The schedule of events for the second week of Star Wars™ Weekends has been announced (May 24-26, 2013).

• “Legends of the Force” Motorcade and Celebrity Welcome – Motorcade begins near Main Entrance at 11a; Celebrity Welcome at Main Stage at 11:15a
• Padawan Mind Challenge (registration at park opening near ABC Sound Studio) – 1:30p, 4:30p at Main Stage
• Hyperspace Hoopla – 8:00p at Main Stage
• Jedi Training Academy (sign-up in front of Indiana Jones™ Epic Stunt Spectacular) – 8:45a, 9:20a, 10:05a, 10:35a, Noon, 12:30p, 1:00p, 1:30p, 2:00p, 2:30p, 3:00p, 3:30p, 4:00p, 4:30p, 5:00p, 5:30p, 6:30p, 7:00p, 7:30p beside Star Tours® – The Adventure Continues
• Star Wars™ Character Encounters – 8:00a-7:30p
  Characters you may encounter at varied schedules during that time include:

Mickey Avenue

• Darth Vader
• Darth Maul
• Boba Fett
• Jango Fett
• Zam Wesell
• Aurra Sing
• Stormtroopers
• Tusken Raiders
• Gamorrean Guard

Streets of America

• Anakin Skywalker
• Commander Cody
• Captain Rex
• Ahsoka Tano
• Asajj Ventress
• Shaak Ti
• Kit Fisto
• Jawas
• Clone Troopers

Star Tours® Area

• Queen Amidala
• Chewbacca
• Ewoks
• Cantina Band

Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster® Area

• Leia
• Luke
• C-3PO
• R2-D2

Hollywood Boulevard

• Jedi Mickey
• Leia Minnie
• Stormtrooper Donald
• Vader Goofy

Character appearances are not guaranteed and may be cancelled at any time

• Behind the Force: Star Wars™ Voices – Noon at Premiere Theater
• An Ewok’s Tale – My Short Story starring Warwick Davis – 1:45p at Premiere Theater
• Stars of the Saga – 3:30p at Premiere Theater
• Visit to the Maul starring Ray Park – 5:00p at Premiere Theater
• Obi-Wan and Beyond starring James Arnold Taylor– 6:30p
• Celebrity Host Meet and Greet at Echo Lake – will use Disney’s FASTPASS® Service*
  • James Arnold Taylor (Voice behind Obi-Wan Kenobi and Plo Hoon in Star Wars™: The Clone Wars) – 9:45a
  • Ashley Eckstein (Voice behind Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars™: The Clone Wars) – 4:30p, 5:45p
    Ashley will also be signing Her Universe™ Star Wars™ merchandise at Darth’s Mall – 3p-4p
• Additional Celebrity Meet and Greets at Echo Lake – will use Disney’s FASTPASS® Service*
  • Ray Park (Double lightsaber wielding Sith, Darth Maul from the Phantom Menace) – 1:45p
  • Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok from Star Wars™: Episode VI) – 9:45a, 4:30p
  • Jim Cummings (Voice of Hondo Ohnaka from Star Wars™: The Clone Wars) – 9:45a, 3p, 4:30p

Star Wars™ Weekends will take place Fri – Sun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® through Jun. 9, 2013.

*Note on using Disney’s FASTPASS® Service for Autographs: A FASTPASS® ticket will be required to receive an autograph. An extremely limited number will be distributed outside of Disney’s Hollywood Studios® at a first-come first-served basis (distribution may begin prior to scheduled park opening). Guests who receive a FASTPASS® will also receive a wristband. Guests must have both FASTPASS® and the wristband at the time of the scheduled meet and greet. Only one autograph FASTPASS® ticket per guest. You may not save a place in line or receive additional FASTPASS® tickets for other members of your party. Standby tickets may be available, but do not guarantee an autograph.

By Magic Maker® Courtney Harris

Millions of people visit Walt Disney World® Resort each summer, but the Florida heat and humidity can be brutal on those not use to it.  The key to not letting it ruin your vacation is being prepared. A little planning can go a long way in keeping you and your family happy, despite the heat.

