Off to Neverland Travel

Disney Cruise Line® has announced a change to their smoking policy for guests onboard their ships.

Previously, guests who had selected a verandah stateroom were allowed to smoke outside their room. Effective Nov. 15, 2013, smoking will no longer be allowed outside on stateroom verandahs. This change makes all stateroom areas, regardless of category, 100% smoke free onboard all four of Disney Cruise Line® ships. Guests found in violation of this policy will be subject to a $250 stateroom recovery fee. This policy also includes the use of electronic cigarettes.

To accommodate guests who do smoke, smoking will be allowed in designated areas of the ships. These areas include:

Disney Magic® and Disney Wonder®:

• Outdoors on Deck 4 starboard side (6:00p to 6:00a only)
• Outdoors on Decks 9 and 10’s open-air areas (excluding the Mickey’s Pool area).

Disney Dream® and Disney Fantasy®:

• Deck 4 port side, aft (6:00p to 6:00a)
• Deck 12 port side, aft, (outdoor area accessible through the Meridian Lounge)
• Deck 13 port side, forward by Currents Bar

Designated smoking areas are subject to change. Please consult onboard documentation or ask a Crew Member for locations upon boarding.

It is hard to believe that we are less than one month from the start of this year’s Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom® Park! But the Walt Disney World® Resort have announced some additions to this year’s party that brings happy haunts to the “Most Magical Place on Earth!”

New additions this year include:

• Jack Skellington and Sally from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas will make their debut inside Magic Kingdom® Park. Last year, the two made limited appearances in Downtown Disney®, but this year they will spend 23-frightning nights doing meet and greets in Town Square of the Main Street, U.S.A.® area.
• Last year, a Street Jam hosted by the Creepa Crew was added to the lineup directly before the performances of Mickey’s “Boo to You” Parade. This year, Phineas and Ferb are taking charge of the Creepa Crew to provide a new preparade show on Main Street, U.S.A.®
• On the Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland®, Mike and Sulley will host a dance party called Monstrous Scream-O-Ween Ball.
• To aid in the distribution of over 220 tons of candy throughout the parties, two treat trails and a few surprise trick-or-treat stations will be available.

Two favorite Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party events are among the list of those returning this year – Mickey’s “Boo to You” Parade and Happy HalloWishes nighttime fireworks spectacular!

 The 2013 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will take place on:

• Sep. 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 29
• Oct. 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31
• Nov. 1

from 7p – midnight. Ticket prices start at $54+tax for kids 3-9 and at $59+tax for ages 10 and up.  Tickets prices vary by party date and the date of purchase (tickets cost more if you purchase them the same day as the party).  Contact your Magic Maker® for more information on pricing for your requested party date.

For safety, costumes must not be obstructive or offensive.  This is a special event which requires a separately priced event Theme Park ticket.  Pricing subject to change without notice and availability.

As the summer winds down and the next school year is looming just ahead of us (and already starting for some), families are shifting their priorities from vacation and fun to school and education. For some, elementary school, junior high and high school education take on a different form as more and more parents are deciding to educate their children at home. Homeschooling has continued to grow in popularity.

For those homeschooling this fall, Walt Disney World® Resort offers a fantastic way to extend the summer fun while not sacrificing opportunities for learning and growth.

On October 9^th Disney Homeschool Days: On With The Show hits Disney’s Hollywood Studios® Theme Park.   At Disney Homeschool Days: On With The Show your children will get to check out just what it takes to be the part of a modern day production, giving them real life applications to collaboration, communication and creativity.

As a part of Disney Homeschool Days: On With The Show participants will be able to:

• Identify and articulate a variety of technical disciplines necessary for stage or show production.
• Articulate the role of constructive criticism in performance arts and discuss application to everyday situations.
• Identify and discuss fundamental responsibilities of creative and stage management teams.
• Articulate the value of preparedness, presentation, and focus in performance arts and demonstrate these elements in everyday situations.
• Define risk-taking and articulate the value of intelligent risk-taking.

