
There are 2 swimming pools; the main Fantasia pool, and the smaller Duck Pond pool. There is also a children’s pool located next to the Fantasia pool. The buildings draw their themes from Disney movies. The Toy Story buildings have a massive 30-ft tall Woody, a 27-ft tall bucket of Green Army Men, and a 47-ft tall Buzz Lightyear icon in front of them. Larger than life icons from Fantasia, 101 Dalmatians, The Love Bug, and the Mighty Ducks are also found throughout the resort. Seeing these icons up close is an experience within itself! There are tons of photo opportunities everywhere you look!
My family and I stayed in a room located in the Toy Story themed buildings. The comforters were decorated with characters from Disney movies and there were lighted stars above the headboards. Toy Story posters, borders and popcorn bucket lamps also added to the movie theme in our room.
There’s shopping at Donald’s Double Feature, video games at the Reel Fun Arcade, and the kids will love climbing and sliding at the resort’s playground. Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort is located near Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Transportation to all theme parks, water parks, and Downtown Disney is available by bus.
We had a magical stay at Disney’s All-Star Movies. So if you’re looking for a resort that’s small in price but BIG in magic, look no further than Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort!

It's New! Disney's Art of Animation Resort

2010-09-13T10:08:00.000-07:00

Nancy Bressler
nancy@wdwtravels.com
484-706-3788

In 2003, Disney’s Pop Century Resort opened the Classic Years section. In the original plans for the resort, this was only the first stage of the resort, and the rest was scheduled to open at a later date. Ever since, Disney fans have wondered when the second half of the resort would be designed and opened. Well, wait no more! A distinct value resort is now being created, called Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Separate from Disney’s Pop Century resort, this is the first new Disney hotel in seven years. Based on the success of Disney’s other family suites, Disney imagineers have started work on completing this new resort, which is expected to open sometime in 2012.
There will be four themes throughout Disney’s Art of Animation. For the traditional value rooms, The Little Mermaid will be featured. The Lion King, Finding Nemo, and Cars will all star in the new family suites. Each section will feature larger-than-life icons and room decors to match their respective movies. This new atmosphere will allow these classic stories to come to life even more for families experiencing the newest resort. In addition, each suite is being designed as a family destination resort. Each will have a bedroom and separate living / family area. The rooms will sleep up to six people, which is a unique aspect for Disney value resorts. With approximately 2,000 rooms being built, the majority of the rooms will be family suites. Soon, the growing family will have an affordable on-site property where they can stay. Since The Art of Animation will be included in the Value Resort category, room rates will likely be more reasonably priced.
As the 26th Disney World resort, Disney’s Art of Animation will only enhance this family destination.
When you consider all of these benefits of staying in a Disney resort : 24 hours of Disney magic; free transportation to/from the airport, Disney theme parks, water parks, and Downtown Disney; guaranteed admission even on the busiest days; Extra Magic Hours in the theme parks; wake-up calls from the characters; the list goes on and on – and this cost-efficient option can maximize your next Disney World vacation!

Contact me at WDWTravels for more information on this exciting new resort.

Why Disney World is Near to My Heart

2010-09-13T06:55:00.000-07:00

Tonya Cox
Tonya@wdwtravels.com
1-740-388-8806

There are many things that I love about our family vacations at Walt Disney World in Florida. There are so many that I could ramble on and on about it forever, but I promise I won’t!
As a family, we have traveled to Disney three times. We have stayed both on and off site. We have seen lots of fireworks, street parades and ridden lots of rides. We have met characters, and had our pictures taken with several as well. What really gets me excited is the feeling I get when we pass through the entry way of Disney property, the look on my daughter’s face the first time she saw a Disney Princess in person, the way my son explains his first ride on Space Mountain and how my husband grins when he gets up to dance and sing “I’m a Little Teapot” at a restaurant in front of 100 people. We do things together as a family, just the four of us! These memories and experiences are ones my children want to share days, weeks, months after we’ve unpacked all the suitcase and returned back to our normal routine. People sometimes look at me like I’m crazy when I tell them we are planning our next trip to Disney, many times because it's immediately after we got back from a trip! There is something truly magical about a trip to Disney. Yes, it takes a certain degree of planning, if you want to maximize your time there. What restaurants do I want to visit? Which parks do I want to see, on which days? Do I want to be at the park when it opens or when it closes? The list of questions can go on and on. But no matter how hot the day is, or how crowded the bus is on that day, the kids wake up the next morning talking about yesterday and what we are going to do tomorrow. They enjoy Disney, and in turn we all enjoy Disney!
I’ll tell you something else that makes me love Disney: when someone who has gone before asks me a question, and then I can offer them information that will make their trip even more magical. The look on their face is worth it! “OOOOHHH that makes sense now!” they will say. The sights, the sounds, the joy in someone’s face when Mickey Mouse waves at them during the parade, those things all make a vacation to Disney magical. This year, I had the opportunity to watch the closing flag ceremony held at the entrance of Main Street. A group of three young boys said The Pledge of Allegiance, the Main Street Band played patriotic music, and a WWII Veteran was the “Veteran for a Day.” At the end, the veteran was presented with the flag that flew at Magic Kingdom that day! That was something to enjoy. Something that I personally enjoyed our last trip was some of the new restaurants we tried, especially Captain’s Grille, located at Yacht Club Resort. The atmosphere was laid back. We were not rushed during any part of our experience; the food was excellent and our service superb! The final thing that makes me love Disney is the fact that it caters to all generations. Young, old and everywhere in between, there is something to enjoy at a Disney Park or Disney Resort. In fact, "something for everyone" is my new motto for Disney!

Planning the Most Magical Disney Vacation

2010-09-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

We all constantly run all around with our jobs, our kids and our daily responsibilities. Sometimes, it seems that we never get a break. Then the day comes when somebody in the family mentions a family vacation. The choices are limitless as to where to go….to the mountains, to the Grand Canyon, or something else? Then somebody mentions the ultimate family vacation –a Disney vacation! When we think about Disney vacations, we tend to get overwhelmed and maybe even start to panic. Then you realize that there are Disney travel agents who specialize in helping plan the perfect dream vacation for your family. Each family is different, so each vacation has to be treated individually and with care for the family involved. The difference between planning a Disney vacation and any other type of vacation is that there is “magic” involved at every turn. A Disney vacation is truly a dream vacation like no other, and that is true for any type of Disney vacation. The planning process can be quite daunting, but when you have a WDWTravels agent by your side, it is all about planning your fun and letting your agent do all of the work. Not a bad deal! A Disney vacation is all about making your dreams come true, and it can happen if you know how to plan it correctly. Your dream vacation has to fit your family perfectly. A dream vacation for one family is not necessarily the same dream vacation for another family. Your dream vacation can consist of everything from a meal with your favorite character, seeing Cinderella in her own castle, the most magical fireworks displays, parades that will warm your heart, or riding your favorite attraction for the 6th time in a day. Also, it could be a fun excursion on an island in the Caribbean, or a one-of-a-kind Adventure by Disney. Disney vacations are all about exceeding expectations and letting people live the reality of the dream vacation. It is the job of the WDWTravels agent to set that bar very high, and reach it every time. The planning process is our job and we do it with pride and enthusiasm. Our job is to find those special dreams that our clients have and make them a reality while they are enjoying their Disney vacation. Any dream is possible with a Disney vacation, and a qualified WDWTravels agent. We make sure to find out what those dreams are and make sure they are achieved. It is not too hard when there is magic all around with any Disney vacation. If you can dream it, we can make sure it happens! There are people that go back to a Disney vacation over and over again. One might wonder why that is….it is because there is no other vacation like a Disney vacation. It is a vacation full of dreams and an escape from reality. It is a true pleasure to be one of those people who get to have a part in making those dreams come true! I hope everyone can find some time in their busy life to call us and let us plan a truly magical, Dream Vacation! Never stop dreaming….plan a Disney vacation and live your dreams – we’ll plan it for you!

Why You Should Choose Port Orleans French Quarter

2010-09-04T12:34:00.000-07:00

Since 2000, I have had the opportunity to visit Walt Disney World on several occasions. On all of those trips, I have stayed at an on-site resort and on all but one, my family has stayed at a moderate resort. As it turns out, we have stayed at all of the moderate resorts, so we have a good idea how each one stacks up.

Our Favorite? Port Orleans French Quarter.

Why? Size, Location, Transportation Options & Atmosphere!

Size
It is such a delight to stay at the French Quarter. It has approximately 1,000 rooms. I know that sounds like a lot, but is less than half the size of Disney’s other moderate resorts. The less congestion is a great thing when it comes to the bus stop and Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory , the resort’s food court. The layout of French Quarter is also different from the other moderate resorts. While I have a fondness for all the moderate resorts, the ease of getting around French Quarter is such a joy. Even if you are staying at one of the farthest buildings away from the food court or bus stop, the walk is relatively easy.

Location & Transportation

If you love Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you will really enjoy the location of French Quarter. A ride to either park is relatively short and usually less than 15 minutes. Magic Kingdom is only slightly farther away, with Animal Kingdom the farthest.
Here is another great tidbit to remember. Port Orleans French Quarter has a sister resort next-door called Port Orleans Riverside. Riverside is a much larger resort and has several bus stops, while French Quarter only has one. The two resorts share busses, but usually not during peak hours like opening and closing. Why is that important? During mornings and evenings, a bus will often only go directly between French Quarter’s one bus stop and a Disney Park. That makes the trip a lot shorter since you do not have to stop at all the bus stops at Port Orleans Riverside. If you want to make a trip to Downtown Disney, you have two options with Disney Transportation. You can travel via bus or boat. While the boat ride may take a little longer on the Sassagoula River, it is a great way to sit back and relax.

Atmosphere
The size and atmosphere are truly unique. It offers a feel of Mardi Grad and New Orleans. It has larger than life carnival masks and trombone playing alligators…and the charm of the French Quarter.

Port Orleans French Quarter has a heated pool and poolside Jacuzzi for your enjoyment. When you walk down the miniature roads between buildings, it is like taking a step in the real French Quarter in New Orleans.
I truly believe you will enjoy your stay.
As they say in New Orleans, "Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez" Let the Good Times Roll!

A Grand Gathering at Walt DIsney World

2010-09-03T09:37:00.000-07:00

Amy Blades
amyb@wdwtravels.com

Grand Gatherings usually happen one of two ways: you’re planning a trip to Disney and friends or family decide they want to tag along, or your dream to take a trip with friends and family is finally coming true. Either way, Disney knows how to make it magical. In order for your trip to qualify as a Grand Gathering, you must be staying at a Disney Resort, and there must be at least 8 or more in your gathering. If there are, then Disney has extras for only you!
When you plan, make sure to do it far enough in advance so you can get all of your dining reservations together. I would recommend 180 days prior to your trip. If you have less than that, make dining reservations your first priority. If you choose to stay together, you can count on the Deluxe Villas to meet your needs. If you’re looking to spend a little less, you can book rooms next to each other at any of our other resorts. This way, you can still be close together without spending the extra money for a Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort. When booking the reservation, mention that you want adjoining rooms or nearby rooms, whichever your preference may be.
The extras that are for Grand Gatherings only include an incredible Safari Celebration Dinner. This special event begins with an end-of-day trip on the Kilimanjaro Safari attraction. Following your Safari is dinner in the Tusker House Restaurant. Your all-you-care-to-eat dinner is served family style, and features African inspired cuisine.
The International Dinner and Illuminations Dessert Reception is another fantastic opportunity to enjoy something special, which is not offered to the general public. While eating your meal, there is storytelling and live musical entertainment. This event features some of your favorite Disney Characters who join the guests on the dance floor. Once you've enjoyed your evening of food and fun, you're escorted to a reserved viewing area for the nightly "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth" light, laser, and fireworks show, where a delicious dessert buffet is served. My personal favorite is the Good Morning Character Breakfast, where you are welcomed by “Tony” at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom. Here, Tony invites you to enjoy a delicious all-you-care-to-eat breakfast. Mickey and Friends are there for treasured photos and fun interaction. Each event has different days of availability. Make sure to plan ahead so you can fit everything into your magical gathering.
In addition to the Grand Gathering events, groups can order Magical Gathering T-Shirts (90 to 10 days in advance of arrival), and schedule spa treatments, childcare, tours, etc.
A Disney Vacation is a magical time of memory making, in a place where dreams come true. What could be better than your own family enjoying the magic, as well has having the incredible memories of close friends or extended family, that will last forever!