1. Stay hydrated. Dehydration is the number one cause of daytime fatigue, yet most people don’t even realize they are dehydrated. You should constantly be drinking. If you wait until you are thirsty, you are already on the road to dehydration. Water is your best option, and the most cost-effective. Bring a water bottle with you, and refill it at water fountains. You can also request a complimentary cup of ice water at most quick service locations.
2. Get inside! Rotate outdoor rides and attractions with rides that have indoor queues or shows that allow you to take a break inside the air-conditioning. Sit-down meals are also a great way to cool down while you refuel. Be sure to ask your Magic Maker® for help in booking all of your dining reservations in advance so you don’t find yourself standing outside in the heat waiting on a table. They can also create touring plans for you that rotate indoor and outdoor attractions.
3. Remember the sunscreen. Before you ever even enter the park, liberally apply sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30. Remember to cover often over-looked spots such as behind the ears and the back of your neck. Be sure to reapply continuously throughout the day, especially after excessive sweating or water rides.
4. Take an afternoon break from the park. Hit the parks first thing in the morning at rope drop, and then head back to your resort in the afternoon during the hottest part of the day. While beating the heat, you will also beat the crowds! Afternoon breaks are a great opportunity for little ones to get in a nap or just for your family to enjoy the pool at your resort. After everyone is rested and re-energized, you can head back out the parks for dinner and night-time festivities. If you purchase  Magic Your Way® tickets with Park Hopper® Option, you can even visit a different park from the one you toured that morning!
5. Play in the water! Water features such as pop jets and misters can be found in several locations throughout the parks. Most locations have benches or places for adults to sit while the kids run shrieking through the water. This is a great way to take a break and cool off at the same time. Check your park map or ask your Magic Maker® for locations.
6. Enjoy a cool treat. Beating the heat is a great excuse for enjoying that dole whip or Mickey ice cream bar. As if you needed an excuse! Ice cream and other cool treats can be found at most counter service locations and even many beverage carts around the parks. And if you are using a dining plan, most treats are only one snack credit!
7. Visit a waterpark. Walt Disney World® Resort boasts two of the country’s best water parks- Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.   Be sure to ask your Magic Maker® about adding the Water Park Fun & More option to your Magic Your Way® tickets.

Don’t let the heat scare you away this summer. By planning ahead and working together with your Magic Maker®, you can beat the heat at Walt Disney World® Resort!

Adventures by Disney® has announced new and enhanced itineraries for 2014! These changes expand their already large portfolio of travel options giving you more opportunities to explore the World.

“Austria, Germany, and Czech Republic”

In this new 9-day, 8-night vacation to Central Europe, you will travel off the beaten path as you explore Prague, Salzburg, Vienna, and the majestic Alps.

Highlights include:

• Ice-cave and salt-mine adventures in the Bavarian Alps
• Day trip to Salzburg – the birthplace of Mozart and location of Hellbrunn Castle
• Learn how to make strudel and pretzels from the locals and enjoy schnapps tasting
• Private dinner inside the Emperor’s Pavilion at the Vienna Zoo
• Private tour of the Spanish Riding School inside Vienna’s Hofburg Castle
• Marionette Workshop in Prague and Waltzing lessons in Vienna

Enhanced Itinerary: “Viva Italia”

Also new for 2014, Adventures by Disney® has enhanced their current Italy itinerary by adding new VIP experiences. This 9-day, 8-night journey takes you on an exploration of the awe-inspiring parts of Italy – including Rome, Florence, Venice and Tuscany. New features of this itinerary through one of Europe’s most iconic destinations include:

• Feel like a Roman Gladiator when you step on the floor of the Colosseum, an area that is off-limits to the general public
• After hours visit to the Sistine Chapel and Vatican City Museum
• Prepare a traditional Italian dish with the help of locals inside a kitchen of a working olive farm

Special Teen-Focused Departures

Adventures by Disney® will feature three unique departures with activities created with teens in mind. There is only one departure for each of these locations, so availability is likely to disappear quickly.

• Peru (6/22/14) – Special teen experiences include salsa dancing lessons, horseback riding, and bonfire/stargazing
• Costa Rica (7/12/14) – Teen-focused activities include a photography class and a beach party on the sands of Guanacastle
• Arizona and Utah (8/6/14) – New experiences for teens include a bike ride through Boyton Canyon, various outdoor activities at Red Cliffs Lodge, and a sunset hike through the Grand Canyon

With over 20 different itineraries to choose from, Adventures by Disney® can take you across six continents on a vacation you never dreamed possible. Contact your Magic Maker® today to find out how you can see the World while experiencing the Disney Difference!

Disney Visa® Cardmembers can take advantage of 3 limited-time offers during their Summer vacation to Disney Parks. These discounts are great ways to add a little extra Magic to your upcoming vacation!

