Adventures by Disney® Danube River Cruise
By Magic Maker® Allie Willits
I recently had the amazing opportunity to travel on an Adventures by Disney® Danube River Cruise with my 7-year-old daughter and my parents to celebrate my mother’s 70th birthday. This was the IDEAL way to visit the historical cities throughout Hungary, Austria and Germany for all of us! Imagine only having to unpack once, in a luxury room, on an incredible river ship; no lugging luggage on and off busses, trains and planes, no having to entertain kids on multiple train, bus or plane rides and receiving top of the line customer service and gourmet food and beverages at every meal. It truly was a hassle free, active and luxury vacation full of history, architecture, fun and laughs!
We flew from the USA to Budapest, Hungary to embark on the luxurious AmaViola River Cruise Ship and we were immediately greeted by one of four Disney-trained Adventure Guides. Paola, Dean, Danny and Stephanie were the Adventure Guides on our adventure (we had 93 guests onboard). I think of them as a mix of tour guide, entertainer, concierge, director of fun, keeper of children, storyteller and most of all friend. They truly made this trip special, they set up interactive, engaging, hands on shore excursions that were fun for all ages from youngest (5 years old on our cruise) to the grandparents on board. While the adults had private tours of castles and palaces by superb storytellers, our Adventure Guides took the kids on their own tours to play dress up, make cookies and play all while learning the history of some amazing places. Nightly entertainment onboard the AmaViola in the lovely lounge is also hosted by our Adventure Guides – we sang karaoke, danced, laughed and more. My daughter cried when we hugged our Adventure Guides goodbye at the end of the vacation – she, and all of us felt like they were family!
We visited cities each day along the Danube river and had options for excursions like bike rides along the river, walking tours of cities along cobblestone streets, archery at a medieval castle, visiting the Salt Mines, engaging on a Sound of Music tour, several castle and palace tours, food and wine tastings at a family owned apricot farm and winery and more. There is also the option to simply enjoy the port visits on your own – the AmaViola staff provided maps and gave suggestions for each stop!
Onboard the AmaViola, lunch and dinner each day was a foodie’s delight! Gourmet meals, served by the most attentive and friendly servers with choices galore including local wines (different each day) and draft beer. There’s even the option of dining at the Chef’s Table (no extra cost) for a 7 course, wine pairing meal. While the adults dine in the gorgeous dining room for dinner, the kids have the option of dining in the lounge on a kids buffet with entertainment and the Adventure Guides. Breakfast was also delicious with an option of a buffet or a la carte and even mimosas! Daily “tea” was served in the lounge with appetizers, fresh fruit, cakes and cookies. Many “extra” fun food events were also included like ice cream parties, cocktail receptions, Palinka (Hungarian Schnapps) tastings, a private Oktoberfest celebration and more.
Talking with the other guests on our final day as we traveled to the beautiful city of Munich, Germany, everybody agreed that it was their favorite family vacation ever (and many of the guests have traveled extensively and all over the world). I agree, it was absolutely an incredible experience. I can’t wait to try a Christmas Market river cruise and would love to sail the Rhine river with Adventures by Disney®. My daughter still talks about the castles and palaces she visited along with our Adventure Guides on a daily basis – and we’ve been home a month!
They are specials running NOW for these Adventures by Disney® Danube River Cruises!! Don’t miss this opportunity, ask your Magic Maker® for more information!
Fantasmic! Dessert & VIP Viewing Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®
Starting Sep. 8, 2017, Disney’s Hollywood Studios® will begin offering a new Fantasmic! Dessert & VIP viewing experience. This new offering will provide guests with tasty treats and some of the best seats for that evening’s show.