Halloween: Disney Style

2010-09-02T17:22:00.000-07:00

Halloween: Disney Style
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) is just that, a Not-So-Scary fun-filled evening with Mickey and friends!
On select nights in September and October, guests (young and young at heart) can join their favorite Disney characters and dress up and collect treats from Cast Members all throughout the park. On these select nights, the Magic Kingdom closes its doors to the general public and only allows guests who have purchased a special ticket to enter! *Note with this ticket, you may enter the park as early as 4pm* Everyone who is attending the MNSSHP will get a wrist band so they know who can remain in the park. As the sun goes down in the Florida sky, the sound of Halloween creeps through the Magic Kingdom.
All the characters are dressed in their costumes, and guests of all ages come in theirs (this is the one time adult guests are allowed to dress in costumes, so take advantage of it). My family wanted to do something extra fun, because that is just the way we are, so after much thought we came up with the perfect idea, THE INCREDIBLES!!!!. Our family consisted of Mr. Incredible (hubby), Elastagirl (myself), Violet (older daughter), Dash (middle son) and Jack-Jack (our 1 year old son). It was perfect, and we were a hit! We received so many compliments, and many people asked for our picture!
During the evening, most all the rides are open to enjoy, which is great because you do not have all the crowds as you would during normal hours with normal crowds. They also have many trick-or-treating stations throughout the park, and they give out little trick-or-treating bags to every guest when you arrive. We bought our own, though!! Stitch had his own dance party at Cosmic Rays which was great, dressed as Elvis Presley and all! There are two (one early and one a little later in the evening) Mickey’s Boo-to-You parade that is amazing, complete with Grave Diggers from the Haunted Mansion, the Headless Horseman, and all the Disney Villains, including Jack Skellington. There is also a fantastic Happy HalloWishes fireworks display that only Disney can do.
This requires an extra ticket you have to purchase but it is well worth the price. We actually got a special, being Florida residents at the time, for 2 adult tickets free when you stay 2 nights at a resort. They also have discounts for DVC members and military on select nights, so be sure to ask about any specials!!
The dates for this year are as follows: Tuesday, September 14, 2010 Saturday, September 18, 2010 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 Thursday, September 23, 2010 Saturday, September 25, 2010 Tuesday, September 28, 2010 Thursday, September 30, 2010 Friday, October 1, 2010 Sunday, October 3, 2010 Thursday, October 7, 2010 Friday, October 8, 2010 Monday, October 11, 2010 Tuesday, October 12, 2010 Thursday, October 14, 2010 Sunday, October 17, 2010 Tuesday, October 19, 2010 Thursday, October 21, 2010 Friday, October 22, 2010 Sunday, October 24, 2010 Tuesday, October 26, 2010 Thursday, October 28, 2010 Friday, October 29, 2010 Sunday, October 31, 2010 Monday, November 1, 2010
Note: Advance Purchase Price not available on 10/8, 10/22, 10/28, 10/29, 10/31. All other select nights, when purchased prior to the day of the event: $53.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $47.95 + tax (Ages 3 - 9); Day-Of Event Prices: $59.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $53.95 + tax (Ages 3 - 9); Premium Pricing (10/29, 10/31 ): $64.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $58.95 + tax (Ages 3 - 9)
If you plan to be at Disney during September or October, make sure to include Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to your travel plans! You won’t be disappointed!! As always, you can contact us here at WDWTravels for all your Disney travel needs, including purchasing your MNSSHP tickets!

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

2010-09-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Animal Kingdom Lodge is perhaps the best hotel on the Walt Disney World property. Spectacular scenery and interior design instantly whisk hotel guests into a world of African charm. In fact, the Animal Kingdom Lodge is known to be favored by celebrity clientele for their own family visits to Disney World.
The earthy decorative tones and authentic African artifacts make the Animal Kingdom Lodge feel incredibly warm and inviting. Staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge gives visitors the convenience of staying at a Disney World site, without being surrounded by Disney characters.
The Animal Kingdom Lodge has a charm that appeals to both adults and children. The animals striding across the savannahs in the morning and evening enthrall all age groups and the peacefulness is a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the Disney theme parks. The Animal Kingdom Lodge is little part of Africa that Disney got exactly right. It is relaxing and inviting, and transports you to world that seems thousands of miles away from Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, and yet guests are only a few short minutes away by bus to all the major Disney theme parks. The Animal Kingdom Lodge could stand alone as a super hotel outside of Disney, and it would still be worth the visit.
One of the great things about staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge or any Disney hotel, is the way they cater to children. When you consider going to visit Disney World in Florida, one of the main considerations will be cost. But when you take all of the amenities into consideration, the extra money you spend on a Disney hotel is totally worth it.
The Animal Kingdom Lodge provides so many extra activities for children that it truly makes their stay something special. At dusk, children can borrow night-vision goggles and look at the animals directly from the hotel grounds onto the savannahs, to get a close view and appreciation of the wildlife. There are always friendly guides on hand to explain more about the animals’ behavior. This is nice little touch to the after-dinner experience. It’s like going on a night-time safari! During the day, there are other activities for the children. If it’s wet outside, then out come the arts and craft supplies, and the beautiful Animal Kingdom Lodge lobby is turned into a giant play area for the children. The Animal Kingdom Lodge staff is there, encouraging them to take part in new crafting projects. While you’re there, make sure to check out the notice board by the Boma restaurant for list of daily activities and their scheduled times.
The 360 pool at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is themed, like a little oasis in South Africa. Surrounded by palm trees, the Uzima pool has Zero entry on one side, and is suitable for most disabled guests.
At most times of the day you will find three lifeguards on duty to assist any swimmer in the 9,000-square-foot, themed feature pool. There are views of the savannah from the pool, and nestled away in the shrubbery on the side of the main pool are two warm bubbling spas. There is also a small children’s play area and a children’s pool, located close to the restrooms for convenience.
At the Animal Kingdom Lodge poolside, you will find a bar, complete with African-style thatched roof. The bar serves delicious smoothies both alcoholic and non- alcoholic, as well as other tasty sundries. Towels are provided at the Animal Kingdom Lodge pool-side, so there is no need to take towels from your room or pack extra large beach towels when vacationing here. Adjacent to the pool, again neatly tucked away out of view, is a massage and fitness centre.
When the little ones have had enough of the pool, take them to try Simba’s Club House. They provide excellent childcare, with all the facilities that you would expect. They will even provide meals, so that parents can have a romantic evening alone. If you have older children, check out the small amusement arcade which boasts video games and other electronic entertainment.
The poolside experience at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is a relaxing and very different from any other Disney hotel. It’s a great experience for both adults and children, and is a welcome rest from the theme parks.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Rooms
The interior decor at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is well thought out, and typifies all that you associate with staying in an African lodge on safari. The beds have carved wooden headboards, giving an authentic feel, and the comforters have a colorful, almost patchwork quilt-like design that presents a symbolic African theme. Each of the rooms features handcrafted furniture and art, made from rich woods and vibrant colors. Accommodations at the Animal Kingdom Lodge range in size from Standard Rooms to One- and Two-Bedroom Suites. Rooms are also available with bunk beds and roll away beds.

The bathrooms at the Animal Kingdom Lodge are well designed with both a shower and a shallow bath, and just outside the bathroom area, there are two separate wash basins for your convenience.

Take advantage of the balcony view, if your room has one, as the Animal Kingdom Lodge has 24-hour viewing opportunities to see animals in their habitat. A great time to catch them is in the early evening or early morning. In fact, one of the best memories that you can take away with you from the Animal Kingdom Lodge is to sit having breakfast out on your balcony, overlooking one of the beautiful Savannahs, and enjoying seeing the giraffes feed.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Dining

Dinning at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is a wonderful experience, a real culinary adventure. There is something for everyone, and as you would expect from a Disney hotel, and children are thoroughly spoiled.
Eat breakfast at The Mara, where you can pick up a selection of bagels, pastries, cereals, and fruits, or take a trip to Boma, the restaurant. This self-service buffet-style restaurant provides a feast that will more than keep you going until lunch time. The Safari Breakfast consists of eggs, bacon, and hash browns. And if that isn’t enough, try the wonderful pancakes with delightful maple syrup that is to die for!

If you’re not at the theme parks, the Animal Kingdom Lodge serves food all day long. Try a delicious club sandwich made from thick bread rolls or juicy chicken breast. Or, call in at the Mara for a wonderful section of fast food, from burgers and pizza, to healthy wraps and fresh fruit salad. And if that is not enough, go to Boma for a meal that will more than likely take the rest of the afternoon to consume!

In night, take a trip to Jiko, the cooking place, which features cuisines from around the world, and a South African wine list which would put most exclusive restaurants to shame. Don’t worry about the children; there are always favorites like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

The Jiko Disney Dining Experience was designed by Jeffrey Beers, and inspired by the Disney movie The Lion King. Twin wood burning ovens are the centerpiece of the open kitchen.

Once you have completed your meal, take coffee in the seductive Victoria Falls Bar, overlooking Boma. You can have dessert here, if you wish, sample more African wine, or relax with a gourmet coffee.
With the adjacent hotel lobby lounge catering to children, with large and tastefully integrated TVs playing Disney Cartoons, you know that your children will be entertained.

If you haven’t stayed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, you should consider it for your next vacation. The amenities are top-notch, the atmosphere is bar-none, and the memories made will be forever treasured.

Matching Clothes for Disney Photos

2010-08-31T18:33:00.000-07:00

After a visit to Walt Disney World, my best friend asked me, “Why do your Disney pictures look so much better than mine?” My reply was, “Look at our clothing! We match.” At that moment, I created a monster. On her next trip to Walt Disney World, she had a clothing chart for each day of her Disney vacation.
Does this mean you have to wear the same shirt? No! Sometimes it is fun to wear the same shirt but most of the time we wear matching or similar colors. When planning a Disney vacation, I like to think about what we are going to do each day. For example: When we go to Animal Kingdom, I like to wear animal prints or safari colors. When we go to Chef Mickey’s, I like to wear traditional Mickey Mouse colors.

When you begin planning clothing for your Disney vacation, you may want to consider custom Disney clothing. Some create their own Disney style t-shirts and some go as far as having Custom Disney Clothing made for their children and/or themselves. Where do you find custom Disney clothing? Online! Go to Ebay or Etsy and search for Custom Disney Clothing. You will be amazed at the variety offered. You can spend as much money or as little money as you desire. If you are looking for something truly special, you may want to look up Pickalilys.com. Pickalilys offers many styles for girls and boys and the quality is worth every penny.
Believe it or not, there is a benefit to wearing Custom Disney Clothing… ATTENTION! Your child will be noticed by everyone! Characters will even take the time to look at and discuss your child’s clothing. Custom Clothing adds a bit more “Magic” to an already “Magical” vacation.

On your next trip to Walt Disney World, try a little bit of people watching. You will find families wearing matching colors, identical shirts or even identical outfits and custom Disney clothing. Coordinating clothing may seem silly to you now, but when you see your Disney photos, you will be glad you did.

Get Ready to Board the Disney Dream!

2010-08-24T11:01:00.000-07:00

The Disney Dream

In 2011, Disney Cruise Lines will start sailing a new ship called the Disney Dream. This ship will be 50% larger than Disney’s current ships, the Magic and the Wonder!

Disney will continue their rotational Dining with 3 restaurants. The Enchanted Garden will have a glass ceiling that will change from day to night and flower lights that will bloom in time with the change. The Royal Palace will be upscale and feature designs from the Disney princess movies Cinderella, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, and Sleeping Beauty. Animator’s Palette will transform from an animators studio to an under the sea fantasy featuring Crush and other characters from Finding Nemo who will drop by for a visit!

Remy on the Disney Dream is an intimate Adult Exclusive restaurant located on Deck 12, Aft that serves the finest in French-inspired cuisine for dinner. Offering the most upscale dining experience on board, Remy features spectacular ocean views and a warm, sophisticated décor—the perfect romantic setting for Guests 18 years of age and older.

On Goofy’s Sports Deck, the magic tees off on deck 13 with Goofy’s Golf – a miniature golf course where “lessons” featuring Goofy and his son, Max, lead guests through nine themed holes of wacky fun. Each hole offers special golf instructions – with a goofy twist. Also on Goofy’s Sports Deck, two digital sports simulators provide a variety of virtual game experiences such as soccer, tennis, basketball, golf and more. With the simulators, guests can kick, swing and throw, participating in favorite high-action sports without the hassle of chasing the ball. Max’s Courts are two mini-sized sports courts for little ones to enjoy soccer, basketball or group play. There’s full-court basketball that may also be transformed into a mini soccer pitch or volleyball court, plus table tennis and foosball tables. A walking track rings Goofy’s Sports Deck.
Another exciting feature is the new Aquaduck, a water roller coaster on board the ship!! You will be sent 13 ft over the edge of the ship and 150 ft above the water in an acrylic tube before you return to the deck of the ship. It is sure to be an exciting ride!

Little ones discover oceans of fun at this fanciful water-play area overflowing with pop jets, bubblers and lovable underwater friends like Nemo, Dory, Marlin and other favorites from the Disney•Pixar film, “Finding Nemo.” Shaded for protection from the sun and featuring a soft wet-deck surface, the 1,500-square-foot Nemo’s Reef is a place for children to cool off and play among colorful, interactive figures that move and spray water. Children will delight as they splash alongside Nemo swimming in a sea anemone, glide down a pint-sized water slide shaped like Mr. Ray and frolic near Pearl the octopus who “inks” herself with a mist of water. Kids can even get soaked in a water curtain that undulates back and forth like the EAC (East Australian Current).
Nemo’s Reef is surrounded by a glass enclosure, with a main guest entrance and a wheelchair-accessible entrance.