Transform into a Disney Princess at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

From Jun. 1-30, 2013, Disney Visa® Cardmembers can save 20% on the Castle Package at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations at the Disneyland® Resort and the Walt Disney World® Resort¹ when using your Disney Visa® Card for payment. This head-to-toe transformation by your own Fairy Godmother-in-training will make your little Princess’ fairytale dreams come true! Participating locations include in Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom® Park and World of Disney® store in Downtown Disney® Marketplace at the Walt Disney World® Resort or in the Sleeping Beauty Castle courtyard at the Disneyland® Park. Because the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a popular experience, advanced reservations are suggested.

Free Surf Box or Small Locker Rental at Disney Water Parks

From now until Jul. 31, 2013, Disney Visa® Cardmembers can receive a free surf box or small locker rental (with locker key deposit)² when you visit Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park or Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. Simply stop by Singapore Sal’s or Beach Haus and present your Disney Visa® Card and the special coupon to redeem. Contact your Magic Maker® for the coupon and more details on this promotion.

Save 20% off the Tastes of the Americas at Paradiso 37

From now until Oct. 31, 2013, Disney Visa® Cardmembers can save 20% off food purchases at Paradiso 37 at Downtown Disney® Pleasure Island at the Walt Disney World® Resort³. To receive the discount, you’ll need to present a special coupon and pay for your meal on your Disney Visa® card. Contact your Magic Maker® for the coupon and more details on this promotion. Advance Dining Reservations are suggested.

¹ From June 1-30, 2013, Disney’s Visa^® Cardmembers will receive 20% off the purchase of the Castle Package at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Disneyland^® Park and the Walt Disney World^® Resort. Savings based on the retail price of the Castle Package starting at $189.95, plus tax. Valid Disney Visa® Card must be presented and used at time of purchase of the Castle Package. Separate Theme Park admission is required to enter Disney Theme Parks. Guests must be between 3-12 years of age and must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older during the entire experience. Costume selection available in youth sizing only, sizing may vary. Reservations are strongly recommended. A valid credit card number may be required at time of booking, and a cancellation fee may be applied to such credit card for all no-shows or if a reservation is cancelled within 48 hours of the experience. All prices, package components and information are subject to restrictions and change without notice.

² Offer available at Singapore Sal’s at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park or Beach Haus at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park during Park operating hours. Water Park Admission required to redeem this coupon and offer. Guest must pay $5 key deposit for small locker rental. Deposit refunded when Locker key is returned. Coupon cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or discounts. Limit one Coupon per cardholder. Coupon has no cash value and must be surrendered at time of purchase. No photocopies or reproductions of Coupon are accepted. Offer valid through 7/31/2013. While supplies last, offer subject to change without notice. Contact your Magic Maker® for a coupon.

³ 20% discount on food only at Paradiso 37. Not valid with any other offers, promotions, coupons or discounts. Contact your Magic Maker® for a coupon.

The line up of performers for the Eat to the Beat! concert series at the 2013 Epcot® International Food and Wine Festival has been announced. The Walt Disney World® Resort will welcome six new musical acts to the stage this year.

The schedule includes:

• Sep. 27-29 – Starship starring Mickey Thomas
• Sep. 30-Oct. 1 – Go-Go’s - New
• Oct. 2-4 – Air Supply
• Oct. 5-6 – Sister Hazel
• Oct. 7-9 – Sugar Ray
• Oct. 10-11 – Edwin McCain - New
• Oct. 12-13 – Manhattan Transfer - New
• Oct. 14-15 – Wilson Phillips - New
• Oct. 16-17 – The Pointer Sisters
• Oct. 18-20 – Night Ranger
• Oct. 21-23 – Boyz II Men
• Oct. 24-25 – Survivor
• Oct. 26-27 – 38 Special
• Oct. 28-30 – Smash Mouth
• Oct. 31-Nov. 1 – Spin Doctors - New
• Nov. 2-3 – Christopher Cross - New
• Nov. 4-5 – Hanson
• Nov. 6-8 – Dennis DeYoung
• Nov. 9-11 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

The 18th Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival run Sep. 27 – Nov. 11, 2013. The Eat to the Beat! concert series is included with standard Epcot® admission. It’s not too late to plan a trip to see your favorite band perform. Contact your Magic Maker® today!

Entertainment lineup subject to change.

Disney Cruise Line® has announced special Military Rates for select sailings. These sailings will give you an opportunity to experience  the best shows, family activities, dining, and ports in the cruise industry.

These Military rates are available to all retired and active U.S. Military personnel (U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, U.S Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve and U.S. Department of Defense personnel). Active and retired members of the U.S. military must provide valid identification at time of check-in. U.S. Military service member is required to sail to take advantage of this offer. Activated members of the U.S. National Guard or the U.S. Army Reserve must also show active duty orders (active duty papers must be dated as of January 1st of the previous year to qualify).

