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

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.

Accommodations 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!

The Magic of Magical Express

There are many ideas that comes to one's mind when they hear the words Magical Express...visions of Tinkerbell sprinkling pixie dust over the airport and magically you will appear right in to the Magic Kingdom Park. Funny you might say right? Well let us explore what really makes the Magic and the Express in Magical Express. First, no Tinkerbell does not sprinkle you at the airport and you will not magically appear in front of the castle, but what will happens involves a little Hakuna Matada..yes that's right, no worries. Disney takes care of getting you from the Orlando Airport to your hotel without you having to worry about as much as your luggage. Free roundtrip airport transportation & luggage delivery for Disney Resort Guests, that's Magical!

What do you need to do you may wonder? First prior to your trip Disney will send you a Magical Express Airport transportation booklet, inside it will be tags for you to apply to your luggage if you are arriving in Orlando prior to 10pm, remember to place these tags on all checked bags, they don't want to miss there own magical voyage from the airport to your room! You will also receive your Magical Express tickets in that packet. Once you arrive at the Orlando Airport you will make your way to Disney Airport Welcome Center (fret not, you will have instructions in your transportation booklet, should you still be worried, just look for cast members with big Mickey gloves..they'll be hard to miss!) Here you will present your tickets to the cast member, you will then proceed to your resort waiting area for your magical express coach to arrive. Once on the Magical Express motorcoach Mickey and friends will greet you on televisions for guests to enjoy, and in approximately 30 minutes you will be on Disney property. You may be sharing your motorcoach with several different resorts, so depending on stops your time may be longer to reach your resort check in. Once there you will check in to your room and later your bags will magically appear. I highly recommend carrying essentials you might want or need right away as your luggage takes it own journey separate from your motorcoach, so you will not be able to access anything in your luggage right away. Enjoy a park, have a meal, explore your resort, whatever you like, but don't worry about your luggage, it will be back in your room waiting later! That's the magic in it all!

Now you are in Disney, you have your luggage and a magical vacation ahead of you, enjoy it. One day prior to your departure you will magically receive a notification for you motorcoach pick-up time, select airlines even allow you to check in at your Disney Resort prior to arriving at the airport...now that is some magic! Remember when planning your return flight, your magical express pick-up will be approximately 3 hours prior to your departure time, so think of that when making your return flight reservations, or if you are planning on getting in some last minute vacation time, you need to leave the parks in plenty of time to get back to your resort for your pick-up. There a motorcoach will be waiting to return you to the Orlando Airport where you will board your plane with lots of wonderful memories, luggage that is probably a little more full than when you left, and a love of the true Disney Magic when you remember the smiles, laughs and fun that you and your family and/or friends just experienced!

So that is Magical Express in a a Chip and Dale nutshell! Although there is no flying the skies with Tinkerbell, it is all Hakuna Matada from the time you arrive in Orlando until the time you depart and begin planning your next trip on that flight home...and you know you will!

How to Cure PDD (Post-Disney Depression)

"Post-Disney Depression.” For many Disney World fans it’s that feeling of disappointment or sadness experienced after a trip to the most magical place on Earth. It’s the sudden reality that your Disney trip is over. All of the planning and excitement before and during your trip has come to a screeching halt. Many of us have experienced it, but how do we get over it?

I've heard many suggestions and theories on how to get over "Post-Disney Depression." Some suggest scrap booking your past trip, watching family trip movies, writing a trip report, etc. For my family, the only known cure is to plan another trip. The trip can be years down the road- but just knowing it's there makes all the difference in the “world”.

There is a rush of activity when you plan a trip to Disney World. When to go? Where to stay? What kind of tickets to buy? Dining Plan? No Dining Plan? Once these decisions are complete, up pop more. Which airline to fly? Early or late flight? Rental car or Disney transportation?

When the next trip is unknown or far down the horizon... there are many things you can do to keep the magic alive in your heart and home!