An element guests who book inside staterooms can look forward to is virtual portholes which are an industry first. The portholes are actually high definition video screens that will be linked to a camera on the deck to give you a view of the outside, even when you don’t have a window! And look out! Some characters may pay you a visit from time to time, and been seen from your virtual porthole, right inside your stateroom!

There are many more reasons to book a cruise on Disney’s newest ship, including in-depth interactive experiences for kids and adults, and an expanded Castaway Cay (Disney’s private island). The ship will sail both 4- and 5-night Bahamian cruises, starting January, 2011.

Hey, Mon! It's the Caribbean Beach Resort!

2010-08-11T11:09:00.000-07:00

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Fact Sheet from WDWTravels Website

A tropical lakeside paradise! Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is set on Barefoot Bay which spans 45 acres. Come celebrate the spirit of the tropical islands. Surround yourself with sandy beaches, lush vegetation and the relaxing feel of a Caribbean get-away.

900 Cayman Way
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Check in 3pm (EST) Check out 11am (EST)

Location – Close to Epcot

General Information
* 2,112 guest rooms
*Guests rooms are divided into six island themed villages. Each building is pastel colored and two stories. Each village has its own swimming pool
*All rooms are non-smoking
*Wheelchair accessible rooms are available

In Each Room
in – room refrigerator
cable TV
Hair dryer
Safe
Iron/ironing board
Coffee maker
Pack –n- play available upon request
High speed internet access available for an additional fee

Other Services
Concierge Services
Valet Laundry Services
Coin operated laundry services
Babysitting/Child Services
Pizza Delivery Available

Quick Service Dining
Grab N Go Market
Montego’s Deli
Old Port Royale Food Court
Casual Dining
Shutters at Old Port Royale

Recreation:Marina offers water craft rentals
pontoon boats
sailboats
canoes
Guided Bass Fishing Excursions

Bike trails and Bike rentals
Sandy beaches - Volleyball
Parrot Cay Island
nature trail
tropical bird watching
playground
arcade for kids

Rooms
Category Capacity Configuration
Standard View Rooms 4 2 Double beds
Water View Rooms Views of Lake/Pool 4 2 Double beds
Pirate Room –Water View 4 2 Double Beds
Pirate Room – Standard View 4 2 Double Beds
King Bed Rooms 2 1 King Bed
Preferred Location Rooms 4 2 Double Beds
Views of courtyard,
Woodlands, or Resort

TransportationOrlando International Airport – Magical Express
Bus Service to
Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Animal Kingdom
Hollywood Studios
Downtown Disney
Typhoon Lagoon
Blizzard Beach
Summerland Miniature Golf
Fantasia Gardens Mini – Golf (bus to Downtown Disney, transfer to Swan /Dolphin Bus, and walk from the Swan Hotel
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex (bus to Hollywood Studios, transfer to ESPN bus)
Other Disney World Resort Hotels (bus to Downtown Disney, transfer to Resort Hotel buses)

Review Date: Fri July 30, 2010
Would you recommend the product? Yes Rating: 9

Pros:
quiet, comfortable, relaxing, beautiful scenery
Cons:some rooms are far from the commissary
We have stayed at a few different Disney sites, and this is my favorite. It is much more quiet than the value resorts, and even though the walk can be a little long, it is a very nice walk along the lake. The food was ok, room clean, and staff very friendly. I would have liked a CB specific souvenir (hat or shirt). Overall the most relaxing stay at Disney in my 15 trips.

2010-07-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

A CLASSIC DISNEY RIDE
“Dumbo the Flying Elephant”No visit to Disney Theme Parks is complete without a ride on the charming, classic, big eared elephant, Dumbo! The classic Dumbo ride was inspired by Walt Disney’s 1941 animated feature, Dumbo.

The original Dumbo had hinged ears that were supposed to move up and down, but they could never get the mechanisms to work properly. So, Dumbo’s ears are now stationary, but the elephants do the flying anyway. Eventually, the ears became an integral part of dumbo as opposed to inoperative hinged appendages.
The elephants were and still are grey, just like in the movie with different color schemes for the accent colors. The original ride had ten elephants and each held two guests.

Dumbo was supposed to be one of the attractions ready for the invitation-only opening of Disneyland on July 17, 1955. (It opened to the public the following day.)

The first elephants arrived three weeks prior to opening day weighing 700 lbs each. The ride unfortunately was a mechanical failure, but was quickly reworked and managed to open on August 16, 1955.
In 1990 they made a magnificent sixteen elephant version of Dumbo that was to be brought to Disneyland Paris. They decided to take that one to Disneyland in California. It would have 60% more capacity than the original. They had plenty of time to build a new one for the Paris opening in 1992.

Disneyland Paris (aka Euro Disney) opened in 1992, and Hong Kong Disneyland opened in 2005. They both opened with sixteen-elephant rides. Tokyo Disneyland opened in 1983 and still remains the only park with a ten-elephant ride, so if you are looking for nostalgia that’s the place to go!
Disney World in Florida opened a ten-elephant Dumbo ride in 1971, and updated to a sixteen-elephant version in 1993.
This past September, Disney announced that Fantasyland in Disney World was getting a makeover. The 2012 changes will include the Dumbo ride being relocated and expanded to double its current size.

The new area will be called Dumbo’s Circus and they will be adding a covered three ring circus that will contain indoor air-conditioning. There will be a Circus Tent with play area and interactive games. Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm Rollercoaster will remain, but will be renamed and rethemed with a circus overlay. There will be two new Dumbo ride carousels (aka The Dueling Dumbos). The new Dumbo area will encompass most of the existing Toon Town.

Dumbo is one of the few rides that can be found in all of the Magic Kingdom Parks around the world. Dumbo will always be a classic, making it one of the most popular rides in all of Disney Parks!

Character Dining in Walt Disney World

2010-07-12T19:17:00.000-07:00

When you walk through the gates of Walt Disney World, you are immediately immersed in the magical sights, sounds and smells.
Not the least of these are the Disney Characters, brimming with all of the excitement and enchantment that is synonymous with Disney. Because the characters are so beloved by children of all ages, you will very often find a line of Disney-clad fans waiting anxiously for their moment alone with them.
While this is a tradition, it can also be time consuming for those on shorter trips. Another attractive option is Character Dining experiences. These offer one-on-one time with each character in attendance, table service dining with varied menus, and the option of making advanced dining reservations (ADR).
Your little princess will truly feel like one with a dining experience at Cinderella’s Royal Table in the unforgettable setting of Cinderella’s castle in the Magic Kingdom, or Akershus Royal Banquet Hall located in the Norway Pavilion, at the World Showcase in Epcot. Both are highly sought-after, serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. ADRs are strongly recommended and available 180 days in advance. Another option for the princesses would be Dinner at 1900 Park Fare in The Grand Floridian. Characters at that venue will include Cinderella and Prince Charming, as well as other members of the Royal Family, which are subject to change.
A Disney Dining must is a character dining experience with the “Fab Five”. The opportunity to dine with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and Pluto are offered in more than one location. Chef Mickey’s in The Contemporary Hotel, The Garden Grill in EPCOT, Donald’s Breakfastosuarus in Animal Kingdom, Cape May Café in The Beach Club Resort and the O’Hana breakfast at The Polynesian are all options. Each include members of the “Fab Five”, if not all of them as well as some friends such as Chip-n-Dale or Lilo and Stitch. Character dining is also expanded to dining with characters that may be of particular interest to your children. The Crystal Palace in The Magic Kingdom gets you up close and personal with Winnie the Pooh and friends, while Play-n-Dine at Hollywood & Vine brings your favorites from Disney Channel's Little Einsteins and Jo Jo’s Circus right to your table. You can have tea with Alice in Wonderland and friends at the Wonderland Tea Party at 1900 Park Fare or a Bar-B-Que with Mickey and Friends at Fort Wilderness Camp Grounds (seasonal). Please visit the Character Dining section of our website to get information on menus, pricing, times and characters attending. Advanced Dining Reservations are strongly recommended.

Whispering Canyon Cafe

2010-07-07T07:27:00.000-07:00

Sherry K. Lowe
sherry@wdwtravels.com
888-710-2825

When my family and I travel to Walt Disney World in Florida, one of the things we look forward to the most is the dining! We always get the dining plan, no matter the length of time we are staying. Disney has so many wonderful restaurants to choose from, but one we always go back to is Whispering Canyon at the Wilderness Lodge. We discovered Whispering Canyon a little over 4 years ago when we stayed on property for the first time. We were staying at Wilderness Lodge so we made reservations at Whispering Canyon just for convenience. We had no idea it would become one of our favorite restaurants! When you arrive at Wilderness Lodge, whether you take the boat from the Magic Kingdom, drive your car, or take a Disney bus, you can’t help but be impressed by the beauty and grandeur of the resort! It is absolutely gorgeous and themed to the hilt. Finding Whispering Canyon is SO easy. Once you go in through the main entrance into the lobby, the restaurant is right there on your left. While you wait for your table, the kids can play with Lincoln logs in the waiting area, or stroll through the lobby to see the sights – fireplaces, bridge, totem poles. You can also check out the dessert tray which is always strategically placed by the hostess stand. Once you are seated, the fun really begins! They have stick pony “races” for the kids, and all the servers are great. The last time we went there, our server threw our straws on the table and told us to get them ourselves, and kept up a continuous banter with our 11 year old. If you ask your server for ketchup, they’ll yell out that you need ketchup, and everyone in the restaurant is supposed to bring their ketchup to your table. Once my husband asked for a “large” soda and they brought his drink out in a glass that must have held a half gallon or more! Our favorite thing to order is the “All you can eat Canyon Skillet”. It has Smoked Pork Ribs, Pulled Pork, Oven-roasted Chicken, Beef Brisket, Mashed Potatoes, Cowboy Beans, Corn on the Cob, Mixed Greens Salad with Apple Vinaigrette, Coleslaw, and Fresh-baked Cornbread. Everything is delicious! A few tips for Whispering Canyon … One – make advance dining reservations. You don’t want to plan to eat there and get there and find out they don’t have any openings, or that the wait for a table is 3 hours. Two – go for supper. The atmosphere is even more fun and crazy at suppertime. Three – go hungry! There is so much food offered, especially with the Canyon Skillet, that you want to be sure to get your money’s worth. Finally – ENJOY! It’s a great dining experience!

Cape May Cafe at Disney's Beach Club Resort

2010-06-29T06:57:00.000-07:00

Vicki Price
vicki@wdwtravels.com
Cape May Cafe is located inside Disney's Beach Club Resort. It offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with buffet options. Along with the rest of the Beach Club, Cape May boasts a New England design, invoking a beachside community in Nantucket. Both the interior and exterior are washed in cool colors, and the trim is always a crisp white. It makes you want to wear your white belted chino shorts, and your white canvas deck shoes!

Cape May Cafe Character Breakfast at Disney's Beach Club Resort was our first stop when we got to the resort early that morning. Goofy's Beach Bash is a character breakfast buffet that is all-you-care-to-eat.

The restaurant has a New England seaside atmosphere with colorful beach umbrellas. I thought it was a really good value, under $20 per person, and is also included on Disney's Dining Plan. You can enjoy many of your breakfast favorites, such as scrambled eggs, omelets, eggs to order, bacon, sausage, Mickey-shaped waffles, pancakes, potatoes, biscuits and gravy, French toast, seasonal fruits, pastries and breakfast bread pudding with vanilla sauce. While you are enjoying your breakfast, the characters stop at each table.

Minnie and Chip'n'Dale join Goofy in the fun. So, there's no need to rush around to get all of the autographs and photos. I love their costumes at this character dining experience! They are themed as the restaurant, and their costumes are unique to this restaurant. It makes you feel like you could join them on the beach.

Then you are ready for a day in the parks! You can make your dining reservations up to 180 days advance. Enjoy your visit to the Cape!

First-Time Visitor Tips for Walt Disney World

2010-06-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

Erin Santamaria
erin@wdwtravels.com
So, you’re planning your first trip to Walt Disney World? Congratulations! You’re about to go on your most exciting trip ever! But, you’ll need to know a few things before you go…some things that can make your Disney Vacation so much more enjoyable.

First-timers can get confused very easily. There is so much information available, it’s very easy to get overwhelmed. There are so many things to consider when planning your first trip- when to go, for how long, where to stay, etc… There are many special events you’ll want to consider (Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Epcot Food & Wine Festival and more!) throughout the year. Your personal taste will determine what time of year is best for your visit.

Know your budget and have a plan. Be prepared for expensive water and pretzels. Have an idea of where you’d like to eat and how many meals you’ll need for your party (Your travel agent can book those meals right away to ensure availability). Also, realize that even though you say you won’t buy many souvenirs, it will be hard to pass up that adorable stuffed animal or Mickey t-shirt. Prepare yourself for Disney prices before you visit.

Speaking of prices, simple items like sunscreen, batteries, diapers, etc. are available at the resorts, but you’ll pay a premium price for them. If you visit during the spring or summer, remember that you’ll be in Florida. It’s called “The Sunshine State” for a reason! Remember to pack being conscious of the weather, and you’ll avoid having to buy them once you arrive. While packing, consider taking a backpack or small bag that will fit items like an extra bottle of water, sunscreen, wallet, etc. However, your bag will be inspected at the entrance of every theme park. Choose a backpack or diaper bag that is easy to look through and doesn’t have too many compartments. Yes, they will look through every single zippered section!

