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19 Reasons to Visit a Disney destination in 2019

The one constant at Disney destinations is change! In the early days of Disneyland® Park, Walt was famously quoted talking about the future of the park:

“Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.”

Walt Disney

2019 will be no different for Disney destinations –  adding new and limited-time shows, parties, experiences, resorts, restaurants and lands across their properties! We’re excited about what’s to come in 2019 and wanted to share some of our favorites.

In no particular order, here’s our 19 Reasons to visit Disney destinations in 2019!

Contact your Magic Maker® Travel Professional TODAY to add some Magic to your 2019!

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Top 3 Reasons to Stay Club-Level at Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels

When it comes to vacationing at the Walt Disney World® Resort, it’s hard to top the experience, convenience and Magical Extras you’ll receive by staying at a Disney Resort hotel. And with over 25 Disney owned and operated Resorts to choose from, there’s accommodations available to fit every family’s needs and budget!

The Walt Disney World® Resort offers Club-level accommodations at each of their eight Disney Deluxe Resorts. While there are many added benefits available for guests staying in these special Club-level rooms, a few of them shine above the rest to our Magic Makers®!

Top 3 Reasons to Stay Club-Level at Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels

1 Exclusive Club Concierge Lounges- Each resort offers a Club Concierge Lounge that is available exclusively to their guests staying in Club-level accommodations. Inside each lounge which typically operates 7a-10p daily, you’ll fine plenty of seating in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. One key offering that our guests fall in love with is the food and beverage options they find in the lounges! Here’s an example of typical lounge offerings at various times throughout the day:

  • Breakfast – Pastries, fruit, cereal & beverages
  • Snacks – Chips, cookies & beverages
  • Evening – Hot item samples, cheese tray, beverages, wine & beer
  • Cordials & Desserts – Assorted desserts and cordials
    Items may not be available at all lounges. Variations will occur on daily offerings at each lounge. Information is subject to change without notice.

We can’t emphasize enough the convenience these Club Level Lounges provide. Whether providing a quick breakfast to jump-start your day in the Magic, snacks during your afternoon Park break by the pool, or a quick bedtime snack after a long day of fun, we’re sure you’ll fall in love with the lounge as well!

2 Exclusive Signature Offerings and Services- Let’s face it, at some point during the booking and planning process you’ve probably felt a bit “spoiled” by the level of attention and services your Magic Maker® has provided you! Well, that same attention to detail can continue at your Resort while you are on vacation! First, each Club-level guest has access to special Concierge Cast Members to help with any last minute changes or requests. Also, during the planning process Club-level guests can choose from a list of Enchanting Extras to make their upcoming stay even more magical! One of the most exciting extras is a recently-announced exclusive FastPass+ add-on option!

3 Location, Location, Location- With over 40-square miles of vacation kingdom at the Walt Disney World® Resort, location is key! All of the Disney Deluxe Resorts are located closest to one (or more) of the four Theme Parks! This close proximity to the Park often means additional transportation – via boat or even sometimes monorail. Also, the Club-level rooms are typically located at the most desired spots within the Resort Hotel offering great views and easy access to amenities you’re likely to use the most! And at a few of the resorts, their prime location allow their Club Concierge Lounge to provide special viewing locations for Happily Ever After and IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth nighttime spectaculars!

Ask your Magic Maker® how a Club-level stay can enhance your Walt Disney World® Resort vacation!

New Walt Disney World® Resort FastPass+ Add-on Announced for Disney Signature Services Guests

The Walt Disney World® Resort has announced an awesome new add-on for our guests eligible for Disney Signature Services!

Beginning Fri., Jan. 12, 2018, a new pilot program launched allowing guests booked in select Walt Disney World® Resort hotel rooms with a 3-day or longer theme park admission or annual pass to add-on a special theme park extra! The offer includes:

This new add-on is available to all guests staying in the following accommodations:


•Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Cabins
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Club Level
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn – Club Level
Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Club Level
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Club Level
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – Club Level


Disney’s Polynesian Village Villas & Bungalows – Bungalows
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Club Level
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort – Club Level
Disney’s Beach Club Resort – Club Level
•Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels – select suites and premium rooms


Pricing is $50 +tax per guest per day.