Disney Movie Night. Get your family ready for the characters they'll meet with some Disney films. Chip and Dale are everywhere in the parks, but kids who don't watch Rescue Rangers may not be familiar with these popular park favorites. Pick up some collections that include Mickey, Goofy, Pluto and the rest and your kids will be revved up when they finally have the chance to encounter the gang. Some suggestions that will add to your trip include: Swiss Family Robinson, all Mixable Animation films, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Snow White, Pirates of the Caribbean, Tower of Terror and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.
Disney Treats. Fill lunch boxes with rice krispie treats in the shape of Mickey Mouse. Buy Mickey shaped cheese and Disney fruit snacks. Plan meals in the theme of your resort. If you're staying at the Polynesian, try a dinner featuring South Seas accents. Is the Animal Kingdom Lodge your destination? Do an internet search for African Recipes and give them a spin! Search for Disney World recipes and pick some from restaurants you plan to visit.

Disney Shopping. If you have a local Disney Store, spend some time there picking up small items as they go on clearance. Collecting Disney clothing for the trip and small gifts and toys to keep your kids excited now and entertained on the airplane or in the car can really get you in the mood. No Disney Store nearby? Try hitting disneyshopping.com to find some real treasures.

The family motto on our last trip was “leave them wanting more”. We were relaxed and confident that we didn't need to see and experience everything on that particular trip. With the knowledge that we would be returning... we enjoyed the trip that much more and in a less exhausting way!

When we get to Disney- we don’t want to leave. Ever. But getting there really is half the fun! The anticipation and planning is part of the enjoyment we get out of each trip.

I helped plan a trip for a friend last year and before she landed on Disney’s magical soil, she figured one trip to Disney would be good for a lifetime. She could check it off the parenting list as a “been there, done that.”
But at Walt Disney World she learned that there are a lifetime of vacations waiting for you. There is so much to do and enjoy, you could go for a dozen trips and still not have done it all!

We met visitor after visitor who return every year to Disney World. I met a mother with an autistic son who brings him a few times every year. “He comes alive at Disney World. He loves it here. It is our thing that we do together.” she told me.
I asked another father what made them come back every year. “It is the best place for family vacations,” he explained, “Everything is accessible, convenient and self contained. It is safe, clean and family friendly. It just makes vacationing so easy.”

Returning from a trip to Disney is like the day after Christmas. The idea that there is only 364 days to go! Certainly keeps the optimist alive in anyone.

ABD - Adventures by Disney

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!

Let's Take a Riverboat to the Riverside

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: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams

If you’re anything like me, something comes over you when you are walking down Main Street USA. You wonder if there is anything that tops the feeling you get when you catch your first glimpse of Cinderella Castle. I’ve always thought that was it. That was what it felt like to have “Disney goosebumps”. That was…until I first saw Disney’s Wishes fireworks show.

The biggest fireworks show ever to take place at the Magic Kingdom, it takes place in front of Cinderella Castle most nights of the week. It’s a blend of fireworks, music and special effects all with the Castle at center stage. The Blue Fairy begins the show by reminding us how powerful wishes can be. This works into the show’s theme song, a musical version of the “Starlight, Starbright”…sung by a child (more goosebumps).

Jiminy Cricket has never believed in wishes, but that has changed. He goes on tell you that if you believe in wishes, magical things can happen. As you are thinking this over, you will literally see Tinkerbell fly overhead from the very top of the Castle. Process that. A waving Tinkerbell will fly through the air, right over you. Right then and there, you will be inspired to wish for something, anything, no matter how big or small. I guarantee it.

Various Disney characters (such as Cinderella, Pinocchio, Aladdin, Peter Pan and more) will share with you what they wish for while familiar Disney songs are heard in the background. Disney Villians try unsuccessfully to take over the show and the Blue Fairy returns in the end to encourage us to “always believe in our wishes”. As if the rest of the show didn’t tug at your heartstrings, it ends with the amazing Disney song, “When You Wish Upon a Star”. It leaves even the biggest skeptic feeling completely engulfed in the magic of Disney…and leaves softies like me sniffling into my sleeves.

This show is just one of the many things that makes a Disney Vacation so amazing. If you have been thinking about visiting, contact me for a free quote and we will get you there to experience the magic for yourself.

EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival

EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival 

Spring has almost sprung, and that means only one thing at Walt Disney World—time for Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival!  Epcot is a beautiful park year round, but during the annual Flower and Garden Festival there is an explosion of color and whimsical topiaries all around. 

That’s right, there are over 100 topiaries placed around both the World Showcase and Future World.  More than 75 of those feature beloved Disney characters (Can you say photo opt?!)  A tapestry of flowers blooms, seemingly overnight, on the banks for Future World East and West Lakes.  You can stroll through an English Tea Garden, view the always intriguing Bonsai collection, or check out a variety of other unique gardens.  On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays you can even sign up for Epcot Gardens of the World, a 3-hour guided tour available for guests ages 16 or older (cost is $59.  Reservations should be made in advance).