Staying on Disney property will ensure that you’re able to take advantage of the free transportation to and from all theme parks, water parks and Downtown Disney, as well as the Disney Dining Plan. If you stay off property, make sure that they have a good shuttle system. One thing you will learn is that time is precious and you don’t want to spend most of your time on buses, en route to the action!

The weather can play a huge role in deciding when to visit. If you despise the heat, the summer would probably not be ideal for you. Other people don’t mind the heat and like the business of the parks. A good tip for first time visitors (and for veterans as well) is to bring ponchos! Most rides stay open while it’s raining and people will be looking for shelter. But not you! Put on a poncho from the Dollar Store and you won’t even notice! You can still enjoy the parks in the rain. In fact, the parks were built with Florida weather in mind. There is plenty of overhead shelter so leaving the park isn’t necessary…and you could even end up walking right onto some rides with no waiting!
Know the park hours and parade/show times. Your travel agent will be able to provide this for you as well as the best places to view parades and what special events are going on in the parks. Being prepared will eliminate last minute scrambling for a spot. Each park has what they call Extra Magic Hours. This allows guests staying at a WDW Resort to enter a park 1 hour early or stay 3 hours after closing on certain days. It pays for you to know which days are EMH days before you arrive. This way, you can avoid a crowd or that park for the day, if you choose. Or you can take advantage of the extra hours and enjoy more time in the parks.

Develop a strategy on how you will approach each park. To say the parks are huge is an understatement. They can be pretty overwhelming. Wear comfortable shoes! Check out the maps ahead of time and focus on one section at a time. Going back and forth between sections of the park is not only time consuming but tiring. Familiarize yourself with the Fast Pass system. This allows you to come back to a ride at a certain time and move to the front of the line…a huge time saver!

You will need time to rest and take a break from this enormous World. When the urge strikes you, sit down. There are benches everywhere. If you have young children, even if they’ve been out of your baby stroller for a while, consider renting a stroller inside each park. These strollers are hard molded plastic, and even children who are 5 or 6 (sometimes older) could benefit from a ride in the stroller. (And, it will probably save a tantrum or two when they tire out.) Use your break time to enjoy a Mickey shaped ice cream or a turkey leg. Kids and adults alike will need some rest time. Taking advantage of your resort’s amazing pools or taking a power nap will recharge you for some night time fun!

Since you’ve never been to Disney before, you may not know where to expect character sightings. Even if you have been, they can still surprise you anywhere. If you have your heart set on a photo with the characters it would be smart to have your camera ready at all times. There are also Character Meet and Greet locations in each park. These will be noted on your park maps. Encounters can be quick, and if you aren’t prepared you might miss it altogether. Cameras and autograph books should be readily available…not buried in your backpack.
The most important tip I could give would be to just soak it all in and have fun! I could write a book about all of the ways to enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World, but so many people already have! I’ll bet you already bought a Disney guide book (or 2, or 3). If not, I strongly suggest doing so. If not, you can always contact your WDWTravels agent with questions. Remember, at WDWTravels, we will customize a care package for you, with all the information you’ll need to have the most magical vacation ever. We are happy to help!
Have a MAGICAL first trip!

Disney's World of Color

2010-06-26T09:57:00.000-07:00

Terri Hawkyard

terri@wdwtravels.com

866-91DREAM

I am so excited to share with you some exciting details about Disney's...

...the newest show to premier at Disney's California Adventure Park in California.

As a Special Guest, I was invited to view the show at the World Premier along with Disney celebrities and movie and television personalities.

From the official program I received on June 10th, I've detailed

World of Color - By the Numbers

26 – Minutes of length for the show
15 – Months to transform Paradise Bay
Almost 1,200 – Powerful and programmable fountains
Nearly 1 – Acre of engineered superstucture rises out of Paradise Bay
6 – Number of dome projection screens
120 yards – Length of Paradise Bay stage (longer than a football field!)
30 ft. to 200 ft. – Range of Fountain heights (Mickey's Fun Wheel is 150 ft. tall)
18,000 – Points of control on the underwater grid
50 ft. HIGH, 380 ft. wide, 19,000 sq. ft. in all – Size of one of the world's largest projected WATER SCREENS
79,241 – Approximate number of musical notes during the show
200+ – Musicians and vocalists who perform the music for the show
36 – Firing cannons of varying sizes
12 – Cannons mounted on swivels 50 – Animators from Disney and Pixar who created the elements of the show
9-24-1961 – The date Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color first aired on TV
100,000+ – Images are featured in World of Color ~ Can you see Dory?
8 – Decades of Classic Disney music and songs included in the show
28 – High-Definition projectors, 14 of them are submersible
5 – Months it took to program the show
6 – Techinal Directors it takes to run the show
For more information about the World of Color,
including tips on the best places to view the show,
contact me:
Terri Hawkyard
Your Personal Travel Consultant ~ Disneyland Destination Specialist
Toll Free: 1-866-91DREAM
No fees for my services, ever!
WDWTravels
Turning Dreams into Vacations

Disney's Port Orleans Resort

2010-06-19T20:48:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Claybourne
jennifer@wdwtravels.com
866-308-5817

For my money, the best value in Disney is the Port Orleans resorts. This resort is actually two resorts in one, the Riverside and the French Quarter. While it is considered a moderate resort, Port Orleans has a charm that rivals Disney’s more expensive resorts.

My favorite is Port Orleans Riverside. This resort is designed with the old world charm of rural Louisiana in mind. In my opinion, this is the most romantic of the Disney resorts. The walkways along the river give the illusion of quiet and solitude, which is astounding among the hustle and bustle of Disney. Don’t get me wrong, this is a Disney resort and it is designed for families. There is a food court, the Riverside Mill, and a Cajun restaurant, Boatright’s Dining Hall. There is a cool swimming pool that never seems overcrowded. There are also all of the extras you have come to expect from Disney, like boat rentals, and there is even an ol’ fishin’ hole.

If you feel the need to visit the French Quarter, (“Beignets, anyone?”), then it is only a short walk along the riverside.
For those preferring to stay somewhere a little more upbeat, the French Quarter is for you. Inspired by the French Quarter in New Orleans, this resort is just fun. From the smooth jazz playing to the Mardi Gras inspired decorations, the French Quarter is everything you would expect from Disney.

The French Quarter has all of the amenities you would expect. The pool, Doubloon Lagoon, is particularly striking with a Sea Serpent slide. The Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory food court has many Cajun-inspired dishes, did I mention beignets (!), and some more traditional choices as well. For the adults, the Scat Cat’s club is a great place to listen to some jazz, have a drink, and relax.

Both of the Port Orleans resorts have access to the Disney Transportation system, of course. There is also a leisurely boat ride available that runs between the resorts, and on to Downtown Disney. This is my preferred method, as it is relaxing and does not take much longer. You never know what wildlife you might see!

So whether you are looking for the relaxed pace of Riverside, or the pageantry of the French Quarter, Port Orleans has a little something for everyone.

Character Meet & Greet

2010-06-15T20:12:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights for most children visiting Disney World is getting to meet their favorite characters. Disney does a great job of making these characters available at many different locations throughout the theme parks. This gives children and adults an opportunity to pose for pictures, get autographs signed, and receive that special hug from their favorite character.

There are several venues in which these opportunities are available. The Magic Kingdom has Character Location Guides scattered throughout the park which informs guests as to which characters are in which locations at certain times.
In Epcot, the Character Connection is perhaps one of the prime locations to see the characters. This is located across from Innoventions West and is an indoor meet & greet which is even more pleasant. The characters are also scattered throughout Epcot’s World Showcase. As you tour the many countries of Epcot keep your eyes open for characters wandering around for photo ops.
Over at Hollywood Studios you can find some characters, many of which gather just outside Sorcerer Mickey’s hat, which is located at the end of the main drag. Many of the characters seen here are from the more recently released animated films on the silver screen.
Animal Kingdom offers the opportunity to catch up with some characters at Camp Minnie-Mickey. This is not to say that you won’t find other characters meandering throughout Animal Kingdom.
To many children and adults alike, meeting their favorite characters is all part of the Disney experience. It is not too difficult to see character all around the Walt Disney World property. However, knowing where specific characters will be at certain times will allow you to best schedule your day. Additionally, it enables you to get that photo which will hang on your refrigerator for years to come.
Good luck & happy character hunting!

Magical Disney Refurbishments and Re-dos

2010-06-08T07:01:00.000-07:00

Stephanie Jonhston-Sprenkle

stephanie@wdwtravels.com

800-450-8039

Have you ever gone to Disney World and thought to yourself, "Wow! I remember riding Dumbo as a kid and it still looks as great today as it did then." How does Disney do it? How do they keep rides current and looking so new? Many of us take for granted the Magic that we never see at Disney World. Yes, lots of Disney's magic take place behind the scenes, when you are sleeping Tink and her helpers come out and sprinkle some pixie dust throughout the parks.

On occasion however, various attractions throughout Disney do need to close temporarily for refurbishments. While Disney tries very hard to keep as much of the maintenance magic behind the scenes, this is a necessary part of keeping the magic anew and safe for all Disney guests to enjoy. On other occasions, attractions close to make way for new and improved attractions, and these things do take time. It is always best check prior to your trip to see if there will be any refurbishments going on during your stay. The last thing you want is your prince or princess making a bee line for a much anticipated ride or show only to find it being refurbished during your stay. Disney is always looking to make your experience more magical, and this year is no exception. With two new restaurants scheduled to open in Epcot's World Showcase look to find various closures in both the Mexican Pavillion and the Italian pavillion. The Mexican pavillion will be under refurbishment to make way for a fantastic 400-seat, water-side restaurant scheduled to open in the Fall of 2010, while the pavillion in Italy will be making way for a 300-seat pizzeria inspired by the famous pizzerias of Southern Italy. Did someone say YUM??? Have any of you been missing an old favorite by the name of Captain EO? For those of you who remember this show featuring Michael Jackson and his music, it originally ran from 1986-1994. Well, it is returning! Visit Epcot's future world and you will find a refurbishment of the old Honey I Shrunk the Audience theater to make way for Captain EO's return. This will be a do-not-miss attraction for all guests! For all of the Star Wars fans, Disney has a great surprise in store for it's wildly popular Star Tours attraction. Scheduled for a massive refurb to begin this September, you can look forward to a state of the art attraction to reopen sometime in 2011. When Star Tours reopens, look for some major additions, including an all new 3-D experience that will include additions from the more recent Star Wars Movies. The Force will be with this one, that is for sure! During your stay at a fabulous Disney resort you may find that they, too do need updating from time to time. You can currently expect to see a brand new feature pool being built at Disney's Saratoga Springs. This resort is being updated with a massive 3300sf zero depth entry pool complete with a large slide and massive pool deck scheduled to be completed by Mid-2011. Don't worry if you are scheduled to be staying here, you can still relax at the current feature pool or another quiet pool during your stay. Now, we can't talk about resort refurbishments without mentioning a little project called The Art of Animation! The Art of Animation is Disney's newest resort scheduled to be built by Pop Century as a larger than life themed value resort with nearly 2000 rooms, over half of them will be made into the ever popular family suites. With the popularity of Disney's All Star Music family suites, this is a wonderful addition to the value resorts, offering larger families a great alternative to booking two rooms. This resort will feature art from these popular Disney movies: The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Lion King.

Finally, I suppose we should mention another little refurbishment scheduled for the Magic Kingdom itslef. You may have heard about this expansion when Disney held a press conference to announce it. Now if Disney is holding a press conference just to announce it, you know that I am again using the word "little" lightly! That's right, Disney has announced what it is calling the biggest overhaul in it's themepark history. The massive refurbishment of Fantasyland has begun and is scheduled to continue through 2013! Don't fret; this refurbishment will be taking part in sections, and most of your main Fantasyland attractions will remain open during this project. (Note however, a rehab is scheduled for It's a Small World from Aug 1st-Oct 22nd.) This massive project is going to include various lands themed around most of your favorite princesses, including a new Little Mermaid Ride, Beast's castle, many new restaurants and attractions, and of course even Disney's wildly popular villains will have a place here. Dumbo will find himself doubling in size in the new "Circus Grounds", taking the space currently occupied by Mickey's Toontown Fair. You will find your favorite fairies joining the party in the new Pixie Hollow and much much more. Disney is always working to make it's guests experience new and exciting ,and rehabs and refurbishments are just part of the necessity. So, the next time you visit Disney and wonder, "Wow, how do they do that? Or, when did they add that?" Remember while magic and pixie dust play a large part all that you see, it's not without lots of hard work and imagineering, that Disney keeps Walt's dream alive for us to enjoy year after year!