No other changes have been made to the FastPass+ system. All theme park guests with valid theme park admission will continue to receive up to three FastPass+ selections at a single park per day at no extra charge, as well as additional day-of in-park selections that may be reserved and redeemed one-at-a-time after those initial three selections are redeemed.

Contact your Magic Maker® for more details!

8 Things We’re Excited About in 2018 at Disney Destinations

While it’s hard to believe that 2017 is almost over, we are overflowing with excitement and anticipation of what’s coming in 2018 for Disney Destinations!

Here’s 8 things (in no particular order) that we can’t wait to experience!

1 Toy Story Land- In Summer 2018 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, the all-new Toy Story Land will open to guests. Shrinking guests to the size of a toy, three attractions and a new quick-service dining location will await guests in the 11-acre play space. Slinky Dog Dash (a family-style coaster) and Alien Swirling Saucers will be the new attractions joining the already existing guest favorite Toy Story Mania!®. Woody’s Lunch Box will offer several meals and old-fashioned soda floats. No exact opening date in 2018 has been announced.

2 Disney Springs™ Additions- When you’re visiting the Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney Springs™ is your place to eat, drink, and shop! And in 2018, the list of options is growing! Eight new dining concepts will open in 2018! The Edison will open as a lavish “Industrial Gothic” restaurant, bar and nighttime destination. Adjacent to that is a trio of modern Italian restaurant and bar concepts – Maria & Enzo’s, Enzo’s Hideaway, and Pizza Ponte. Terralina Crafted Italian will feature dishes inspired by “Top Chef Master” Chef Tony Mantuano ‘s adventures in Italy. Master Sommelier George Miliotes’ Wine Bar George will offer more than 100 wine selections by the bottle and glass along with shareable plates, cheese and charcuterie. Jaleo, a Spanish concept by world-renowned Chef José Andrés’ and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill are also slated to open in 2018.

3 Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park Celebrates 20 Years- Opening its gates for the first time on Earth Day in 1998, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park will celebrate 20 years in 2018! As part of the celebration, the Flights of Wonder show is being retired to make room for the debut of a new show featuring Russell and Dug from Disney•Pixar’s film UP! The new show will feature species of birds from around the world at the Caravan Theater in Anandapur Village. We’re sure that more special events will be announced before the big day, so stay tuned to our Facebook page for more details!

4 Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Transformation- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is currently receiving some major enhancements that are set to be completed late Summer 2018! For our guests that have stayed at the resort before, the biggest change will be the elimination of the Customs House! Old Port Royale will act as a centralized location for check in/out as well as merchandise and dining. Other updates include an all-new Centertown Market for casual eats, waterfront dining at an all-new Shutters restaurant, a new Banana Cabana outdoor bar and lounge, and an refurbished Calypso Trading Post for shopping.

5 Return of Disney on Broadway Much to our delight, the Epcot® International Festival of the Arts will return from Jan. 12 – Feb. 19, 2018! Also returning is what we believe to the highlight of the festival, the Disney On Broadway performances which happen each weekend (Fridays through Mondays at 5:30p, 6:45p and 8:00p) in the America Gardens Theatre. This years performers include:

  • Jan. 12-15 and 19-22: Kara Lindsay and Kevin Massey
  • Jan. 26-29 and Feb. 2-5: Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White
  • Feb. 9-12 and 16-19: Ashley Brown and Josh Strickland

The concerts are included with standard Epcot® admission but because of popularity, we suggest experiencing Disney on Broadway with a dining package that includes preferred seating!

6 Pixar Fest and Pixar Pier For over 20 years, the beloved characters of Pixar Animation Studios have found a special place in our hearts. And in 2018, they’ll come to life like never before with the addition of Pixar Fest and Pixar Pier at the Disneyland® Resort! Pixar Fest, the biggest theme park celebration of stories and characters from Pixar, will feature a new “Together Forever—A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” plus the return of ‘Paint the Night’ and ‘Pixar Play Parade.Pixar Pier will transform the area that is now Paradise Pier inside Disney California Adventure® Park with the thrilling, reimagined Incredicoaster, four new imaginative neighborhoods, plus entertainment, themed food and beverage, and more! CLICK HERE for more details on everything Pixar coming to Disneyland® Resort.

