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.

Sailing with Mickey- Facts about Disney Cruise Line

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!

How NOT to Break the Bank on Disney Souvenirs

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.

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

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.

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

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!

A Grand Gathering at Walt DIsney World

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!

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

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.