Disney's Main Street USA

2010-05-31T07:23:00.000-07:00

Nancy Bressler

nancy@wdwtravels.com

484-706-3788

As you’re running to your favorite attraction in the Magic Kingdom, have you ever stopped to wonder what magic Main Street USA holds? Is it an attraction like Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Space Mountain?
Technically, no. Main Street USA doesn’t move and thus, typically becomes an afterthought in tourist’s vacation plans. Yet, those that have experienced it best know that Main Street USA can hold some wonderful Disney surprises as well.
For instance, the entire street is actually only 4 buildings. Each one is designed to look like a separate structure, but it is actually only those four. As a result, tourists can stroll in between stores without ever having to go outside. And there are plenty of stores here to satisfy a shopper’s desire to find the perfect souvenir or gift. The best place to shop is on Main Street’s front corner at the Emporium. This is a HUGE place, so be sure NOT to separate inside the store. This shop is certain to have the souvenir you seek; if not, they can order it. If you have something particular in mind, when you first enter the store, ask a cast member to direct you. This shop will have everything from toys to costumes, t-shirts to caps, snow globes to mugs, pencils, autograph books, pens....you get the picture. Another favorite store of mine is the Crystal Arts. The glass figurines feature your favorite Disney characters and a variety of other designs. The store also has glass blowers doing demonstrations during certain times of the day.

And Main Street can be more than just shopping for souvenirs; it can also be about finding the perfect sweet treat. Main Street has an ice cream parlor, which features a Mickey Mouse cone with chocolate ears. With a variety of desserts, cookies, and sweets, the Main Street Bakery is the perfect place to satisfy a shopper’s sweet tooth. Here, you'll find both freshly baked goodies, as well as packaged candies and treats.

So like most of Disney World, you want to experience Main Street USA with fewer crowds and less waits to check-out, right? The majority of people head here as they are leaving the parks at the end of the day or waiting for the fireworks to begin. At closing time, the shops extend their hours to maximize the time that guests spend shopping there. Instead, I always recommend building a break into a day of touring the Magic Kingdom. Taking some time off in the afternoon, to swim at the resort pool or rest in your room, can rejuvenate your family for more activities at night. When you return in the evening and re-enter the theme park, spend some time exploring Main Street USA. The afternoon parade crowds will have departed and the nighttime fireworks crowds won’t have gathered yet.
The stores will be somewhat quieter for you to explore and locate the best souvenir, gift, or sweet treat. As a result, on your next trip to the Magic Kingdom, remember that while Main Street may not move as fast as Space Mountain, it does hold its own unique charm to discover. It can be a shopper’s paradise where you can indulge in the perfect sweet or discover the perfect memory.

Maximizing Disney's FastPass

2010-05-28T12:08:00.000-07:00

Aubrey Cooper
Aubrey@wdwtravels.com
866-324-0382

Disney’s FastPass system is easily one of my favorite features in the theme parks. I remember that when it debuted in 1999, I was amazed that Disney would let their guests get away with “not standing in line!” Even though I was quite young (a teenager), I immediately recognized that this was a big deal in terms of the way we toured the parks.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the FastPass (FP) system, the simplest breakdown is this: In an effort to alleviate long lines at certain popular attractions, Disney created the FP, which allows guests to come to an attraction at a designated time and enter with very little – sometimes no – wait. Here are some tips to help you use FP:
1. MAKE A PLAN: You are probably not going to be able to utilize a FP on all of the attractions for which it is offered (especially in the Magic Kingdom!). Go through your park map before you get there and determine which attractions are “do or die.” This will mean either using the Stand-By Line for some attractions or coming back a second day to do some attractions. Making this decision beforehand will reduce disappointment and frustration in your group.
2. GET TO THE PARKS EARLY: There is a set amount of FP distributed for each attraction in a day. For some headliners, if you do not get a FP within the first few hours that the park is open, you will be relegated to the Stand-By Line (I’m talking to YOU Toy Story Midway Mania!!!!)
3. IF POSSIBLE, HAVE A RUNNER: If your group has a reliable teenager or otherwise energetic person, sent THAT person to get a FP for everyone. It is more efficient for one person to navigate crowds than a whole group, and it allows the others in the party to take a breather (i.e. restroom break, quick shopping, grab a snack, etc…) as they work their way to the next attraction or meeting spot. I have been the designated runner since I was a teenager, and this definitely helps in my family.
4. BE AWARE OF THE TIMES!: This tip is two-fold. First of all, look at the Stand-By Line. If the wait is 25 minutes or less, you should just get in line and save your FP for another attraction. Secondly, be aware of the return time—especially if you are park hopping later or have Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs). If the return time is 6:30pm and you have ADRs at a resort for 7pm, you are NOT going to make it!

***Spread the magic***
If you have a FP for later, but realize you’ll be unable to use it, for whatever reason, give them away to unsuspecting strangers! This way the FP is not wasted AND you’ve spread a bit of pixie dust to another family.

I really wanted to share specific directions, an itinerary even, for making the most out of your FP—which ones to get, when, and in what order—but it really all boils down to what YOUR family’s favorite attractions are. That being said, I’ll tell you with a few thoughts on individual attractions and some of my personal strategies.
In the Magic Kingdom
-- FP for Space Mountain run out early. If you want to ride, get this FP first.
--If your child wants to ride The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh or Peter Pan’s Flight, you have only 3 options that will keep your sanity: 1.Be there at park opening. 2. Get a FP. 3. Ride during a parade/fireworks. Otherwise you will be left in a LOOOOONNNNGGGG line for a short (although adorable) ride.
--If I have to choose between a FP for Splash Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, I’m going to choose BTMR every time. The queue for Splash Mountain is much more interesting, and it is much cooler temperature while you wait in line. Also, although the logs seat few people, they load very quickly, making for a constantly moving line (for me, a moving line makes me feel like I’m not waiting long).
--I never waste a FP on Mickey’s Philharmagic*. The theater seats several hundred people at a time, so even when a line looks long you generally only have to wait for the next show. If worse comes to worse, you can literally walk into the attraction directly after the fireworks.
*It should be noted that I avoid the Magic Kingdom like the plague on high capacity days, so I might rethink the FP on those days.
In Epcot
--If you want a FP for Soarin’, get it early. However, I must interject that because of the slow-loading nature of this attraction, even with a FP I waited nearly 30 minutes to ride. In my opinion, if the wait is 45 minutes or less I would rather go through the Stand-By Line because it has some very cool interactive games along the way to keep guests entertained while they wait.
--Test Track and Mission: Space are about even when it come to running out of FP during the day. Base your decision on what your group wants to ride and check the Wait Times Boards in Future World to check out Stand-By times.
In Hollywood Studios
--Toy Story Midway Mania: get there early, or don’t get a FP. My husband and I could never get to the Studios early enough for a FP on this attraction, thusly dooming us to a 1+ hour wait in the Stand-By Line (totally worth it though; this attraction is awesome!).
--Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster vs. Tower of Terror: I always get a FP for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and go through the Stand-By for Tower of Terror. Similar to the BTMR vs. Splash, this decision boils down to the fact that the Tower or Terror loads much more quickly than the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
In Animal Kingdom
--Arrive early! Get a FP for Expedition Everest, then go straight to the Kilimanjaro Safari. Being early has two benefits: you’ll beat the crowds and you’ll see more animals on the safari, as they tend to be more alert in the cooler mornings.
--On hot days FP for Kali River Rapids will run out quickly.

Walt Disney World Resort Amenity Value

2010-05-18T07:15:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like staying at a Walt Disney Resort to make your vacation that much more magical. What’s the allure of staying onsite if you hardly plan to be in your room or on the resort property? Why spend the extra money on a beautiful room when all you plan to do is play in the parks?

1. Disney Transportation
Disney transportation is free to guests staying onsite. The first time I ever went to Disney World my family and I stayed off property. The off property site advertised being only 1 mile from the main gate. Plus, they provided FREE transportation to the parks! When we arrive though, we found that Disney property is approximately twice the square miles of Manhattan and Magic Kingdom is about a 20 minute drive from the main gate. Not only that, but that transportation only took you to a hub and then you had to travel to each respective park, almost doubling travel time. Also, the transportation didn’t run all day, and was spotty at best. We were sorely disappointed. Disney runs busses, boats and monorail direct from your Disney resort strait to the gates of each park! The busses run frequently and have long hours and usually you never have to wait more than 15 minutes. This is definitely a reason to stay on property.

2. The Magic
There is nothing like staying on property than enjoying the Disney magic 24/7! This is not a touchable or definable amenity, but more of a feeling. It allows you to extend your stay from the parks into your room. This includes 24 hour park tv in the room and whimsical décor in some resorts. The other more refined Disney resorts place you in the middle of a wonderful theme, like South Pacific Islands or a New England Boardwalk. The thought and detail of your day in the park continues on to your relaxing night.

3. The Pool
Every Disney resort has themed pools, some with wonderful elaborate slides. Even if you plan to be in the park all day, a nighttime swim or early morning pick- me- up has some allure. The magic can continue even if you are only taking it in for an hour in the afternoon before your nap.

4. Food Courts
All Disney resorts have food courts where you can pick up a snack or a full meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The food is affordable and delicious! When better to snag yourself a tie dye cheesecake then at your stay at Disney’s Pop Century Resort. Also, don’t forget the refillable mugs you can purchase at any resort and refill at any time of day unlimited. I like to fill up on Gold Peak sweet tea in the morning before heading off to the park and at night after a full day of fun!

Disney resorts are convenient and filled with magic even if you only plan to be there to sleep. Any complete visit to Disney World is not complete unless you fill your days with magic 24/7!

All Current Promotions

2010-05-12T07:22:00.000-07:00

It’s baaaaack! It’s the promotion we all love the most…FREE DINING! One of the most popular promotions Walt Disney World throws our way, the FREE DINING promotion is one of the most valuable to travelers. Here’s the way it works…

When you purchase a 5-night, 6-day package that includes accommodations for five nights at a select Disney Moderate Resort and a 6-day Magic Your Way Base Ticket, you’ll get the Disney Dining Plan free.
Another option is that you can purchase a 5-night, 6-day Magic Your Way Package with accommodations at a select Disney Value Resort, and get a free Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan.
Disney offers a long booking window for this promotion. You can book all the way up to August 14! This offer is good for stays most nights August 15 – October 2, 2010.
Still not convinced? Well, here are some sample pricing so that you can see it in terms of dollars and sense!
$1,843 for a family of four, staying in a standard room at a select Disney Moderate Resort. That’s like paying $77 per person, per day!
$1,440 for a family of four, staying in a standard room at a select Disney Value Resort. That’s like paying $60 per person, per day!

What? You want to go to Disneyland? There’s a promotion for you, too! Disneyland is offering two more nights free when you buy a three night package! Here’s how this promotion works:
When you buy a 3-night Disneyland® Resort vacation package that includes a 3-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper® souvenir ticket, you can get two more days and nights free.
This offer can be booked from now through September 1, 2010. This offer is available for arrivals May 1 – Sept. 26, 2010. Travel on this offer must be completed by Oct. 1, 2010. Ask your travel agent for a list of the Good Neighbor hotels. This is a great offer!

So, maybe these land destinations aren’t your cup of tea. Well, Disney Cruise Lines has an offer for you that will help you go to a country far, far away. There are two departure dates left on this Disney Cruise Line promotion. Here are the details:
Kids ages 17 and under can sail free on select Northern European cruises departing June 12 and June 24, 2010, when traveling with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom. This offer applies to stateroom Categories 8-11. Government Taxes and Fees not included.
June 12, 2010 (itinerary includes Helsinki, Finland)
June 24, 2010 (itinerary includes Tallinn, Estonia)

A few final details are these: you’ll receive a $25 onboard credit when you book this package, and verification of age is required within 48 hours of booking for children who will be 17 years old by the sail date. A deposit is not required and cancellation fees are not assessed for kids with this offer.

If you would like to take advantage of any of these great promotions, please don’t hesitate…call or email now!

Kathy Harris

KathyH@wdwtravels.com

888-439-4518

Still not convinced that Disney has just the right vacation promotion for you? Are you looking for something a little more…fantastic? Well, here is the ultimate in Disney vacations. This vacation is a combo between Adventures By Disney, and Disney Cruise Lines. You will receive a $300 discount off of a regular rate, PER PERSON, on any Adventures By Disney 2010 season departure, when it is booked within 14 calendar days after disembarkation from a qualified Disney Cruise Line package. The Adventures By Disney vacation must commence prior to April 26, 2011. WOW! What a way to take an Adventures by Disney vacation! This is a great way to introduce your family to a great new Disney vacation experience.

FREE DINING IS OUT!!!!

2010-05-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

Are you hungry for some fun? At this affordable price, you can enjoy meals included for every night of your visit!

What a delicious way to enjoy your Walt Disney World® Resort vacation.
Offer Details:
When you purchase a 5-night, 6-day Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes accommodations for five nights at a select Disney Moderate Resort and a 6-day Magic Your Way Base Ticket,
you’ll get the Disney Dining Plan free**.
Clients who purchase a 5-night, 6-day Magic Your Way Package with accommodations at a select
Disney Value Resort get a free Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan.
Booking and Travel Window:
Booking Window: May 3 – Aug. 14, 2010

Travel Window: Valid for stays most nights Aug. 15 – Oct. 2, 2010
Sample Pricing:

$1,843 for a family of four*, staying in a standard room at a select Disney Moderate Resort. That’s like paying $77 per person, per day!

