Disney News

This summer, for the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line® sets sail on an enchanting 12-night cruise of Northern European Capitals, including Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm and St. Petersburg, Russia.  Be part of this historic voyage with this family-friendly offer.

Offer Details:
Kids ages 17 and under can sail free* on select Northern European cruises departing June 12 and June 24, 2010, when traveling with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom. This offer applies to stateroom Categories 8-11. Government Taxes and Fees not included.

Travel Window:

• June 12, 2010 (itinerary includes Helsinki, Finland)
• June 24, 2010 (itinerary includes Tallinn, Estonia)

Additional Details:

• Verification of age is required within 48 hours of booking for children who will be 17 years old by the sail date.
• A deposit is not required and cancellation fees are not assessed for kids with this offer.

Remember, great rates are still available on select Mediterranean cruises departing in August and September 2010, so talk to your Magic Maker® today about sailing with Disney Cruise Line!

*Government Taxes and Fees and Port Adventures not included. This offer applies to new bookings only and is non-transferable. The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited. Other offers, discounts or onboard credits do not apply (including without limitation the Mediterranean Thank You Onboard Credit offer). Changes to the vacation date or category may result in a loss of any offer. Offer is only available to U.S. and Canada residents. SeeDisney Cruise Line website for applicable details and Terms and Conditions.
Ships’ Registry: The Bahamas

By Magic Maker® Ceciley Sircy

If you know Disney vacations, you know that the magic begins right when you start planning your vacation, and it doesn’t stop there.  The magic is everywhere, including at the Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels.  They each have their own magic and special touches adding even more memories to your vacation experience.  The Walt Disney World® Resort has twenty-two onsite resort hotels that meet any budget and offer wonderful benefits.

Extra Magic Hours are an essential part of staying onsite.  They allow you and your family to enjoy every aspect of the Walt Disney World® theme parks by allowing you to maximize your time.  Extra Magic Hours are rotated among the four theme parks and two water parks allowing either an extra hour in the morning before the park opens or up to three hours extra at night after park closing.  This gives you extra time at the parks without all the crowds so your wait time in line for your favorite attraction is reduced!

Another great benefit is the transportation between your resort and the theme parks.  No matter if you travel by monorail, bus, or boat, your ride to the parks is never more than a twenty minute wait.  There is no hassle in trying to find a parking spot or walking long distances to your vehicle.  In addition, you can have all of your souvenirs sent to your resort, so you do not have to carry them at the theme parks.

Activities at the resorts create more great experiences for the entire family.  Each resort has food courts/restaurants, arcade room, pools and gift shops that bring the magic from the theme parks to your resort.  Your family can also experience other activities at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels such as boat rentals, carriage rides, fishing and much more.  So if you are looking for a relaxing day at a Disney resort, there are plenty of activities to entertain everyone in your family.

No matter where you stay onsite, the magic of Disney is all around making your trip to the Walt Disney World® Resort one to remember!

Click here to learn more about the Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels!

Question:

I’m confused about character dining with my 2 year old daughter.  She is not old enough to qualify for the Disney Dining Plans.  Will we have to pay for her at the meals with a character experience?

Answer:

Character meals are a great relaxing and delicious way to introduce children to the characters!  Even better, children under the age of 3 eat free at all buffets at the Walt Disney World® Resort!  Your daughter can meet the characters, eat whatever she wants, and make memories to last a lifetime!

Theresa Dougherty, Navigator

Question:

Hi, we have more than 4 people in our family.  Which resorts can we stay at while visiting the Walt Disney World® Resort?

Answer:

There are a couple of options for larger families at the Walt Disney World® Resort.  In the values, Disney’s All Star Music Resort has a family suite that will sleep up to 6.  In a moderate resort, Disney’s Port Orleans- Riverside is available to sleep 5.  Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground have cabins that accomodate up to 6 people.  There are many choices at the Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villa Resorts that will sleep 5 or more guests.

Speak with your Magic Maker® and see which resort will fit your families’ needs best. Regardless of your choice, I am sure your family will have a MAGICAL vacation.

Marcie Munoz, Navigator

Make a wish on a star as the night sky above Cinderella Castle lights up with the musical fireworks spectacular.  State-of-the-art technology choreographs the magnificent musical score in time with the fireworks explosions for a stunning, aural and visual experience.  The Wishes fireworks show is sure to dazzle Guests of all ages visiting the Magic Kingdom® Park at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

Instead of fighting the crowds to find that perfect viewing spot, wouldn’t you rather Cast Members in the Magic Kingdom® Park reserve a place for you?  Starting today, Guests can now make reservations again for an exclusive party held at the Tomorrowland Terrace.  Settle in an hour before the Wishes fireworks show begins and enjoy a buffet of delicious sweets served along with coffee, tea, and other beverages.  And you will have that perfect spot to view the fireworks!

Price*:
$25.99 for Adults
$13.99 Ages 3 to 9

Reservations are recommended, however, you may be able to walk up without a reservation.  The Wishes Dessert Party is available most nights.  Contact your Magic Maker™ to make your reservation.  As always, Guests with dietary restrictions can be accommodated.  Just let your Magic Maker® know when making your reservation or talk to a Cast Member at the Party.

Start planning your trip today and discover that wishes do come true!

*Price subject to change without notice.  Admission to Magic Kingdom is required.

Got a craving for Coral Reef’s decadent Chocolate Wave dessert at 9:15 in the evening?  Guests visiting the Walt Disney World® Resort March 28-April 10, 2010 can satisfy that craving with an extra hour for dining in the evening at Epcot®.  Guests can book an “extra hour” table at Coral Reef Restaurant, Garden Grill or Le Cellier Steakhouse. Then get ready to relax and sip a post-prandial cocktail or linger over dessert while the Epcot crowds dwindle.

The Walt Disney World® Resort is testing this new idea and is looking for feedback.  Epcot® typically closes at 9:00 pm.  The Extra Hour for Dining would allow guests to make reservations for the three restaurants listed above after that time.  This is perfect for that couple who loves late night dining.  With this new arrangement, you may even be able to catch Illuminations: Reflections of Earth before heading off to your meal!

After dinner, stroll leisurely (Or quickly, if you need to work off that second helping of dessert!) through a nearly empty Epcot®.  The Disney Parks have an extra helping of magic at night, especially when not filled with other people.  Guests not ready to call it a day can head out the back of Epcot® through the International Gateway to Disney’s Boardwalk Area.  Street entertainment, night clubs, and shopping all keep the night young!