Booking Window:

5/20/13 – 5/26/13

Available Sailings:

Offer applies to new bookings only. Not combinable with other discounts or offers. Military personnel will be required to present valid military identification at time of check-in. Offer limited to a maximum of 1 stateroom per sailing. Exceptions will be made for Military personnel with immediate family members exceeding stateroom capacity. Other stateroom types are available at varying rates. Excludes government taxes and fees approximately $55 for 3- and 4-night Bahamian cruises from Port Canaveral; $55 for Western Caribbean cruises from Galveston; $85 for 4-Night Bahamian cruises from Miami; $62 for 14-Night Eastbound Transatlantic cruises from Galveston and $200 for 14-Night Panama Canal cruise from Los Angeles (all amounts are per person and subject to change). See Disney Cruise Line® brochure for applicable terms and conditions.

Disney Parks has announced details on next Friday’s “Limited Time Magic” event – the Monstrous 24-hour All-Nighter.

Walt Disney World® Resort

The Monstrous 24-hour All-Nighter will take place inside the Magic Kingdom® Park from 6a May 24, 2013 to 6a May 25, 2013. Special events include:

• Special Park opening
• Mike and Sulley will be in the Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It! Street Party and will act as Grand Marshals of the Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade
• Monster Mania DJ Dance Party (4p-9p) and screening of Monsters, Inc. (11p-5a) in Tomorrowland®
• Chip ‘n’ Dale meet and greet in Town Square
• Disney’s Up All Night Dance Party (2a-5:45a) near Cinderella Castle
  Valid Theme Park admission is required for all events. Schedule is subject to change. See Times Guide for more details.

Disneyland® Resort

The Monstrous 24-hour All-Nighter will keep both Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park open from 6a May 24, 2013 to 6a May 25, 2013! Special events include:

• Screening of Monsters, Inc. inside Muppets Theater (starting at 9p)
• Disney Character Pajama Party inside Mickey’s Toontown (starting at midnight)
• Star Wars character meet and greet in Tomorrowland®
• TLT Monstrous Dance Club at Tomorrowland Terrace (midnight to 5:30a)
• Royal Swing Ball at Royal Theatre with live band (10p to 1:40a)
  Valid Theme Park admission is required for all events. Schedule is subject to change. See Times Guide for more details.

Special themed merchandise and food will also be available for the event. Keep an “eye” out for a special Sulley Ear hat for sale in select merchandise locations. Special treats will include green and blue cotton candy, cake pops, and decorated candy apples.

Keep checking back as Off to Neverland Travel® will continue to bring you details on future ”Limited Time Magic” events as they become available!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park has long established itself as the home to many thrilling adventures and exotic animals from around the world. Whether you are visiting Asia® Land, exploring Pangani Forest Exploration Trail Walking Tour, traversing Maharajah Jungle Trek® Attraction, experiencing Kilimanjaro Safaris® Expedition or some other ride or attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park you are transformed into a world adventurer with your own experiences to share. As a home to over 1,700 different animals from 250 different species, you can experience a lifetime of exploration in one vacation!

It is no surprise then, that Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are now sharing their own globetrotting experiences in their new meet and greet location in Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park.

In the new Adventurers Outpost, you get to step into the exploration headquarters of Mickey and Minnie Mouse as they give you a glimpse into their world travels as you check out the photos and field notes from destinations around the globe. From the mountains of Nepal to the savannas of Africa, and many destinations in between, you’ll get to see mementos from all of their travels!

The new Adventurers Outpost, opened in the former Beastly Bazaar gift shop on May 15th, and is now the official meet and greet for Mickey and Minnie Mouse in Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, replacing their former location in Camp Minnie Mickey.

While you are on your own adventure, you don’t want to miss stopping off at Adventurers Outpost and capture your own special memory with our two favorite world travelers before continuing on your journey!

Now is as good of a time as any to plan your return trip to visit your old pals, or to meet them for the very first time! Our Magic Makers® are eager to help you create an unbelievable Walt Disney World® Resort experience!

The schedule of events for the first week of Star Wars™ Weekends has been announced.