$1,440 for a family of four*, staying in a standard room at a select Disney Value Resort. That’s like paying $60 per person, per day!

Ask about packages for other lengths of stay and accommodations at other select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels.

Contact WDWTravels

Kids' Clubs on Disney Cruise Line

2010-04-29T13:14:00.000-07:00

The Disney Cruise Line is known for its on-board entertainment for children. Kids of all ages and stages can participate in either of the ship’s kid clubs. Siblings are welcome to stay together or separate if they choose. The staff really looks out for the younger ones and is careful to direct them to age-appropriate activities. One bonus they mentioned is that their children (ages 3 and 8) are no longer separated, which helped to alleviate some anxiety in the younger child. The Disney Cruise Line is also introducing some new children's activities. One of the most popular is Cinderella's Royal Ball. Children get to meet Cinderella as she explains to them how to be a prince or princess.

The new Animal Tracking Series was developed by a veterinarian and conservationist from Disney's Animal Kingdom. While on the ship, children create a tracking device to use in an animal hunt while docked at Castaway Cay.

New wristbands have also been developed as a method of signing the kids in and out of the clubs. They are worn for the duration of the cruise and are equipped with RFID(radio frequency ID) to store the child's info and register them into the kids' clubs. They can even be worn in the pools. You all know the cruise commercials, right? The kids telling the parents they already have their own plans and the parents should go and find something to do without them. I am the mother of a child with separation anxiety issues. To say that I am overprotective is an understatement. This was our first cruise. We had always spent our vacations together doing activities together as a family, so I hadn't really put much thought into the children's programs onboard. Then, friends of ours came back from their Disney cruise, and their kids told my son about all of the fun things they did. After that my son started asking me if he was going to do all of those things. We were only onboard for five minutes when my kids started asking when we could go check out the kids clubs! Once the muster drill was over, we headed up to check it out. I was amazed with all of the space Disney has dedicated to the children's program. The kids clubs occupy a large portion of an entire deck. My youngest son has some issues with separation anxiety as well as being extremely shy. I was shocked that he was willing (and happy!) to join his siblings at the club and enjoyed every minute of it. Disney's Oceaneer Club was originally intended for ages 5-7. We walked into the club and I was very impressed. Disney's attention to detail was obvious everywhere you looked. There are definite security measures in place, but are so well disguised everyone feels very comfortable. Each child is given a name badge and bar coded bracelet that's linked to all of their information, including a private password that you select. Each parent is given a beeper so they can be in touch at all times. There were smiling cast member faces everywhere we looked. They all seemed more than happy to meet the new kids and make them feel comfortable. The cast members come from all over the world and even as the end of the cruise neared, all seemed to still be having fun.

The Oceaneer's Club looked like it came right from Neverland complete with Captain Hook's ship. There is a wonderful dress up station where kids can become Peter Pan or Cinderella (and more!), a bunch of interactive computer stations, and tons of room to play.The first day on board was available for parents and children to roam around and check out the facilities. We decided to look at the separate club geared for children age 8 - 12. It’s called Oceaneer's Lab, and that's a wonderful name for it. There was a computer lab, a science lab, and my son's favorite... the giant Playstation. There were game controllers that looked like they belonged to a giant. Disney thought of everything on this ship. They also created a special club just for teens age 13 to 17 called The Stack. Its set up as a New York-style coffee house complete with music, games and large-screen TV, even an Internet Cafe. They offer organized activities each day, including pizza and pool parties, 2 on 2 basketball, volleyball, and scavenger hunts. They even get to invade the Oceaneer's Lab! My kids couldn't wait for things to start the next day. After breakfast, they were ready to go! I spent most of the day wondering if my beeper was working, since I never received a message telling me to come pick him up. I even made a couple of passes by the club just to peek in. He did lots of fun things such as a treasure hunt complete with Captain Hook, and a photo session with Mickey that included their own photo and handmade frame. He was having so much fun that he did not want to leave for dinner!

The day we spent at Castaway Cay was equally special. We checked out the kids club on the island and it looked like a huge sandbox with all the trimmings. My daughter wanted to spend most of the day swimming and since the kids club was not near the water she chose to stay with us. Ok... so at first I wasn't crazy about the idea of my kids spending our cruise doing stuff away from us, but they did have so much fun and my husband and I found we enjoyed our private time together as well. We will have memories for a lifetime of our magical Disney cruise. If you are considering a Disney cruise, I’d love to help you plan and prepare for the greatest family vacation you will ever take!

Kris Bravate
kris@wdwtravels.com

Princess for a Day!

2010-04-29T11:32:00.000-07:00

PRINCESS FOR A DAY!
What is more exciting for a little girl than to be one of their favorite princesses for a day? Disney has just the place for that and it is called…..The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique!

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a beauty salon where little girls are magically transformed into little princesses. There are two locations in Disney World to become a princess. The first is in the World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney, and the other is at Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom Park (theme park admission is required).

Going to Disney Land? No problem; there is a location there, too! Located in Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is a special beauty salon, also called Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, for your princess to be transformed from head to toe. They offer the same packages as the Disney World locations, but the prices for the packages are slightly different, from $44.95-$205.85 plus tax.

The Boutiques are owned by the Fairy Godmother and operated by Fairy Godmothers-in-training. Girls 3 years and older can choose from three different hair styles…Fairytale Princess, Disney Diva or Pop Princess.
There are three packages to choose from:

The Coach Package- includes hairstyle and shimmering makeup; this package starts at $49.95 plus tax.

The Crown Package-includes hairstyle, shimmering makeup and polished nails; this package starts at $54.95 plus tax.

The Castle Package-includes everything in the Crown Package plus an imaging package and complete princess costume and accessories of her choice; this package starts at $189.95 plus tax.
*The imaging package includes one 6x8 photo and four 4x6 photos in a princess-themed holder*

There is also a “New” Disney Secret Star Makeover where girls 3 years and older can be their own star, just like Hanna Montana!

Let’s not forget the Boys 3 years and older! Disney has a package for them, too!
The Cool Dudes Package-includes colorful hair gel and confetti for only $7.50 plus tax.

Reservations are strongly recommended and held with a Credit Card. You should arrive for your appointment at least 15 minutes in advance and plan to be there between 30-60 minutes, depending on which package you choose.

If you choose the Coach or Crown package the Fairy Godmother-in-Training will escort your favorite girl to her chair and magically transform her hair and makeup. She won’t believe her eyes when the transformation is complete! If you decide to go all out and do the Castle Package, your favorite girl will be transformed into her favorite princess. She will start out by choosing her own princess dress and accessories. Then, she will be whisked off to dress in her new her attire. Afterwards, her Fairy Godmother-in-Training can get started styling her hair, putting on her shimmering makeup and polishing her pretty nails, with great detail! When she is finished, her Fairy Godmother-in-Training will have her close her eyes and make a wish. With a magic wand in hand, she will sprinkle lots of glitter, (can never have enough of that,) and say; “May all your dreams come true”. She will turn her around in the chair to look in the mirror and see what a beautiful princess she has become. It all ends with an exciting photo shoot along with some awesome keepsake photos. I had the pleasure of treating my twin daughters to the Castle package this year for their 5th birthday, they loved it and it brought tears to my eyes to see how excited they were to be a PRINCESS FOR A DAY!

Baby Care Centers

2010-04-12T09:44:00.000-07:00

Anyone traveling to Walt Disney World with young children should become familiar with the Baby Care Centers in each park. Whether your child is a newborn of 2 or 3 months or a toddler of 2 or 3 years, these facilities can make your vacation life easier.

Each of the four Disney Theme Parks has a Baby Care Center. These centers are designed to give mothers and their families a clean, quiet, comfortable place to retreat to take care of the littlest member of the family. Each BBC has about six large tables for changing diapers. They are lined with a large, clean sheet of paper. The tables are cleaned throughout the day as well. They are much easier to work on than the pull-down changing tables one finds in restrooms.

Each BABY CARE CENTER location has a kitchen area where bottles can be prepared, and they offer bottled water free of charge for mixing formula. You will find high chairs to feed your toddler too. If you have forgotten some supplies, you can purchase some baby basics such as diapers, wipes, formula, jarred baby food, infant medicines, pacifiers, onesies, bibs, and more. Each location is different, but basic needs will be covered.

If you are breast feeding your baby, you will appreciate the quiet and comfort of the nursing rooms. Each Baby Care Center has one. The room is closed off from the rest of the Baby Care Center. It is homey and welcoming. The room has several rocking chairs in which to relax and feed your baby.

And what is the rest of the family to do while you tend to Junior? The Baby Care Center has an area with toys and games for the kids to play while they wait. There is a TV showing Disney cartoons too.
Here is where you can find each of the Baby Care Centers at the Walt Disney World Resort:

Magic Kingdom® Park:
The Baby Care Center is next to The Crystal Palace restaurant on Main Street, U.S.A.

EPCOT:
The Baby Care Center is inside Future World's Odyssey Center.

Disney's Hollywood Studios™:
The Baby Care Center is in the Guest Services Building inside the Main Entrance.

Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park:
The Baby Care Center is behind Creature Comforts in Discovery Island™.

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park:
There is no baby Care Center, but the restrooms do have baby changing stations.

Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park:
There is no baby Care Center, but the restrooms do have baby changing stations.

Downtown Disney® area:
There is no Baby Care Center, but the restrooms do have baby changing stations.

The Best of a Bad Situation

2010-04-11T13:24:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Claybourne
jennifer@wdwtravels.com
866-308-5817

I am on my third day of my seven (really, six) day cruise aboard the Disney Magic and it finally feels like everyone is starting to relax into “cruise mode.” Our adventure getting aboard the cruise was anything but relaxing, but considering the situation, I find it hard to find fault with Disney.
Saturday began like any other day of getting onto a cruise, until we were told that the Magic was stuck in the Bahamas and would not be arriving anytime soon. It seems that a medical emergency prevented the ship from leaving Castaway Cay on time, and by the time the ship was ready to depart, the weather had taken a turn for the worst. High winds prevented the ship from leaving port and sent the plans of around five-thousand people into disarray.
For our part, Disney promptly sent everyone to Epcot at Walt Disney World where a pavilion was set up to try to coordinate everything. Many people had to be shuttled by Disney, because they arrived by airplane or had already returned rental cars. Snacks and entertainment were provided in an attempt to make everyone as comfortable as possible. When it became clear that the ship would not be arriving on Saturday, accommodations for about 2,500 people had to be found.
Nearly everyone was placed in an area resort (Disney was almost booked full), and attention was turned to getting everyone onto the ship the next day. This was not as easy as it sounds since the Magic’s sister ship, the Wonder, would also be there on Sunday preparing to receive its passengers. An alternate dock was found, and everyone was transported to the new location.
Once we arrived at the new dock, we went through security and were given our room key. Finally, we set foot on the boat and got to our rooms. Somehow, Disney managed to weather the logistical nightmare and get everyone onboard, albeit a day late.
This is not to say that there were not many frustrating moments and problems to overcome for those of us without a ship. My biggest was the piece of luggage with all of my clothing that my shuttle driver dumped on the street because he forgot to latch the trailer. It was eventually found and made it aboard the ship. Overall though, I think Disney did a good job of making the best of a bad situation.
Well, it has now been a couple of months since the cruise, and I thought I would give you an update. Disney did refund a portion of the cruise. It does not make up for the frustration of standing in long lines and missing out on St. Maarten, but it is something. I still feel that Disney did all they could, and am looking forward to sailing on the Dream next year.

Dining in Walt Disney World: Explaining the Dining Plans

2010-04-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend

2010-03-31T08:54:00.000-07:00

Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend is a magical event designed for women of all ages. The weekend's events focus on the attributes every princess posses: commitment, courage, determination, fantasy, perseverance, and strength.

This year the beneficiary was the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We went there to support Team Kendall. She is the sweet daughter of one of the WDWtravels manager that's winning her battle with ALL Leukemia.

The weekend begins with Disney's Fit for a Princess Expo. It's located at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.The event includes seminars, opportunities to experience the latest in running and fitness equipment, and race packet pick up.

There are several races for every age and fitness level. This year they had Disney The Princess and The Frog Royal Family 5K, Disney's Royal Family Kids' Races, and Disney's Princess Half Marathon.

Disney's Royal Family Kids' Races are for kids 13 and under. Kids can do a 1-mile run, 400m dash, 200m dash, 100m dash, or the Diaper Dash for crawlers.

Disney's The Princess and The Frog Royal Family 5K is the event the whole family can participate in. You get to discover all eleven nations of World Showcase before you finish outside of Epcot. There's even a stroller division! Sign up early for next year before it's full.

Disney's Princess Half Marathon start takes place just outside of the Epcot parking lot. Then runners and walkers proceed towards the Magic Kingdom Park. Along the route are friends and family members cheering you on. They have so many volunteers helping you at the beverage and food stations. Along the route you start seeing runners posing with characters for photos. Mickey and Minnie were behind Cinderella Castle. When you enter the Magic Kingdom Park, you will pass through Tomorrowland, Cinderella Castle, and Frontierland. Then you proceed down World Drive to make the return to Epcot. Participants go through Future World and past Spaceship Earth on their way to the finish line.

