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Trick or Treat: 9 Disney Destination Tricks You May Not Know

Happy Halloween!

Sometimes, having a magical Disney Vacation involves a few tricks! From when to call for Advanced Dining Reservations to how to best utilize Disney FastPass+ service, our expert Magic Makers® know them all!

With Halloween just a day away, we thought we’d treat you to just a few of our favorite Disney tricks:

Walt Disney World® Resort

  • With MyMagic+, planning is more important than ever! Previously, your “ADR date” (180 days before travel when you can make dining reservations) was the most important planning date. Now, your “FastPass+ date” is equally important, especially when you are staying at one of the on-property hotels! On-property guests get first access to reserve Disney FastPass+ attractions, shows and more 60 days before you arrive! This advance access can make or break your hopes of getting FastPass+ times for popular attractions like the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. But don’t fret, your Magic Maker® will take care of reminding  you of all these important dates!
  • When making your initial plans, you’ll be able to select up to three FastPass+ experiences for your family each day. But once you redeem your initial selections, you can visit any in-park FastPass+ kiosk and select an additional experience based on availability. After using that one, you can keep repeating that process selecting one more after your previous selections have all been used.
  • Did you know that Epcot® has two entrances? The International Gateway, located between the United Kingdom and France pavilions, allows for easy access to Disney’s Boardwalk and Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts. Here you’ll find great nighttime entertainment as well as some amazing dining choices. Just a quick walk or boat ride from the back entrance to Epcot®, this area is worth exploring.
  • Guests who visited Downtown Disney® years ago may remember there being more than one bus stop. But now if you are arriving at Disney Springs™ by resort bus, you are dropped off at a bus station in the Marketplace area. You can easily get to other areas via boat service, however the new boat launch area is not very clearly marked. As you are exiting the bus area, you’ll make an immediate right and follow a path that takes you to the Marketplace Dock. If you’ve made it to any of the stores, you’ve gone too far! With all the hustle and bustle of other guests making their way to and from the buses, the path is easy to overlook!

Disneyland® Resort

  • Years after opening, Radiator Springs Racers inside Disney California Adventure® Park is still popular! Want to know how to get early access to Cars Land and the attractions? It’s as simple as staying at one of the three Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort! Only guests of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa, Disneyland® Hotel, and Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel can utilize Extra Magic Hour to access Disney California Adventure® Park one hour before scheduled park opening every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
  • Celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or even a first visit? Always remember to ask for a button! While nothing is guaranteed, sometimes magical things happen to those proudly donning a celebration button.
  • One of the perks of being a Disney Visa® Cardmember is access to a special Character Meet ‘N’ Greet inside a Private Cardmember Location. Offered for  just a few hours daily, Cardmembers can find the Meet ‘N’ Greet inside Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure® Park.

Disney Cruise Line

  • We are often asked when is best to book a Disney Cruise Line vacation. That answer is simple – as early as possible! Unlike other vacation destinations, pricing on Disney Cruise Line typically increases as the ship fills. Early birds can expect great pricing and the best selection of cabin types and locations.
  • Before leaving home, be sure to download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App onto your smartphone. While onboard the ship, you can connect to the ship’s wi-fi (which is complimentary for this app) and conveniently access a calendar of events and activities, a deck plan of the ship, and a feature that allows you to message with other guests on your cruise.

These are just a few of the tricks we can treat you with now! Be sure to contact your Magic Maker® today for even more tricks to make the most of your next Disney Destination vacation! If you don’t have a personal Magic Maker® yet, let us know! We’d love to connect you with one!

By |2017-06-27T10:21:26-05:00October 30th, 2015|Categories: Disney Cruise Line News, Disney News, Disneyland News, Walt Disney World News|0 Comments
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The ‘Disney Difference’

By Off to Neverland Travel® Director of Marketing Kyle Froman

The ‘Disney Difference’.

It’s that extra little sprinkling of pixie dust and magic that keeps beckoning us to visit “The Happiest Place on Earth” from all around the globe.

At times the ‘Disney Difference’ can be hard to describe with our words, yet when experienced, it is completely undeniable.

Last week after navigating a long and busy day at Magic Kingdom® Park, my family and I were ready for a brief reprieve from the heat of the day and bustle others around us also enjoying their time in the park.