7 Downtown Disney® District Additions- There’s no doubt that the west end of the Disneyland® Resort’s Downtown Disney® District will see a lot of changes in the next 4 years with the construction of a new Disney-owned Four Diamond hotel that is set to open in 2021! But in 2018, you’ll see a few new locations open for your enjoyment. Splitsville Luxury Lanes will open in early 2018 with 20 bowling lanes, four dining areas, and much more. The New York-based Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer will open its first California location offering award-winning burgers and signature CrazyShake™ milkshakes that boast whimsical and over-the-top decorations and flavors. And in early 2018, D-Street will be re-imagined into a Disney-themed home goods store with products that change with each season.

8 Enchanting Enhancements for Disney Magic- Exciting new spaces and new experiences are coming to the Disney Magic in March 2018! An all-new enchanting dining experience will be created for families at Rapunzel’s Royal Table! Guests will be treated to live entertainment during their dinner, and maybe even an appearance by Princess Rapunzel herself. A redesign is coming for the Vibe, the space on the ship reserved for teens ages 14-17, which will be transformed into a trendy urban loft environment. And Cove Café, an adult-exclusive retreat located near the Quiet Cove Pool, will be redesigned in a sophisticated tropical style. The new enhancements debut on the Disney Magic’s Mar. 9, 2018 sailing.

What new addition at Disney Destinations are you excited about? Contact your Magic Maker® today and start planning your next getaway!

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Late 2015 Walt Disney World® Room Discounts

We’re sorry, this offer has expired.

Vacation Wishes Come True at the Walt Disney World® Resort

Why not make new family memories at “The Most Magical Place on Earth?” From thrilling twists and turns on the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom® Park to the great seasonal events like the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, your upcoming trip is a dream come true in the making!

For a limited time, you can save up to 25% at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels for stays most nights Oct. 4 – Nov. 24, 2015 and Nov. 28 – Dec. 23, 2015. Not only will you enjoy staying closer to the magic, your stay will also include an array of special Disney touches and magical extras that only on-property guests receive!

Travel Dates:

Save up to 25% most nights Oct. 4 – Nov. 24 and Nov. 28 – Dec. 23, 2015 (when booked before Sep. 18, 2015)

Contact your Magic Maker® today for pricing and availability!

Request a Quote

The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Length-of-stay requirements may apply. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room. Everyone in the same room must be on the same package. Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than two adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Advance reservations required. Offer excludes campsites, 3-bedroom villas, and other Resort/Room type combinations. 30% savings for select Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts; lower savings may be available for other Resorts.

A Tropical Escape at Walt Disney World® Resort

Article_TropicalEscapeBy Magic Maker®: Julie Paolino

I’m enjoying the breeze as I swing on a hammock nestled between two palm trees.  My husband has gone off to fetch me a frozen tropical drink and my kids are exploring the beach.  I can’t get over the beautiful scenery that is laid out before my eyes. The reflection of the pink cottages of Aruba, in the waters of Barefoot Bay, is breathtaking.  I could stay here forever. Oh wait…..I am at Walt Disney World® Resort! In a little while I’ll be hanging in midair on Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ instead of this hammock!

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is definitely a tropical retreat not to be overlooked if you are considering a stay at a moderately priced resort right in the middle of all the magic that is Walt Disney World® Resort. Just a short bus ride from each of the parks, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is an island themed resort that is spread out around the 45 acre Barefoot Bay.  A stay in a room situated in Trinidad South will delight guests with a fun pirate theme for just a little bit more than a standard room.  Meanwhile, guests staying in rooms directly on either side of Old Port Royal Towne Center, in Trinidad North or Martinique , will find quick and easy access to the food court, restaurant, gift shop and pool. The close proximity to the Towne Center puts these rooms in a preferred category, but it is definitely worth the slight increase in price to be near the food court and pool where you are guaranteed to spend most of your time while at the resort. Guests staying in rooms situated on the other side of Barefoot Bay in Aruba, Jamaica, and Barbados will enjoy a scenic walk across the Barefoot Bay Bridge as they make their way to the Towne Center.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is bustling with activity at any time of day. In the mornings you may see walkers and joggers on the many scenic paths around the bay or families enjoying a leisurely surrey bike ride. In the afternoon you will definitely see swimmers enjoying pool time, complete with water cannons, water slides and dumping buckets, in the recently refurbished pirate themed pool near Old Port Royal Towne Center .  Out on the bay is where you will find boaters enjoying a leisurely sail on the calm waters.  And inside Old Port Royale Town Center you will find guest enjoying their food from the quick serve restaurants of Market Street or Shutters, the resort’s table service restaurant.  And don’t fret if you have forgotten something or want to pick up a special souvenir. Shoppers will find plenty of necessities and Walt Disney World® Resort themed merchandise at the Calypso Trading Post and Straw Market.  Evenings at this resort will bring you roasted marshmallows on the beach and movies under the stars.   Need I say more?