Disney Homeschool Days: On With The Show is designed for students of all ages, however students under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

In addition to Disney Homeschool Days: On With The Show, you can add on a wide array of Disney Youth Education Series programs prior to or following the Homeschool Days event. From science and physics to animals and animation, there many options to keep your homeschool student engaged!

Just because the summer is ending and school is beginning, doesn’t mean that education can’t still be fun!

Contact your Magic Maker® today to begin planning your trip with your students this fall to Walt Disney World® Resort for Homeschool Days.

Anyone with a dietary restriction can tell you what kind of an added stress it causes when traveling. Whether an allergy or simply a preference, you are forced to place a level of trust in the culinary team that they will take care in preparing your meal within your restrictions.

The Walt Disney World® Resort (along with all of the other Disney Destinations) realizes the importance of this and has always been great at assisting guests with dietary restrictions. But now – Hakuna Matata – as Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park has taken this level of attention to a whole new level.

Yesterday, the park debuted their new special dietary kiosk called The Garden.  The kiosk, located on Discovery Island® near Adventurers Outpost, provides you with an opportunity to stop and talk to trained Cast Members about any special dietary allergies or intolerance you may have – whether it be gluten, nuts, dairy, or others. The Cast Members at The Garden have ingredient listings for most products served at the park and can provide guidance as to which locations, counter or table service, may be best for your visit. They can also suggest some dishes that can be custom made at select quick service locations to fit your needs. However because ingredients change often, you are still encouraged to request to speak with the manager on duty at your chosen dining location to ensure the selection fits within your dietary restrictions.

The Garden also has a selection of snacks available that are friendly to most special diets. Some of the available items include chips, popcorn, granola bars, hummus with vegetables, and a gluten-free beer. Also available for purchase are select treats fresh from BabyCakes NYC™, who only bakes all-natural, organic products free from wheat, gluten, dairy, casein, and eggs. BabyCakes NYC™ has operated a bakery and retail inside Downtown Disney® Marketplace for several years, but this is the first time their products have been available inside the parks!

While The Garden kiosk is exclusive to Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park at this time, we are hopeful that a similar location will soon be available at all parks. However, when dining at any Walt Disney World® restaurant or food court you can always ask to speak to the manager regarding your dining restrictions and can rest assured that the same level of care will be given. If you or your a member of your traveling party has a dietary restriction, please notify your Magic Maker® so that they can notate any Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) and provide you with additional tips and tricks for your stay.

Sorry, this offer has expired. Click here to see current offers for the Walt Disney World® Resort.

Get Disney FREE Dining 2013 with the purchase of select Magic Your Way® Vacations

Be our guest and experience the tastiest vacation offer available at the Walt Disney World® Resort! Disney FREE Dining 2013 has been extended to include dates through the end of this year. Availability on this offer is limited, so don’t delay!

Now through Sep. 15, 2013, purchase a non-discounted Magic Your Way® package including a minimum 3-night stay at select Disney Value Resorts and get the Quick-Service Dining Plan for FREE. Or, buy a non-discounted Magic Your Way® package including a minimum 3-night stay at select Disney Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts and get the Plus Disney Dining Plan for FREE. Upgrades to a different dining plan are available at an additional cost.

Disney FREE Dining Booking Window:
Now – Sep. 15, 2013

Disney FREE Dining Travel Window:
Valid for arrivals most nights Sep. 29 – Oct. 2, Oct. 18 – Nov. 2, Nov. 11 – Nov. 23, and Dec. 12 – Dec. 22, 2013

Some of the best family memories are made during a family dinner! This promotion is always popular and availability is limited, so contact your Magic Maker® today for your taste of these scrumptious savings!

*Disney FREE Dining Packages booked at a Disney Value Resort will receive the Quick-Service Dining Plan for free. Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa Resorts will receive the Plus Disney Dining Plan for free. Upgrades to dining plans are available at an additional cost. Ask your Magic Maker® which Dining Plan may be best for your family.