Kids will have plenty to during this special showcase as well.  Everyone in your family will love Bambi’s Butterfly House (go in the morning as it tends to get crowded later in the day).  Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden is also making an appearance this year.  There are small play structures in various gardens, but the Backyard Play Garden is sure to be a hit with your Mouseketeers.

Epcot sets up a special Festival Center for the Flower and Garden Festival.  It is located between Ellen’s Universe of Energy and Mission: Space.  Open from 10am-5pm, this is where you will find the majority of educational/informative sessions.  Personalities from HGTV and DIY will have special presentations.  Gardening experts will be on hand to share their tips and tricks.  You can also ask the on-hand expert gardening questions or get planting pointers.  (Pick up a Festival Guide upon arrival the specific times of these presentations)  If you find yourself getting a bit hungry while learning you will find cold sandwiches, salads, snacks, tea, and wine at a Café set up especially for the Festival Center.

Probably one of the most well-known aspects of the Flower and Garden Festival are the Flower Power Concert Series, showcasing music legends from the 1960s and 1970s.  There is a varied lineup throughout the festival including Jose Feliciano, The Guess Who, Chubby Checker and the Wildcats, and more.  Concerts take place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in the America Gardens Theatre at 5:15pm, 6:30pm, and 7:45pm. 

The Flower and Garden Festival is one of the many things Walt Disney World does to make vacations just a little more special.  There is something for everyone!

Top 10 reasons to take advantage of the Disney Dining Plan – Amy Blades WDWTravels

If your family is anything like mine food is an important part of vacation, especially when traveling to any Disney destination. When the Disney dining plan first came about I was leery, a little hesitant. It didn’t take long to catch the dining plan bug and we will never travel without it again. Here are my top 10 reasons you can NOT travel to Walt Disney World without it…….

10 – You get a resort refillable mug you can use throughout your stay at your WDW resort

This is perfect when you are coming and going, the kids love it because they can pick their own drink and take home a souvenir.

9- Try something new…

 You get a chance to try something you wouldn’t ever try….maybe Sushi or Moroccan, how about French…you will never know until you try.

8 – Large assortment

You have so many options to choose from….Every Park and every resort and even Downtown Disney all have choices, this comes in handy with a family, everyone can choose what they like and not be limited.

7 – Snacks are included

Snacks are included in every dining plan option that Disney offers, you can use them at all times of the day, and they are perfect for between meal fillers.

6 – Reservations are easy

When staying on property your dining reservations can be made up to 180 days prior to your trip, this is essential to getting the exact meals and times you want. This is a vacation breaker in my opinion. If you don’t have reservations a head of time plan on eating very late night dinners.

5 – Kids get a choice

I have many favorites to the dining plan, but not having to tell my Children no is one of them. Kid’s menus are healthy and have many options, it fun when kids can enjoy the food on vacation as well as the adults.

4 – Meals are already paid for

With the dining plan you need not worry about the prices once you arrive, your meals will be worry free…order the most expensive thing on the menu with no guilt at all.

3 – Convenience

There is nothing like being on vacation and having whatever you want at your finger tips, that is the case with the dining plan, wherever you are you can get whatever you want…very convenient. If you are someone that likes to just do quick service meals then the dining plan is perfect, you can go at whatever pace you are comfortable. Go from morning till night with quick stops in between or take your time and still enjoy a quick serve but on your time. If you choose a dining plan with sit down options you get to choose your time and how your day will be broke down, it’s  perfect.

2 – Characters are included

My favorite part of the dining plan is that character meals are included, many of my clients would never have the opportunity to have a character meal without doing the dining plan. It definitely saves money and gives the ultimate Disney experience.

1 – Price

There is a real saving when using the Disney dining plan, my family if 5 went to Disney this past May for a full week and I saved my receipts to see the actual savings, it was over $685.00. The plan definitely pays for itself. You can dine in whatever way is most comfortable to you and get the best bang for your buck.

The 2012 dining plan is as follows – The plan is based on the nights you are staying, so if you are staying 3 nights 4 days you would have 6 quick serves and 3 snacks included in your stay.