Upon check in for the package, each guest will receive a special light up credential for their preferred viewing location as well as a snack box. Snack boxes will include:
Adults
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
- Cheesecake
- Chocolate Cupcake
- Apple Crisp
- California Trail Mix
- Cheese and Crackers
- Bottle of Water
- Specialty Alcoholic or Non-alcoholic Beverage in a light-up keepsake Fantasmic! cup
Children (ages 3-9)
- Chocolate Pudding with Crushed Chocolate Cookies and Gummy Worms
- Confetti Popcorn
- Grapes
- Sorcerer Mickey Vanilla Cake Bite
- Bottle of Water
- Specialty Non-alcoholic Beverage in a light-up keepsake Fantasmic! cup
Pricing is $39 per adult and $19 per child (ages 3 to 9). Availability for this package will be limited, so contact your Magic Maker® today!
Save 20% On Select Disney Cruises Fall 2017 From New York City
Here’s your chance to save 20% on select Disney Cruise Line sailings this fall! Whether you are a first time cruiser or a proud Castaway Club member, you’ll be wowed by Broadway-caliber shows, diverse dining options, festive Halloween activities and great destinations!
Offer Details:
Some important details on Verandah Staterooms with Restrictions:
- Full payment is required at the time of booking for all Guests and is non-refundable.
- Full legal names of all Guests are required at time of booking and no name changes are allowed.
- Specific stateroom will be assigned at a later time, based on availability.
Contact your Magic Maker® today! Availability is limited!
Not combinable with Disney Vacation Club Points. Rate does not include Gratuities or Port Adventures. The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited. This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. Rates are in U.S. dollars Offer subject to Disney Cruise Line Terms and Conditions.
Late 2017 Savings at Walt Disney World® Resort
Celebrate the Holidays while Saving at the Walt Disney World® Resort
New family memories are waiting to be made at “The Most Magical Place on Earth”! You’ll enjoy a magical mix of new and unforgettable experiences – from expeditions that celebrate the magic of nature at Pandora – The World of Avatar inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park to festive celebrations at Magic Kingdom® Park during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas parties, your upcoming trip is a dream come true in the making!
Contact your Magic Maker® today for pricing and availability! Availability is limited, so don’t delay!
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. Additional adult 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 3-bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid standard rooms. 20% savings for select Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts; lower savings may be available for other Disney Resort hotels.
Disney MaxPass at the Disneyland® Resort
On July 19th, Disneyland® Resort will launch a new service called Disney MaxPass inside their parks!
Disney MaxPass combines two popular Disneyland® Resort services to help your day in the parks be as magical as it can be.
- Disney PhotoPass – Disney MaxPass gives you unlimited downloads of all your Disney PhotoPass photos from your day in the park. This includes photos taken on select attractions, during select Character dining experiences, and even all normal and Magic Shots taken by Disney PhotoPass photographers.
- Disney FASTPASS – Disney MaxPass also enables mobile FASTPASS booking and redemption times via the Disneyland® app. No more walking over to the attraction – simply make a FASTPASS selection (subject to availability) using the app and then scan your code at the entrance when it’s time to experience the attraction!
Current attractions using Disney FASTPASS service include:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
- California Screamin’
- Goofy’s Sky School
- Grizzly River Run
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
- Haunted Mansion
- Indiana Jones™ Adventure
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Radiator Springs Racers
- Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Space Mountain
- Splash Mountain
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
- Toy Story Midway Mania
Disney MaxPass will be offered for an introductory price of $10 a day (additional pricing options available for Disneyland® Resort Annual Passholders) and can be added in advance or once inside the park. The option of using the existing Disney FASTPASS service at the kiosks is still available at no additional cost.
Contact your Magic Maker® for more details!
You are strongly advised to check the day’s FASTPASS ticket availability and other Park details before purchasing Disney MaxPass or using a Park ticket with Disney MaxPass as FASTPASS tickets for your preferred attractions may not be available at the time of purchase or use. FASTPASS tickets are limited and availability is not guaranteed. FASTPASS tickets may be obtained only while you are in the Parks and may not be available for entertainment through Disney MaxPass. An experience that does not have Disney FASTPASS® availability at a kiosk will not be available using Disney MaxPass. The Disney MaxPass benefit will expire at the end of the day or when the Passport it is associated with expires, as applicable. Disney MaxPass is nonrefundable, nontransferable, may not be redeemed for cash and is subject to other restrictions. Price, terms, entitlements, attractions and entertainment are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Passholders who purchase the Disney MaxPass benefit may not use the value of any separate ticket media toward the purchase price of Disney MaxPass.