This was my first half marathon. Disney put the magic and special touches to this event like all of their other events. I will be there next year! Save the Date! March 4-6, 2011

Picture This!

2010-03-07T19:22:00.000-08:00

Jeri Hall

jeri@wdwtravels.com

1-800-423-0796

PICTURE THIS!

This article is for all you moms out there who are the picture TAKERS on your family vacations. You know who you are...the ones who would much rather be behind the camera than in front of it, the ones who dodge the camera, the ones who shove taller people in front of you in photos. I know who you are because I am one of you. I know that feeling of dread when someone takes out the camera or camcorder. I know that feeling of dread when the family vacation rolls around and knowing you are expected to be in those photos.

I am calling on all of you (myself included) to change your ways. Let me tell you why. What I know to be true about our family vacation pictures is that you can tell how I felt about myself physically based on how many photos I am in during any particular vacation. As our oldest child prepares to leave home in the next year or so, I sadly realize how few pictures I am in with her, our other kids, or my husband simply because I did not like the way I looked. I think this is true for most women whether they think they are too heavy, they had a bad hair day, they don't like the way their outfit looks on them (and on and on and on....)...I now so regret how few pictures over the years I am in. The reality is that no matter what I thought to be true in the years where I am not in the photos, the reality is exactly the opposite. As women, we are much harder on ourselves than anyone else is.

I literally have thousands of photos of my family at Disney World over the years. Truthfully, there are probably no more than 100 of them with me in them. That spans 23 vacations over the past 16+ years. It is actually very sad and embarrasing when I actually see it in print. I can't tell you how many times my kids or husband have begged me to be in a photo with them and I simply say no. Why? Because I hate to be photographed. It's ridiculous really. I am not wanted by the FBI and I am not so grotesque that I would break the camera. But even if I were, I should still want to be in those pictures with my family. But I don't. I am afraid of looking like a dork, or fat, or a million other things that are utterly stupid. I know I am not the only one. I know there are those of you who are reading this and going "That is totally me".
What is wrong with us as women? Our kids certianly don't see those things that we think we see when we see a picture of ourself. They simply see their mom. The one who makes them cookies, who cheers them on at their ballgames or recitals, and who tucks them in at night. They just want to be in the picture with their mom. And what about our husbands? I am certain they don't see what we think we see either. They see the woman they fell in love with and married. Their partner in life and the mother of their children. What they want are FAMILY pictures to remember those wonderful moments in life. That means everyone in the photo.
So what brought me to this big epiphany? A few big moments in life, I guess. As I said before, our oldest is only a little over a year away from leaving home. Where have all these years gone and how did they go by so quickly? Turning 40 this year probably plays into it as well. As we age and especially as our kids hit their teenage years, I think we all become more aware of our own mortality. If something were to happen to me, what tangible memories will I have left behind for my children or husband? As you can tell, it certianly wouldn't include many photographs. Photographs and video images have the ability to take a memory and bring it to life. It can take you right back to that very moment in time no matter how many years ago it was. A memory in your head, no matter how bad you don't want it to, will eventually fade.

Geez, so that sounds like kind of a downer. But that is not my intention. I hope just the opposite happens! I want us moms to get excited about being in those vacation photos. Not only do I want you to get excited about it, I want you to actually DO it. Have fun in those photos and remember why you are doing it. For those very few vacation photos I am in with my family, they are some of my favorites. They chronicle the growth of my kids and of us as a family. They will forever be around.

There is a great service that Disney provides called PhotoPass – this is a great way to make sure mom is included in the family pictures!! :)

Disney’s PhotoPass presents Walt Disney World guests with a way to capture treasured moments. Using professional digital equipment, photographers take photos of guests throughout the theme parks. Instead of receiving a paper claim ticket, guests receive a Disney PhotoPass that links all of their vacation photos together into one online account for easy online viewing and sharing. Guests can use one PhotoPass for their entire vacation or get a new PhotoPass each time they take a photo.

MouseSavers.com readers report that the quality of PhotoPass shots is highly variable, since some of the photographers are better than others. Occasionally there is a glitch and photos are lost by the system (or the photography equipment fails). So if it is really important to get an excellent shot of a particular event or experience, be sure to take your own photos, too!

Although Disney’s PhotoPass replaces the old photo system at Walt Disney World Resort, guests are still able to view and buy their vacation photos at Disney Photo Centers throughout property.

Better yet, instead of having to wait in line at a Photo Center for their photos, guests can view, share and order their photos online at DisneyPhotoPass.com. At DisneyPhotoPass.com, guests can also add decorative borders and other Disney-themed elements to their pictures. There is no charge for obtaining a PhotoPass or viewing or sharing your photos online. The cost of ordering prints from DisneyPhotoPass.com is similar to the cost of buying the same photo at a Disney Photo Center.

Be aware that the photos are taken off the web site exactly 30 days after they are taken, so don't wait too long!

You can purchase all of your PhotoPass photos on one CD. The CD grants you a copyright release so that you can print the photos yourself. It can be purchased at three Walt Disney World locations: Camera Center at Epcot, M. Mouse Mercantile at Grand Floridian and Toontown in the Magic Kingdom

To Reserve or not to Reserve at 180 days

2010-03-05T05:22:00.000-08:00

Laure Simms
laure@wdwtravels.com
1-888-214-6954

To Reserve or not to Reserve at 180 days

I will admit it I am a last minute kind of girl. I usually wait until the last minute to do everything, but not when it comes to making dining reservations at Walt Disney World.

I usually start to plan my vacations to Disney as soon as get home from a vacation. I begin dreaming of when I will return to the world I love so much. Disney allows guests to begin making reservations for dining experiences at 180 days from the vacation start. You may think to yourself I don’t know what I want for lunch today so how will I know where I will want to eat six months from now. I can tell you that there are many people out there, the die hard Disney fans who will be up at 6am Eastern time and on the phone to make those reservations. With the invention of the dining plan the days of walking up to a restaurant in a park is nearly impossible. I found this out first hand on Feb 13th when we had an unexpected visit to Epcot. We walked around World Showcase and checked with several restaurants; none had availability for lunch. I can’t say that you will never be able to walk up and get a table because it does happen but not too often. It may be possible during the slow times of year but if you go in the Summer, holiday seasons or during a period when “Free dining” is offered don’t expect to find any reservations available. Do you have to be up a 6am 180 days out to get reservations, no, but it will increase the chances you will get to eat at the restaurants you like at the times you prefer.

I like the fact that Disney allows you to make reservations far in advance because that is one less thing you have to worry about the week of the trip when you are trying to tie up loose ends.

If you are unsure about planning a trip to Disneyworld or Disneyland consult a travel agent like myself who specializes in Disney. I am here to guide you in the direction you want to go and to make your trip worry free. So call me to begin booking your Disney dream vacation and leave the dining reservations to me.

Disneyland Part 1

2010-02-28T08:21:00.000-08:00

Disneyland

How it all began ~ Part 1

As I prepared to write this piece I took time to research the initial idea of Disneyland, the plans and preparation that took place before it's opening on July 17, 1955 and the plans and preparations that still take place causing the Disneyland Resort to be a magical vacation destination for millions of visitors each year. I look forward to sharing with you what I've learned in my research and my 15+ visits to Disneyland.

Terri Hawkyard

Personal Travel Consultant

Let me help you plan a magical trip to Disneyland!

Toll Free 1-866-91-DREAM

Terri@WDWTravels.com

No fees for my services, ever!!!

'To all who come to this happy place, Welcome...'

-Walt Disney

(Welcome speech-Opening Day-July 17, 1955)

Disneyland was originally created from an idea that Walt had while spending time with his daughters each Sunday. He would watch his girls whirling on a beautiful carousel at a local park and imagine a place where children and their parents could enjoy a safe, clean entertaining experience together. He considered creating an amusement park adjoining his studio in Burbank with a train running around on a track around the park, a river, and a little Western street. Research was the key to Walt's success. He spent a lot time visiting other amusement parks around the country to learn about them-what worked and what didn't. He spoke to children to ask them what they liked? Walt met with his designers. Ideas were discussed, plans were drawn up and soon Walt realized that the land near the studio was not large enough to contain all of the dreams had for a family amusement park. He knew he needed a major piece of land since his research had helped to decide that his park wasn't going to be tiny. It was going to be big! More research; freeways, population growth, temperature differences. Ten possible sites were considered, three were preferred. In 1954, more than 160 acres covered in orange groves, was purchased in the sleepy town of Anaheim, California.

Building Walt's dream, Disneyland, continued to grow.

To be continued...

The Magic Kingdom’s History

2010-02-22T05:45:00.000-08:00

by Erin Santamaria
Erin@wdwtravels.com
toll free 877-377-0505

The Magic Kingdom - Everyone knows what it is. It’s THE theme park at Walt Disney World…the original park…the first one built. It’s “The Most Magical Place On Earth” for children and adults alike. But have you ever wondered about the history of the Magic Kingdom? If you’re anything like me, you would find it interesting to know some of the ins and outs of the park.

Walt Disney worked for many years on “The Florida Project”. Wanting to build a park bigger and better than Disneyland, he focused on how he could improve on its design. Building underground tunnels (utlidors) was the most important improvement to Disney. Unlike Disneyland, cast members could use the utilidors to walk freely and get around the park…unseen by the guests. Disney felt it ruined the “illusion” for guests to see such things as garbage collection, food delivery and costumed cast members cutting through the different lands of the park. Because of Florida’s high water table, the utilidors could not be built underground as planned(every hold dug filled with water). They had to be on ground level, forcing them to build the Magic Kingdom on the second story. That’s right, the Magic Kingdom is “upstairs”!

I have taken a tour of the Magic Kingdom where guests were allowed guided access to parts of these tunnels. Aside from food delivery and garbage collection, there are also many offices and cafeterias underground. You would be surprised to know just how much action is going on down there during the course of the day.

Sadly, Walt Disney did not live to see the completion of his project. He did not see the opening of the Magic Kingdom, as well as the Contemporary Resort and the Polynesian Resort (collective known as Walt Disney World), in 1971. With twenty-three attractions and six themed lands on opening day, the Magic Kingdom has more than doubled it attractions and now has 7 themed lands. Shaped like a bicycle wheel with the center right in front of Cinderella’s Castle, the pathways to these lands branch out like spokes across 107 acres.

To say there was much attention to detail in designing the Magic Kingdom would be the biggest understatement I could make. It’s amazing how truly different each and every land is from the other. It was Disney’s intention to take guests to another world upon entering each one.

Main Street USA was inspired by Walt Disney’s childhood and has an early 20th century America décor. Walking down Main Street is very symbolic to guests as this is the first glimpse many get of Cinderella’s Castle, which is at the very end of Main Street.

Adventureland is themed after the jungles of Asia, the Middle East, South America and the South Pacific. It is the home of Pirates of the Caribbean, many people’s favorite attraction in WDW.

Frontierland is very much like the Wild West. It’s home to cowboys, Indians, Goofy in a cowboy hat and spurs…
Liberty Square is meant to resemble colonial America. Here is where you’d find the very popular Haunted Mansion attraction, a replica of the Liberty Bell and Liberty Tree.

Being in Fantasyland is like being at a medieval carnival. The entrance to this land is through the castle. This is where the attractions are based on such Disney Classic movies as Snow White, Peter Pan and Dumbo (among many others). Fantasyland is a child’s dream come true (and mine, although I’m just a tiny bit older than a child). In late 2009, it was announced that Fantasyland will expand to include more Disney Princesses, Disney Fairies and a Dumbo area with a 3-ring circus. It’s expected to be finished by 2013 and I can’t WAIT!

Tomorrowland offers a peak into the future. This intergalactic land is home to Buzz Lightyear, Space Mountain and the Astro Orbitor.

At first, Mickey’s Toontown Fair was supposed to be temporary. However, it was so popular that it was made permanent Have you ever wondered where Mickey and Minnie live? You’ll find their houses here…but not for long. This area will soon be demolished to make room for the huge expansion in Fantasyland. Never fear, Mickey & Minnie won’t be homeless, they’ll just have a new Magic Kingdom address.

To give a complete description of the park, I’d have to write a book…maybe even several. If you’ve never been to the park, or haven’t in some time, it’s time for a visit! The Magic Kingdom is my favorite park. I spend at least 2 days there when visiting WDW…sometimes even 3. I’ve known people to visit Florida just for a weekend and only visit the Magic Kingdom. If you are interested, contact me for information on a truly magical experience. Once you’ve been, you will see just why the Magic Kingdom is the most visited theme park in the world.

History of Walter Elias Disney

2010-02-18T07:45:00.000-08:00

Written by Laura@wdwtravels.com

1-800-218-4507

Why is Disney so magical? What makes us feel like we are wrapped up in inviting arms when we travel to Disney destinations? The only way to answer these questions is to take a look at the history of Walt Disney the man.

Walt Disney was born in 1901 in the Midwest and moved to Kansas City with his parents as a child. In the early 1920’s he began his first cartoon drawings called Laugh-O-Grams and eventually moved to California where he started up the Disney Bros Studio with brother Roy and married wife, Lillian. In 1927 Walt had developed a character called Oswald the Rabbit, whose rights were later stolen from him by Charlie Mintz of Universal Pictures.