To qualify for the Disney FREE Dining 2013 promotion, a minimum stay of 3-nights and 2-day Magic Your Way® Base Ticket is required. Number of packages based on this special is limited. Accommodations at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, 3-bedroom villas at any Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground (Campsites), Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, and The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa are excluded from this offer. Offer excludes alcohol beverages and gratuities. Children 3-9 must order from the children’s menu when available. Magic Your Way® Base Tickets are for one Theme Park per day and must be used with 14 days of first use.

Because Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) open 180 days in advance, some table service restaurants may have limited or no availability at the time of booking. No group rates or other discounts apply. Offers cannot be combined and are nontransferable. Advance reservations required. Disney FREE Dining 2013 offer is subject to change without notice.

Earlier this summer, a new interactive experience was introduced at the World of Disney® Store in Downtown Disney® Marketplace.

Walt Disney World® Resort guests can now be instantly transformed into a Disney Princess with the help of the Magic Mirror. Guests simply stand in front of the mirror and let the magic come to life as they try on various Princess gowns and tiaras.

Whether you are young or young at heart, give the Magic Mirror a try during your next visit to the World of Disney® Store! Check out this video introducing the experience:

By Magic Maker® Brenda Wenk

So you’ve decided you are going to make your first trip to Walt Disney World® Resort – how exciting!   At Walt Disney World® Resort you will experience a vacation unlike any other.  The unique, immersive experience is a result of Walt Disney’s genius and his quest to create a place where parents and children would equally enjoy their time together.

The size of Walt Disney World® Resort alone is daunting – more than 25,000 acres!  Throw in four theme parks, two water parks, over twenty resorts, a campground, a sports complex, golf courses, a shopping and dining district and it is overwhelming as to how you should start planning.  That is why we are here! We want to be sure you are able to experience all that you can within Walt Disney World® Resort’s 40 square miles!

As a first-timer, we know there is a lot to learn, so we wanted to introduce you to the four cornerstones of Walt Disney World® Resort, the theme parks.

Magic Kingdom® Park – This is where the “world” began, opening in 1971.  As you approach the entrance, you will pass under the railroad tracks and leave reality behind! Welcome to Main Street, U.S.A.® Area!  This street is lined with shops and eateries and leads to Cinderella Castle beckoning at its end.  Note that the shop windows are lowered so that children can view the displays easily.  This park is laid out in a hub and spoke pattern.  The central hub is located in front of the castle.  From this hub, you access Adventureland® Area, Frontierland® Area, Liberty Square Area, Fantasyland® Area and Tomorrowland® Area.  Each land is packed with rides, attractions, restaurants, and shops.  Parades, live entertainment, character meet and greets and fireworks are daily happenings.  Pick up a Times Guide and map as you enter to help plan your day. The Magic Kingdom® Park can be accessed by monorail, bus, boat or car.