We retreated to Fantasyland® Area to rest and refresh at Gaston’s Tavern. After scouting a location to sit and rest I slipped away to get us a few LaFou’s Brews from the counter.

After ordering and waiting what felt like only a few seconds I was handed our drinks by one of Gaston Tavern’s Cast Members. When I went to tap my wrist and pay the Cast Member quickly and proudly replied, “these are on us today!”

It was the ‘Disney Difference.’

It re-energized us and completely transformed the rest of our day.

A few days later we were ‘dragging’ through Epcot® after a full day and we decided to slow ourselves down with a visit to Character Spot. As we moved towards the queue a Cast Member asked where we were heading next. As we shared with him our Character Spot plans he encouraged us that now was a ‘great time to go’ as the line was only 5 or 10 minutes.

We smiled and continued towards the queue.

As we approached, we noticed the wait time was actually 45 minutes so we turned to walk away. As we did, the Cast Member that had just spoken to us approached us and said “follow me”.

He proceeded to lead us to the FastPass+ entrance and through the FastPass+ queue. Our wait did, indeed, end up being only 5 to 10 minutes thanks to the special touch this Cast Member added to our evening.

It was the ‘Disney Difference.’

We decided to end our night at Epcot® with a ride on Soarin’® Attraction since our 4 year old had finally ‘risen’ to the minimum height requirements. It was his first ride! We chose to ride during IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth so that the wait time would be a minimal.

Following our relatively short 45 minute wait, as we were boarding Soarin’® Attraction our 4 year old looked to the Cast Member nearest to him and said “Am I going to die?!”

The Cast Member was quick to assure him, and then adore him, before sending us off for our flight.

As our flight over California came to an end the same Cast Member returned and asked our 4 year old if we’d like to be on Soarin’® Attraction’s last flight for the night…of course we did!

It was the ‘Disney Difference.’

It’s the extra magic that Walt Disney World® Resort brings to every guest’s vacation.

It’s takes on different shapes for every guest and trip, but I’m certain that you will experience that same ‘difference’ on your next trip too!

In fact, our Magic Makers® are ready to sprinkle some pixie dust of their own, so be sure to contact us about helping your family navigate the Happiest Place on Earth!

By |2015-10-23T01:02:45-05:00October 23rd, 2015|Categories: Disney News|0 Comments
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Minnie’s Seasonal Dine Coming to Hollywood & Vine

What was announced in August as a seasonal offering has now been expanded!

Earlier this week, the Walt Disney World® Resort announced a new Character Dining experience that will be available year-round at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.  Minnie’s Seasonal Dine at Hollywood & Vine will be cookin’ up a festive dinner most nights starting Nov. 7, 2015. In addition to your hostess, Minnie, guests can expect to meet Mickey, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy dressed in “seasonal” costumes. Each season will also be celebrated with unique music, décor, varying menu items and interactive musical moments!

Reservations at Minnie’s Seasonal Dine at Hollywood & Vine are available both with and without reserved seating at that night’s showing of Fantasmic! The cost for the Fantasmic! Dining Package is $52.99/adult and $31.99/child (ages 3-9), plus tax and gratuity. Without the reserved seating for Fantasmic, pricing is $46.99/adult and $27.99/child (ages 3-9), plus tax and gratuity or (1) table-service entitlement on your Disney Dining Plan. On October 27, reservations for the next seasonal dine (from Jan. 4 to Mar. 20) will open where Minnie’s dinner party will be celebrating the magic of the movies and the glamour of Hollywood. Reservations for the holiday season (Nov. 7, 2015 – Jan. 3, 2016) are already open with very limited availability.

Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine will continue during breakfast and lunch at Hollywood & Vine without changes.

Availability is limited, so contact your Magic Maker® today for details or reservations!

By |2017-06-27T10:21:26-05:00October 22nd, 2015|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: , , , |0 Comments
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Star Wars™ Day at Sea-themed Merchandise Now Available for Pre-Purchase

Our guests sailing on a Disney Cruise Line Star Wars™ Day at Sea sailing now have the opportunity to pre-purchase themed merchandise.

Because of anticipated demand for some “out-of-this-universe” Star Wars™ items, Disney Cruise Line has created an online advance purchase opportunity. Guests sailing during these special Disney Cruise Line itineraries aboard the Disney Fantasy can now log in and select items of interest. CLICK HERE to access the merchandise webpage.