On the train home from the meeting in which he lost his signature Oswald Rabbit, Lillian helped him come up with Mickey Mouse… and a star was born! Walt went on to build a successful studio with Mickey Mouse, silly symphony and feature movies like Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.

In the early 1940’s Walt would take his girls out to play every Sunday and wondered why no one had created a place that both parents and kids could go to have fun together. Only July 20th, 1955 his dream finally became a reality when Disneyland opened in Anaheim, California. The opening day was featured on TV and brought quite a crowd.

Walt continued to make movies such as The Shaggy Dog, and in 1964 Mary Poppins. He began to develop the well known Animatronics for The 1964 Worlds Fair also. The prime attraction was The Carousel of Progress which documented American progress through the decades. Today an updated version of the original is in Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World in Florida.

During the 1960’s Walt also bought up lots of land all over the nation, but his most important project was known as The Florida Project. Under several names he bought up parcels of land in swampy central Florida in order to build a new theme park. He didn’t want to make the same mistake with Disneyland and allow the outside world to infringe on his magical world, and so bought up enough land to isolate the theme park.

While developing his new Magic Kingdom in Florida and his Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, or EPCOT, Walt fell ill with lung cancer and died on December 15, 1966.

The company Walt had founded with brother Roy picked itself back up and opened Walt Disney World in 1971 with The Magic Kingdom. Later they opened Epcot, but not as Walt had envisioned (an actual community people would live and work in), but rather as a theme park that focused on the Future and a World’s Fair theme, two things Walt loved very much.

Walt was dedicated to entertainment and as a Dad wanted somewhere to take his kids that everyone would enjoy. His movies, animated shorts and theme parks showed his joy for life. That joy has entered our hearts and gives us that tingly fuzzy magical feeling we come to expect at Disney destinations. Walt is truly an inspiration to enjoy life and have fun!

Why you should stay on Disney Property

2010-02-15T08:05:00.000-08:00

Ann Dunkin

Ann@wdwtravels.com

800-824-1803

Benefits of Staying on Disney Property

"Convince me the extra money is worth it", is a phrase I hear quite often. For some people staying on property is never a question, for others you have to convince them it's worth it. I have found staying on property is definitely a plus, the treatment you receive makes you feel like a VIP. You don't have to stay in the most expensive resort to recieve all the perks, they are available to you when you choose to stay in any of the Disney owned resorts. There are many perks for Walt Disney Resort guests and if you choose to stay off property, you are not entitled to these perks. There are numerous benefits, but I classify these as my top four:

1. Walt Disney World Transportation System--Buses, monorails, and boat launches are combined to connect all areas of WDW. With the convenience of door-to-door service throughout the resort many guests enjoy their WDW vacation without a car.

2. Extra Magic Hours--Guests staying at a Disney Resort are given each day an extra hour prior to opening or up to 3 hours after park closing. To take advantage of this offer guests must have their resort ID plus a valid admission ticket for the parks offering EM hours.

3. Disney Dining Plan--Guests who combine their room accomodations and attraction tickets into a Magic Your Way Package are eligible to add dining for the convenience of a more-inclusive vacation package.

4. Disney's Magical Express--- If you are traveling via airline to Orlando Airport (MCO), you will receive luggage tags that allow you to check your bags at your hometown airport, bypass baggage claim at MCO and board a state-of-the-art motor coach for complimentary transportation to your Disney Resort, where your bags will magically appear in your room. When it's time to leave you will board the motor coach for complimentary transportation back to MCO. An extra convenience: If you are traveling on participating airlines, you can check your baggage for the return flight at the Disney Resort , saving time and carrying luggage around at the airport.

Central Billing, Child-Care Services, Exemption from parking fees at the WDW Theme Parks, Guaranteed Themepark Entry, Guest Services, Online Check-In, Preferred Tee Times, are several other benefits Disney has to offer if staying on Disney property.

To learn more about the reasons to stay at a Disney Resort, contact me or any of the WDWTravels agents.

WDWTravels and Our Free Services

2010-02-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Elyssa Antonelle
1-888-812-8750
Elyssa@wdwtravels.com

Planning a Disney vacation on your own can be quite a daunting task. There are so many facets and dimensions to a Disney vacation which makes using WDWTravels the perfect choice! Why wouldn’t you put all of the leg work on your very own personal Disney Travel Consultant?

The best part – it is not only a superior service provided by a knowledgeable Disney expert, but it is FREE! You don’t pay a penny to plan where you will stay, arrange all of your dining reservations, be informed of all special events and best of all, receive any promotions which will decrease the price of your trip.

You can focus on relaxing and anticipating your upcoming vacation. Why burden yourself with all of the details when your Disney Travel Consultant can take that burden away from you?

Let us make all of your advanced dining reservations, so you can eat at all the restaurants you desire. We’ll let you know where you can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner with all of the Disney characters! Aside from being a very fun meal, it offers fantastic photo opportunities that will last a lifetime. If you are unable to get the desired reservation of your choice, we will continue to try to secure it for you up until you are in your Disney destination.

We’ll let you know when all of the parades, fireworks, and special events are happening. You’ll want to know what nights Spectomagic, Wishes Fireworks and Illuminations, among all the others are happening. In addition, you will know when Extra Magic hours are occurring in each of the parks to maximize your family’s fun!

Allow us to continuously monitor for discounts that will alter the price of your trip for the better. Disney is constantly offering discounts that benefit the traveler! It’s our job to save you money!

To personalize each trip we even send a special care package to you prior to your trip! All of this – with no fees to WDWTravels…it is all on us! We strive to make each vacation magical with a complimentary service beyond compare.

Is a Disney Cruise Worth the Extra Cost?? YES!!!!

2010-02-08T05:58:00.000-08:00

by Alyson Morrissey
1-888-626-1642
Alyson@wdwtravels.com

You are thinking of going on a cruise, you LOVE Disney so the obvious choice would be a Disney cruise. Then you start getting quotes and see the price difference from the competing cruise lines and wonder "why is a Disney cruise more expensive"? I thought the same thing. After growing up cruising and even cruising as an adult, I never went on a Disney cruise because of the cost. Was a Disney cruise really worth the extra price? Well I never knew, until recently. Now with 2 Disney cruises under my belt (and a 3rd one on the way) I can now say without a doubt it is definitely worth the higher fare!

As I mentioned, I am a seasoned cruiser so I have somewhat high expectations when it comes to service and cleanliness, but I never really knew how high until I experienced a Disney cruise and then shortly after sailed on a competitior. After sailing on Disney I saw just how wonderful the ships are kept up, how exceptional the service is and the plethora of onboard activities for all ages. The ship is kept in excellent condition by continuous cleaning throughout. The hull and extereior are meticulously cleaned and painted, keeping the ship looking new. Service is second to none; the wait staff is at your beck and call ready to answer any request you may have, that goes along with the guest relations stff, the cruise staff, all the way up to the senior officers. They are truly there to make every one of your wishes come true. When you are walking around the ship and pass a cast member you will ALWAYS get a greeting with a smile. I cannot say that on the other ships. Disney has the best entertainment onboard, from their fabulous Broadway style shows (and I have been to many Broadway shows) to the guest entertainers; there is something for everyone and every age. You also never know who you are going to bump in to. You could share an elevator with Chip 'n Dale or dance alongside Mickey himself. The characters are all over the ship and you have the many opportunities for autographes and or pictures. The ships are smaller so you really get the feel you are with family. We found that out just last week when we sailed for the second time on the same ship and cast members remembered us and welcomed us back enthusiastically.

The special attention the youth staff gives each and every child is truly amazing. Disney does have the best kids program at sea and no one can touch them. Where else can children Do-Si-Do with Snow White or attend Boot Camp with the Army Men from Toy Story? From 9 in the morning until the late hours of the night (morning) children have supervised activities available to them. This allow adults to have time together to enjoy a nice brunch at Palos, attend one of the live art auctions, or even to relax in the adult only pool or spa.

From the moment you sail away the party starts. The sail away party is just the first of many parties that go on during your cruise. Along with family karaoke, and themed dance parties (such as High School Musical and Hannah Montana) the ship gets invaded by The Pirates in the Caribbean. The invasion starts with dinner and continues up on the pool deck. Then it culminates with a special at sea fireworks spectacular, which Disney is the only cruise line allowed to shoot fireworks off at sea!

Disney has their own privately owned island in the Bahamas called Castaway Cay (pronounced Key). The best thing about the island is the ship docks right at the pier, there is no tendering in. You can come and go as you wish throughout the day. The island has many activities to enjoy from renting a boat or a bike, to taking a fishing charter. You can also loundge around one of the many beaches after enjoying a scrumptious lunch buffet on the beach. There are extenesive renovations being done to the island to make it ever more enjoyable. Completion of all of the projects is scheduled for this summer, although some are already done and ready for your enjoyment.

Accomodations are some of the best in the cruise industry. Disney is known for its larger family friendly staterooms; most with the split bathroom design and all with a bathtub. Disney also offers concierge suites for those that want the extra space and added service.

Disney goes above and beyone to keep themselves leaders in the cruise industry. They spare no expense to give you the best Disney has to offer at sea. Before, I did not see myself going on a Disney cruise because of the price, now I cannot see myself sailing on any other line. Disney is frequently changing itineraries and offering special deals. Contact us at WDWTravels.com to find out the latest destinations and latest discounts being offered. Anchors Aweigh!

Seven Nights of Magic

2010-02-01T12:58:00.000-08:00

By Sherry Lowe
1-888-710-2825
sherry@wdwtravels.com

Before December 12, 2009, I had never even stepped foot on a cruise ship. But I can say now it was one of the best vacations I have ever been on!

My daughter and I took the December 12-19 Western Caribbean Disney cruise. We left on Saturday, December 12 and headed out for a full week of fun in the sun!

Let me say first – the ship (the Disney Magic) was decorated BEAUTIFULLY for the holidays. There was a huge, beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the lobby so as soon as we stepped foot on the ship we could feel the festivity. Once we boarded we were directed as to where we could go to get some lunch. On our way to Parrot Cay we passed a huge, wonderful gingerbread house. The whole area smelled like gingerbread! It was wonderful!

After we finished our lunch at Parrot Cay (where there was enough food to feed an army, and feed them well!) we headed to our stateroom. We were in an inside stateroom on deck 6. We unpacked our belongings and then headed out for the lifeboat drill. From then on, we were on our own, which for my daughter and I meant a week of sun, fun, rest, and food!

Each night of the cruise, you have a preselected dinner time, as well as a specified restaurant to eat in. They also seat you with the same people each night, and you have the same waiters at each restaurant. We grew to love Francois and Luke! Also, Disney worked some kind of magic when matching us up with dinner-mates because we also grew to love our dinner companions! My daughter made friends with one girl in particular who I think she will be friends with for life!

Day 2 of our cruise took us to Key West, Florida. What a wonderful place to stop! We absolutely loved walking the streets of Key West, taking in the sights and soaking up the sun. I would highly recommend the key lime pie at the Blonde Giraffe. Perfection!

Day 3 was a day at sea, and my daughter’s 11th birthday. There was so much to do on the ship that even if you never got off at a port you could never be bored! And we are SO thankful for our personal navigators. These little papers were our own personal planners for the entire cruise! We’d sit down with highlighters each evening and use our personal navigators to help us plan the next day’s activities.

Everyone we encountered made a big deal about my daughter’s birthday. When it turned midnight the night before her birthday, she was in the kids club. Everyone there sang Happy Birthday to her. When she returned for activities the next day, they all sang to her again. And on the evening of her birthday, all the servers in the restaurant sang to her and brought her a cake. She felt quite special.

Day 4 was a stop at Grand Cayman. My daughter and I got off the ship and took a tour that took us through the town and out to “Hell” and to a rum cake factory. Our tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable and was able to share quite a bit of Grand Cayman history with us.

Day 5 was a stop at Cozumel. My daughter saw in our personal navigator that there was a Ron Jon surf shop in Cozumel so we had to go hunt that down. Let me tell you, it was easy to find but quite a hike from the port! I’d definitely recommend good walking shoes if you are going to go out on your own. We were able to get quite a few nice souvenirs in Cozumel.

Day 6 was another day at sea. We spent a lot of that day laying out and resting. And eating!

Day 7 was a stop at Disney’s island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay. What a beautiful island! My daughter was immensely impressed with the Flying Dutchman that was just off shore there. We took many pictures of it! While at Castaway Cay we had some great BBQ and did some shopping. Due to the weather (rain and wind) we didn’t stay long on the island. This gave me time to do some laundry and start packing.

On the 19th we returned to Cape Canaveral. We were sent off with a wonderful breakfast and a lot of tears and goodbyes.

There is no question in my mind that we will be taking another Disney cruise. There were live shows each night, movies, games, activities, and so much wonderful food! We returned to our cabin each night to find our beds made, and turned down for us, with little chocolates on our pillows. Disney quality and pride of service was everywhere you turned. This cruise will be counted as among one of the best vacations of my entire life.