• “Legends of the Force” Motorcade and Celebrity Welcome – Motorcade begins near Main Entrance at 11a; Celebrity Welcome at Main Stage at 11:15a
• Padawan Mind Challenge (registration at park opening near ABC Sound Studio) – 2:10p, 4:30p at Main Stage
• Hyperspace Hoopla – 8:00p at Main Stage
• Jedi Training Academy (sign-up in front of Indiana Jones™ Epic Stunt Spectacular) – 8:45a, 9:20a, 10:05a, 10:35a, Noon, 12:30p, 1:00p, 1:30p, 2:00p, 2:30p, 3:00p, 3:30p, 4:00p, 4:30p, 5:00p, 5:30p, 6:30p, 7:00p, 7:30p beside Star Tours® – The Adventure Continues
• Star Wars™ Character Encounters – 8a-7:30p
  Characters you may encounter at varied schedules during that time include:

Mickey Avenue

• Darth Vader
• Darth Maul
• Boba Fett
• Jango Fett
• Zam Wesell
• Aurra Sing
• Stormtroopers
• Tusken Raiders
• Gamorrean Guard

Streets of America

• Anakin Skywalker
• Commander Cody
• Captain Rex
• Ahsoka Tano
• Asajj Ventress
• Shaak Ti
• Kit Fisto
• Jawas
• Clone Troopers

Star Tours® Area

• Queen Amidala
• Chewbacca
• Ewoks
• Cantina Band

Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster® Area

• Leia
• Luke
• C-3PO
• R2-D2

Hollywood Boulevard

• Jedi Mickey
• Leia Minnie
• Stormtrooper Donald
• Vader Goofy

Character appearances are not guaranteed and may be cancelled at any time

• Behind the Force: Star Wars™ Voices – Noon, 1:45p at Premiere Theater
• Stars of the Saga – 3:30p at Premiere Theater
• Visit to the Maul starring Ray Park – 5:00p at Premiere Theater
• Obi-Wan and Beyond starring James Arnold Taylor– 6:30p
• Celebrity Host Meet and Greet at Echo Lake – will use Disney’s FASTPASS® Service*
  • James Arnold Taylor (Voice behind Obi-Wan Kenobi and Plo Hoon in Star Wars™: The Clone Wars) - 9:45a
  • Ashley Eckstein (Voice behind Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars™: The Clone Wars) – 4:30p, 5:45p
    Ashley will also be signing Her Universe™ Star Wars™ merchandise at Darth’s Mall – 3p-4p
• Additional Celebrity Meet and Greets at Echo Lake - will use Disney’s FASTPASS® Service*
  • Ray Park (Double lightsaber wielding Sith, Darth Maul from the Phantom Menace) – 1:45p
  • Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett from Star Wars™: Episodes V and VI) – 9:45a, 1:30p, 4:30p
  • Dee Bradley Baker (Voice of Captain Rex from Star Wars™: The Clone Wars) – 9:45a, 3p, 4:30p

Star Wars™ Weekends will take place Fri – Sun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® May 17 – Jun. 9, 2013.

*Note on using Disney’s FASTPASS® Service for Autographs: A FASTPASS® ticket will be required to receive an autograph. An extremely limited number will be distributed outside of Disney’s Hollywood Studios® at a first-come first-served basis (distribution may begin prior to scheduled park opening). Guests who receive a FASTPASS® will also receive a wristband. Guests must have both FASTPASS® and the wristband at the time of the scheduled meet and greet. Only one autograph FASTPASS® ticket per guest. You may not save a place in line or receive additional FASTPASS® tickets for other members of your party. Standby tickets may be available, but do not guarantee an autograph.

Update: Booking window extended until May 30, 2013

This fall will be your last opportunity to set sail with Disney Cruise Line® from Galveston, TX. Now’s the time to book and SAVE on your fall getaway aboard the Disney Wonder®. For a limited time, you can take advantage of some amazing lead rates, onboard credits, and half-off deposits!

Offer Details:

Book a 7-night sailing most nights Sep. 28 – Nov. 16, 2013 aboard the Disney Wonder®  and receive an onboard credit (OBC) for you to use during your cruise – $100 OBC for an Inside stateroom, $150 OBC for an Oceanview Stateroom, and a $200 OBC for a Verandah stateroom. You’ll also pay less now with half-off deposits due at the time of booking!

Booking Window:

Mar. 19 – May 30, 2013

Travel Window:

Most 7-night sailings from Sep. 28 – Nov. 16, 2013

All promotions are subject to availability, so contact your Magic Maker® today for your free no-obligation quote!

Government Taxes and Fees and Port Adventures not included. Per person government taxes and fees are approximately $80 per person for 7-night Bahamas and Western Caribbean cruises (all amounts subject to change). Excludes categories with restrictions (IGT, OGT and VGT). Half-off deposit is valid only for categories 00T – 11C. The deferred deposit amount is due at final payment. This offer cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts or onboard credits. Subject to all applicable Terms and Conditions of Disney Cruise Line®. All Shipboard credits are non-refundable and non-transferable.