The deadline to participate in the pre-purchase opportunity varies by the date of sailing. Those deadlines are:

  • Jan. 9, 2016 – Deadline: Dec. 10, 2015
  • Jan. 23, 2016 – Deadline: Dec. 23, 2015
  • Feb. 6, 2016 – Deadline: Jan. 7, 2016
  • Feb. 20, 2016 – Deadline: Jan. 21, 2016
  • Mar. 5, 2016 – Deadline: Feb. 4, 2016
  • Mar. 19, 2016 – Deadline: Feb. 19, 2016
  • Apr. 2, 2016 – Deadline: Mar. 3, 2016
  • Apr. 16, 2016 – Deadline: Mar. 17, 2016

Contact your Magic Maker® for additional information!

By |2017-06-27T10:21:27-05:00October 5th, 2015|Categories: Disney Cruise Line News, Disney News|Tags: , , , , |0 Comments
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‘Merry & Bright’ Packages Bid Farewell to Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

Two new premium packages, which are now available for booking, will bid a fond farewell to The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights as it completes its 20th and final season inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios®!

Merry & Bright Dessert Party

This is your chance to eat, drink, and be merry while enjoying the millions of dancing lights! The Merry & Bright Dessert Party provides a private viewing area complete with delicious holiday-themed desserts, specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, sodas, water, tea and coffee as well as a custom roll-up stadium blanket as a keepsake of the event!

  • Dates: Nov. 6 – Dec. 24, 2015 (7:00-8:30p) and Dec. 25 – 30, 2015(8:30-10:00p)
    Excluding Nov. 17, Dec. 9 and Dec. 18
  • Pricing: $69/adult and $39/child (ages 3-9) with tax and gratuity included
    Admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is required and is not included in the price of this package

Merry & Bright Dinner Reception

Ring in 2016 with a delightful feast as The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights makes its last performances at the Walt Disney World® Resort ! From inside a reserved viewing area, you’ll enjoy a holiday buffet (shrimp, beef, turkey and more) as well as specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, beer and wine. Each of you will take home a custom keepsake shadow box featuring your own Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights bulb.

  • Dates: Jan. 1, 2016 (8:30-10:00p) and Jan. 2-3, 2016 (7:00-8:30p)
  • Pricing: $99/adult and $54/child (ages 3-9) with tax and gratuity included
    Admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is required and is not included in the price of this package

Contact your Magic Maker® today as availability is very limited and these events are expected to sell out!

Guests may enter and exit the event location (located at the end of Streets of America near the Lights, Motors, Action!® Extreme Stunt Show entrance) as many times as they wish during their designated viewing and dessert party time. The event location is outdoors and uncovered. In the event of potential rain, it will be moved to a covered location. Seating at the dessert party will be open seating, with no assigned seats, however wheelchairs and ECVs can be accommodated. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. A valid form of government identification will be required to verify age. This offer may not be combined with any other discounts or promotions. Disney dining plan entitlements may not be redeemed for this event. Separate admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is required and is not included in the price of this package. Entertainment, including the light display itself, is subject to change or cancellation without notice.

By |2017-06-27T10:21:27-05:00September 16th, 2015|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: |0 Comments
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Late 2015 Disneyland® Resort Savings

Be dazzled by savings!

The Disneyland® Resort Diamond Celebration is in full swing – celebrating 60 spectacular years since the opening of the Disneyland® Park! And now, you can save on your upcoming stay at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa or the Disneyland® Hotel!

Save up to 20% on select Premium rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa or the Disneyland® Hotel or up to 10% at Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel on select weekday stays (Sun.–Thu.) between 10/25 – 12/17/2015

Booking Dates:
Book now – Nov. 18, 2015

Travel Dates:
Stays select Sun. – Thu. nights Oct. 25 – Dec. 17 with travel completed by Dec. 18, 2015. Some blockout dates apply.