Disney PhotoPass service is subject to the PhotoPass terms. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos captured during the day your Disney MaxPass is used or during the validity dates of your Passport, as applicable, must be linked to your Disney account and may be downloaded pursuant to the expiration policy. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Downloads are restricted to personal use by Disney account holder only and may not be used for a commercial purpose. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.
Message, data and roaming rates may apply for the Disneyland app. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.
Disneyland® Park Announces New ‘Fantasmic!’ Viewing Options
On July 17, 2017, Fantasmic! will return to Disneyland® Park after a brief hiatus due to adjacent park refurbishment to celebrate its 25th Anniversary. Guests wishing to end their day at “The Happiest Place on Earth” by enjoying a performance of Fantasmic! will have several options to reserve a space.
Fantasmic! will continue to use Disney FASTPASS® Service in a process similar to that currently used for World of Color. The viewing area will be divided into reserved and stand-by viewing for each scheduled performance.
Reserved viewing areas are exclusively for those guests holding a FASTPASS® for that performance. These can be obtained in two ways:
- FASTPASS® Distribution – Beginning each day at park opening, Fantasmic! FASTPASS® Distribution will begin on a first-come first-served basis on Big Thunder Trail in Frontierland. Your Fantasmic! FASTPASS® will be marked with the assigned showtime, suggested return time and your preassigned viewing section.
- Fantasmic Dining Packages – Several dining options are now available including a 3-course dinner at the Blue Bayou Restaurant or River Belle Terrace or an on-the-go option from Hungry Bear Restaurant. Pricing varies by location. See below for more details
Stand-by viewing will continue to be offered in selected areas while space permits.
Fantasmic Dining Package Options
Blue Bayou Restaurant
Includes choice of starter, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage from prix fixe menu. Price is $65 for adults, $25 for children (age 3-9).
River Belle Terrace
Includes choice of starter, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage from prix fixe menu. Price: $45 for adults, $25 for children (age 3-9)
River Belle Terrace – Premium 8:00p Seating
Includes choice of starter, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage from prix fixe menu and you’ll be able to stay at your seat to watch the first performance of Fantasmic! from the outside patio where you’ll be seated!
Price: $60 for adults, $40 for children (age 3-9)
Hungry Bear Restaurant Fantasmic! On-the-Go Package
Includes choice of entrée and natural soda or for kids choice of entrée and bottled water, juice box or milk.
Price: $29.99 for adults, $19.99 for children (ages 3-9)
Please contact your Magic Maker® for more details.
Separate theme park admission is required. One (1) Fantasmic! FASTPASS® ticket will be distributed per package. Each person in the party must purchase a dining package in order to obtain a ticket. Tickets are valid only for the designated show time on the same day as the dining experience. Packages and tickets may not be refunded, redeemed for cash, exchanged for a different date or time, or sold. Early and late arrivals will not be accommodated. Some reserved viewing areas feature standing room only, with special accommodations available for Guests with disabilities. Fantasmic! may be cancelled due to technical or weather issues without notice. Cast Member and Annual Passholder discounts may be available. Children must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older for the duration of dining and viewing. No refunds or exchanges will be available, even if the show is cancelled. All information is subject to change without notice.
Travel Tip: Why Should You Get Travel Insurance?
When you think of a dream vacation, you may think of warm weather, palm trees, relaxing on a sandy beach – all while making special memories with your family and friends. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?
When you’re planning your vacation, no one likes to think about all the “what ifs.” The world is full of things you can’t control! Unexpected sickness or injuries. Hurricanes. Snow storms. Travel delays. Involuntary termination or layoff. There’s a long list of unforeseen things that may try to get between you and your getaway, and unfortunately there’s no way to stop them from occurring. But, travel insurance can help you reduce the financial impact of these mishaps!