Quick Serve Option

2 Quick serve meals, 1 snack, and a resort refillable mug

Regular Dining Option

1 Table service including dessert with your meal, 1 quick service, 1 snack and 1 resort refillable mug per person

Deluxe Dining Option

3 meals sit down or quick serve, your meal includes an appetizer as well as dessert, 2 snacks and a resort refillable mug

Whichever plan you choose you can’t go wrong…….

Have fun choosing!!

The Most Romantic Restaurants Around the 'World' by WDWTravels~Kris

The Most Romantic Restaurants Around the 'World'

Couples who've been bitten by the love bug don't need a fairy godmother to find romance at Walt Disney World Resort. This is, after all, home to some of the world's most famous romances: Cinderella and Prince Charming, Lady and the Tramp, Beauty and the Beast -- and don't forget America's sweethearts, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Throughout the theme parks and resorts there are as many opportunities for romantic dinners as there are hidden Mickey's.

"Romantic dining" does not necessarily have to include darkened mood lighting, lit candles, a calm atmosphere, and classic music playing in the background.

If that were the case, I'd only have two choices for you: Victoria & Albert's and the Bistro de Paris at Epcot.
There are several notable things about V&A’s: 1.) It’s the only AAA 5-diamond restaurant in Orlando (and one of only a handful in Florida), 2.) It’s the only Disney World restaurant where children (under age 10) are not welcome in the dining room, and 3.) Its chef’s table is the hottest ticket around.

Victoria and Albert's Chefs Table

Bistro de Paris is a dinner-only establishment upstairs from Chefs de France. At about $70/person for three courses, it is one of the pricier locations to eat in the parks. The price combined with upscale service make this an ideal location for a leisurely, intimate dinner

Walt Disney World may be known as a child's playground, but in fact, there's much more to it than that. In my opinion, Walt Disney World can be one of the most romantic places to be - especially in the evening. With all the amazing restaurants to choose from, you have almost unlimited options.

Magic Kingdom
First: Cinderella's Royal Table
Second: Tony's Town Square Restaurant
Counter Service: Columbia Harbour House (upstairs)

Tom Sawyer's Island: I consider the entire island a getaway. he other is the covered seating area around Aunt Polly's on the opposite side. Again, very pretty views, and so few guests realize it's there!

Epcot
First: Bistro de Paris
Second: Coral Reef in the Living Seas pavilion at Epcot is another wonderful place to dine with your sweetie. Enjoy the absolutely gorgeous views of the largest saltwater aquarium on land
Third: Chefs de France What is more romantic than a dinner in France? Well, dinner in France at Epcot. Some of the seating at this restaurant is under a glass patio, which is very romantic in the evening. Plus, with all of the servers speaking French you feel like you are right in the heart of Paris

Honorable mention: San Angel This restaurant is located inside the pyramid at Epcot. As soon as you walk into this restaurant, you will be transported to a little cafe in Mexico. The restaurant is dark with candles for lighting. San Angel Inn sits on the water where the ride floats by to add to the romantic setting.

San Angel Inn Mexico Pavilion

Disney's Hollywood Studios

First: The Hollywood Brown Derby
Second: Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano
Counter Service: Starring Rolls Bakery (eat under an umbrella)

Disney's Animal Kingdom
First: Yak and Yeti
Second: Tusker House


Downtown Disney

	Cap'n Jack's Restaurant (Marketplace): A cozy 'hidden  gem' with very casual atmosphere; informal romantic opportunity.
	Bongos Cuban Cafe (West Side): Casual, festive atmosphere, especially on the live-band nights; great place for casual (and much calmer) lunch.
	The Dining Room at Wolfgang Puck's (West Side): Not especially quiet, but a top recommendation for couples.

Disney's Board Walk

	Flying Fish Cafe: Beautiful setting and fantastic food.

Walt Disney World Resorts

	Jiko - The Cooking Place (Animal Kingdom Lodge): very pretty setting.
	California Grill (Contemporary): Casually elegant,
	Maya Grill (Coronado Springs): Unique opportunity; very pretty setting.
	Citricos (Grand Floridian): Elegantly casual
	Narcoossee's (Grand Floridian): A great beginning or end to your vacation together; outstanding views.

Adventures by Disney

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!

Not Your Parent’s Epcot Anymore!

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!)


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

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. 

Dining in Walt Disney World

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!

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!