So, when you are ready to book your next Walt Disney World® Resort vacation don’t forget about this charming, tropical paradise called Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.   And don’t forget to call on one of Off to Neverland Travel’s® Magic Makers® to help you to make the most of your Walt Disney World® Resort vacation by utilizing their expert planning services.

Off to Neverland® Brings the Magic to Your Mobile Device

At Off to Neverland Travel® we have been creating lasting Disney vacation memories for families for five years, providing customized, white glove service to make your vacation dreams come true.

With mobile apps and content becoming an increasingly popular, if not essential, part of life, we are thrilled to introduce a little more ‘magic’ to the mobile world with the release of our exclusive Walt Disney World® Resort mobile itinerary.

Our mobile itinerary is a collision of our free itinerary planning service that is offered when  you plan your trip with Off to Neverland® and the mobile technology that we all embrace. Through the mobile itinerary, you will have your entire itinerary in their pocket, professionally planned by our expert Magic Makers® who are known for creating such whimsical experiences.

Within the mobile itinerary, you will have access to your professionally planned itinerary, including park hours, parade start times, firework show times and daily plans that include personalized tips to make your vacation as magical as possible. In addition, the mobile itinerary app contains all of the important information you need including your vacation package details and your pre-planned dining reservation times, locations and confirmations.

Run into an issue on your trip? No problem! Within the mobile itinerary, your personal Magic Maker’s® contact information is only a few clicks away! Whether you have a question about your professional planned itinerary or need some other form of assistance on your trip, help is at your fingertips.

Never before has a mobile itinerary existed for visitors to Walt Disney World® Resort that blended the technology of today with the expertise of a personal ‘concierge’ that knows your family’s needs and designs your itinerary around it. The stress of planning your trip has come to an end, as the future of vacations through Off to Neverland Travel® has arrived!

 

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World® Resort

As we glance into the rear view mirror and see 2012 fading into the distance, we can see the fullness of 2013 looming through our windshield. As the excitement of what 2013 has to offer begins to take shape, so do our plans for celebrating the arrival of the New Year!

Thankfully, Walt Disney World® Resort has some fantastic things in store for guests who will be visiting on New Year’s Eve! Whether you will be visiting one of the theme parks or looking to bring in the New Year in Downtown Disney® or elsewhere, there are plenty of ways to celebrate!

Three of Walt Disney World® Resorts four theme parks will have special celebrations planned for guests on December 31st. The star of the celebration in Magic Kingdom® Park is the Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks, a special holiday treat, which will happen at 11:50pm! Magic Kingdom® Park will be open from 8:00am to 2:00am!

In Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ you’ll find The Mulch, Sweat and Shears New Year’s Eve Spectacular; four concerts sets featuring pyrotechnics and special effects! At 12:00am it will be time for the “Lights, Camera, Happy New Year” fireworks accompanied by Mulch, Sweat and Shears! Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ will be open from 8:00am to 12:00am (with Extra Magic Hours until 3:00am)!

Epcot® will be featuring two performances of IlllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, at 7:00pm and 11:42pm. Throughout the night guests can celebrate and dance to music spun by DJ’s who are at select pavilions throughout World Showcase. Epcot® will be open from 11:00am to 1:00am.

DisneyQuest® Indoor Interactive Theme Park will be holding a party of its own from 8:00pm to 1:00am! The celebration at DisneyQuest® Indoor Interactive Theme Park includes a DJ Dance Party, character meet and greets, access to all of the games and attractions, festive party favors and a special confetti drop at midnight!