Here’s a video showing a little more about how Travel Insurance works:
Please note: Coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions vary for each insurance plan. Because every situation is different, your Magic Maker® may advise you to contact the insurance provider directly for clarification on any specific questions you may have.
Contact your Magic Maker® today to add Travel Insurance to your Vacation!
The purchase of Travel Insurance is encouraged but is not required in order to purchase any other travel product or service offered to you by Off to Neverland Travel®.
Frozen Ever After Dessert Party at Epcot®
A new premium event that will melt the heart of any Frozen fan is coming to Epcot®!
The Frozen Ever After Dessert Party is a sweet finale to your day at Epcot®. The party provides the following VIP experiences:
- Delectable Frozen-themed Dessert Party and Reserved Seating for IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth in World Showcase Plaza East. Dessert Party buffet offerings may include:
- Olaf’s warm double-chocolate s’mores pudding cake
- Elsa’s warm cottage pudding with salted caramel glaze
- Hand-dipped vanilla bean ice cream
- Wandering Oaken’s éclairons
- Hans’ key lime tarts with red glitter glaze
- Living Rock crispy bonbons
- Anna’s blue velvet cupcakes
- Kristoff’s no-sugar-added lemon curd with blueberry
- Sven’s fresh fruits and berries
- Grand Pabbie’s winter-spiced snack mix
- Duke of Weselton’s cheese fondue served with country bread cubes, broccoli and grilled flatbread
- “Melted snow” and other non-alcoholic beverages
- Summertime cocktails, like margaritas and piña coladas
- Beer and wine
- Access to the popular Frozen Ever After attraction after IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
The Frozen Ever After Dessert Party will be held select evenings beginning July 17, 2017. Pricing is $79 per adult and $47 per child (ages 3 to 9), including tax and gratuity. Separate Epcot® admission is also required and not included.
Contact your Magic Maker® today for more information or to book this experience.
This is not a Character meet-and-greet experience. Characters of the movie Frozen will not appear. This celebration will be offered on a variety of days depending on the time of year, beginning one hour prior to the start of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Epcot® park admission is also required and is not included in the price of the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party. An event reservation is required when participating in the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. A valid form of government identification will be required to verify your age. To check in for this event, please meet the greeting Cast Member at World Showcase Plaza, located next to Port of Entry and adjacent to the Mexico Pavilion. The Frozen Ever After Dessert Party venue is held in an uncovered, open-air setting. In the event of inclement weather, the dessert portion will take place at an alternate indoor location. A Cast Member will direct you to the alternate location at the time of check-in. IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth may be changed or canceled without prior notice due to inclement weather.
‘Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package’ Now Available
Magic Kingdom® Park has announced the return of a premium event that will take place during this year’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties.
Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package, which will be available on most party nights, will provide guests with a VIP experience at an additional charge. You’ll receive:
- Preferred viewing for Happy HalloWishes Fireworks spectacular at Tomorrowland® Terrace where a dessert party will also be provided featuring:
- Themed desserts like chocolate-dipped strawberries, chocolate mousse, cupcakes, ice cream, seasonal fruits, cheeses and other ghoulish goodies
- A selection of non-alcoholic drinks
Pricing for the Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package is $79 per adult and $47 per child (ages 3-9) plus tax. Space is limited, so please contact your Magic Maker® to check on availability for your party date. Here are a couple important reminders about the experience:
- Admission to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a special ticketed event and is not included with admission to Magic Kingdom® park or this package.
- The Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package is available on the following nights: Aug. 29; Sep. 1, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29; Oct. 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29 , 31; and Nov. 1
- Entertainment is subject to change or cancellation without notice. In the event of inclement weather, the fireworks may be delayed or cancelled. However, the dessert party will occur regardless of the weather.
- Disney dining plan entitlements may not be redeemed for this event.
- Offer may not be combined with any other discounts or promotions. There are a limited number of tickets available for this event.