Epcot® – Epcot® opened in 1982, and celebrates world cultures, the past and the future.  It is divided into two areas.  Future World is anchored by Spaceship Earth (the huge golf ball looking structure) and boasts Innoventions® Pavilion, The Seas with Nemo and Friends® Attraction, The Land, Imagination!, Universe of Energy, Mission: SPACE® Attraction, and Test Track® Presented by Chevrolet.  Shopping, eating, rides and live entertainment take place throughout Future World.  The second area in Epcot® is World Showcase which is positioned around World Showcase Lagoon.  The countries represented include Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, America, Japan, Morocco, France, Great Britain and Canada.  Cast members in each country’s pavilion are from the host country.  Shops contain items from the nation, the cuisine is typical of the area, and native entertainment can be viewed as well.  Children’s activities are available throughout World Showcase at the Kidcot stations.  You can visit multiple countries in one day without ever going through customs!  The park closes with the nightly fireworks and laser spectacular, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.  Be prepared for lots of walking.  Epcot® can be reached by monorail, bus, boat or car.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios® – Opening in 1989, as Disney-MGM Studios, this park harkens back to Hollywood of the 1930s.  It is divided into streets and can be a little trickier to navigate.  You enter the park via Hollywood Boulevard with Sorcerer Mickey’s hat as its showpiece.  Directly behind the hat is a replica of Graumann’s Chinese Theater.  Off of Hollywood Boulevard you will find Sunset Boulevard which boasts two of the most popular attractions in any of the parks – Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster® Starring Aerosmith and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™.  Animation Courtyard, Mickey Avenue, Pixar Place, Streets of America and Echo Lake are the studios featured areas.  Other major attractions and rides include Toy Story Mania!® Attraction, The American Idol Experience, Star Tours® – The Adventures Continue Attraction, Muppet Vision 3-D and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.  Parades, live entertainment, and character meet and greets occur daily.   Fantasmic! Show is Hollywood Studios after dark show filled with Disney characters and special effects. You can get to the studios by bus, boat or car.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park- This newest park opened in 1998.  Creating this 403 acre theme park was a huge step for Disney Imagineers.  How to combine and maintain an entertainment venue that has traditional rides and attractions with live animals was quite a challenge.  But they were up to the task!    You enter the park through the Oasis with a rain forest like atmosphere.  The hub of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park is the Tree of Life® Attraction positioned in the middle of Discovery Island® Area.   From this hub you can go to Dinoland USA® Area, Asia® Land, Africa, Camp Minnie-Mickey or Rafiki’s Planet Watch® Land.  This park also has live shows, thrill rides, a safari, live animals, eateries and shopping.  Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade takes place daily.  Access to this park is by bus or car only.

All four parks have tours and tour guides available, guest services, baby care centers, first aid stations, lost and found (for things and people,)  package pickup, locker, wheelchair and stroller rentals, as well as services for guests with disabilities.

This brief overview will hopefully spark an interest to learn more about the “happiest place on earth” that you are to visit soon.   Walt Disney once said, “I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing – that this was all started by a mouse.”  We are here to help create a lasting, memorable experience as you head off to meet that mouse!

Walt Disney World® Resort may be large, and feel overwhelming, but our Magic Makers® are here to help you navigate through the planning so that you don’t miss a thing!

Senses, A Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort has planned to reopen its doors tomorrow, Jul. 25, 2013, after an extensive refresh and rebranding. Its sister spa opened this past Dec. at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Both locations are now owned and operated by the Walt Disney World® Resort.

For centuries, the healing properties of natural springs have attracted people to Saratoga Springs in upstate New York. Senses incorporates this draw into its design and theming of the two-story, full service spa.

All of the treatments available at Senses will revolve around one of three core themes – relax, renew, or imagine. Inside one the ten treatment rooms you can indulge in an array of services from massage and facials to water therapy. Other services at Senses include manicures, pedicures, and a wet area with a whirlpool and steam room.

Advance reservations are suggested, so contact your Magic Maker® today to start planning your bit of rejuvenation during your upcoming Walt Disney World® Resort vacation!

When Walt Disney opened Disneyland® Park 58 years ago today, he introduced a new concept in family entertainment and launched the theme park industry. With five themed lands, Disneyland® Park had 18 major attractions on that opening day.

One of those opening day attractions was King Arthur Carrousel. Salvaged from Sunnyside Park in Toronto, Canada, Walt purchased the carrousel for $22,000 and moved it to Anaheim where it has served Disneyland® Park guests since 1955.

Enjoy these fun facts about King Arthur Carrousel:

• Walt only wanted jumping horses on his carrousel, so some of the original animals found on Sunnyside Park’s version were not used. The additional horses were sourced from other old carrousels, including one at Coney Island.
• Each horse is checked every night for chips and cracks and will receive touch ups as needed.
• Almost once per year, each horse will come off the ride for a complete refurbishment – a process that costs Disneyland® Parks far more annually than Walt’s original $22,000 investment! About 40 hours are spent refurbishing each horse.
• King Arthur Carrousel has a 85-steed herd.
• About one-in-five Disneyland® Park visitor takes a spin on King Arthur Carrousel.
• Changes about 10 years ago gave King Arthur Carrousel an all white herd, but still no two horses are the same.