Disney’s BoardWalk Entertainment District will even be hosting their annual special-ticket New Year’s Eve party from 8:00pm – 2:00am with a video DJ, countdown and limited viewing of Epcot’s® fireworks.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways around Walt Disney World® Resort to bring in the New Year! If you already have plans to be at Walt Disney World® Resort be sure to check with your Magic Maker® for exact time and ticket requirements. If you are still looking for a way to celebrate the arrival of 2013, we are here to help your magical travel dreams come true!

The Comedy Warehouse Brings Laughs to Disney’s Hollywood Studios™

Walt Disney World® Resort has always been a place full of laughter. From entertainment to rides, and everything in between, smiles are not a rarity when you are on property!

However, on September 27th, 2008 Walt Disney World® Resort lost one of their ‘laughter’ staples when Downtown Disney® Pleasure Island area closed all of their nightclubs. In doing so, Comedy Warehouse opened their doors for a final time.

Comedy Warehouse was a nightclub at Downtown Disney® Pleasure Island that featured an improv comedy troupe. It was originally the home to the parody show “Forbidden Disney”; before introducing the improve comedy troupe to keep things fresh.

Last year, fans of the former Comedy Warehouse were given a special treat at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ as the cast reunited for a special show that ran for 7 days called “The Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special”. The special show was met by capacity crowds every day.

Now, Comedy Warehouse fans have something else to look forward to, and it is something you won’t want to miss even if this is your first introduction to the improv comedy troupe. “The Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special” is returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ again this year! Sure, there are plenty of things to make you smile and laugh at Walt Disney World® Resort, but this show is a must for the whole family!

“The Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special” will be returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ at the end of this year, and this time for an extended 14 days! The show will run from December 23rd through January 5th in the Premier Theatre.

The best part? “The Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special” is included in your regular Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ park admission! Now that’s nothing to laugh about!

“’The Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special’ is like a family reunion of the Cast of the Comedy Warehouse,” said Show Director Chris Oyen. “We’re so happy to be able to bring everyone together again for the holiday season and to put on this show. It’s a gift from our family to yours.”

If you are heading to Walt Disney World® Resort during the busy Christmas season, this is one ‘must’ that you don’t want to miss. And if you are looking for another ‘excuse’ to head to Walt Disney World® Resort, well you are welcome! Our Magic Makers® are ready to help you get there!

The Mickey Check – Balanced Dining for Kids

As a parent of two young children under the age of five, I know how difficult it is to make sure your children eat a healthy, well balanced meal at home. It can be mind numbing at times. You certainly have to be creative to find all of the major food groups on a four year old’s plate.

Now you may think a plate of bacon, sour cream dip, chips and a slice of bread may be pushing it. I say nay. Protein? Bacon! Vegetable? Uh, Potato Chips! Grain? Bread of course. Dairy? Sour cream dip! That plate was just another well balanced meal. Yes, there is truth to this little illustration, no, we do not let him eat like this every day!

Thankfully, our friends at Walt Disney World® Resort and Disneyland® Park have helped us to make nutritional dining for the boys on vacation a little easier with the Mickey Check. The Mickey Check is a new initiative that will help you identify nutritious choices for your children while you are on vacation!

In order for a meal to receive the Mickey Check, the meal has to live up to Disney Nutrition Guidelines, which align to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The meals encourage portion control (and calorie intake) while limiting sodium, sugar, saturated fat and trans fat.

Meals adorning the Mickey Check must include at least three of the four major food groups: fruits and vegetables; low-fat dairy; whole grains; or lean protein, beans, eggs and nuts. You can rest assured they aren’t pressing the limits and passing off potato chips as vegetables! To meet Disney Nutrition Guidelines, meals have to be ordered without any substitutions!

No longer will you have to worry about your child’s nutrition while visiting Walt Disney World® Resort or Disneyland® Park, because Disney is already worried about it for you! The Mickey Check debuted at Be Our Guest Restaurant earlier this month and is slated to appear on other table-service menus the first of the year!

Be sure to browse all of the dining options available at Walt Disney World® Resort on our website! When you plan your next vacation with Off to Neverland® Travel, our Magic Makers® will take you through the dining experience, and even eliminate the wait by making reservations for you…all at no additional cost!

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