Request a Quote

Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room at the same hotel for most Sun. – Thu. nights. Valid for travel between 10/25-12/17/15. Book from 9/9-11/18/15, with travel completed by 12/18/15. Savings on Premium rooms are available on Premium, Deluxe and Woods/Garden/Courtyard rooms; select Concierge rooms; and Paradise, Artisan and Regal Suites. Ask about savings on other hotels and room types. Not valid on previously booked rooms. Advance reservations required. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Excludes applicable fees and taxes. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and five (5) people maximum per room. Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Separate Theme Park admission required to enjoy the Parks.

By |2017-06-27T10:21:27-05:00September 9th, 2015|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News, Expired Specials|Tags: , , , |0 Comments
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‘Ferrytale Wishes: A Fireworks Dessert Cruise’ Coming Soon to Walt Disney World® Resort

Earlier today, the Walt Disney World® Resort announced another unique opportunity to enjoy the Wishes nighttime spectacular!

Building off of the popularity of their existing Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party that is hosted in the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, they will begin offering ‘Ferrytale Wishes: A Fireworks Dessert Cruise’ starting Oct. 5, 2015. Setting sail from the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) about one hour prior to Wishes on one of the resort’s double-stack ferryboats, this event will feature a variety of delectable sweets, beverages, and amazing views of the fireworks show. Because this event is outside of the park, no theme park admission is required.

Event offerings will include:

  • “The Grand” Key Lime Tart
  • Polynesian De-constructed Pineapple Upside Down Cake
  • Contemporary “Traditional with a Twist” Spiced Flourless Chocolate Cake
  • “Main Street” Mickey Balloon Tarts
  • Mini “Fireworks” Cupcakes with a Pop
  • Cinderella’s Sugar Slipper with Orange Financier
  • Florida Mango Panna Cotta,
  • Assortment of specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including sparkling wine, coffee and signature punch.

On nights when Magic Kingdom® Park is hosting Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties, guests will be treated to a showing of Happy HalloWishes or Holiday Wishes – Celebrate the Spirit of the Season respectively.

Reservations are currently available for most Monday, Thursday and Friday nights Oct. 5 – Dec. 18, 2015. Pricing is $99 for adults and $69 for kids ages 3 to 9 (tax and gratuity included) which includes a take-away Souvenir Palette Plate & Glow Glass. All sailings are limited to 150 guests, so availability will go quickly!

Contact your Magic Maker® for reservations or additional information!

By |2017-06-27T10:21:27-05:00September 8th, 2015|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: , , , |0 Comments
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Exclusive ‘Sorcerers’ Card Available to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Guests

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom 2015 Halloween Party Exclusive CardAttending one of the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties this fall? Don’t forget to pick up your event-exclusive Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game card!

For the past three years, party guests were treated to a special card –  “Chip ‘N’ Dale’s Bag of Tricks” in 2012, a Hitchhiking Ghosts card from the Haunted Mansion® attraction in 2013, and the Helmsman pirate from the Pirates of the Caribbean® attraction in 2014! This year’s card will be called “Minnie Mouse’s Costume Chaos” and will feature Minnie, Clarabelle Cow and Daisy Duck dressed as witches.

Obtaining your card is easy. Simply visit the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom recruitment center inside the Magic Kingdom® Firehouse on Main Street, U.S.A.®. After registering with the Cast Member using your party ticket and wristband, you will receive this year’s special card along with a regular card pack if needed. Supplies are limited for each party, so make sure to visit the recruitment station early in the evening!

Not familiar with Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game? Click here to view our previous article that explains the interactive experience that launched back in 2012.

 

By |2017-06-27T10:21:27-05:00September 2nd, 2015|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: , , , , , , , |0 Comments
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‘Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant’ Tests Breakfast Offerings

Beginning November 1st, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios® will begin testing breakfast service at their location. Guests can kick their “solar day” off right by enjoying an out-of-this-world breakfast in one of the park’s most popular dining locations.

Breakfast service will include breakfast pastries to share in addition to a choice of appetizer, entrée and non-alcoholic beverage. The complete menu is not yet available, but here is a preview of some of the offerings:

Appetizers

  • Fresh Fruit
  • Yogurt Parfait

Entrées

  • Puff Pastry filled with Scrambled Eggs, Crab, Asparagus and Gruyère Cheese with Roasted Tomatoes
  • Grilled Beef Tenderloin on Baby Spinach, with Bacon and Cheddar Custard on a Roasted Tomato and Cheesy Horseradish potatoes
  • Scrambled Eggs, Crispy Bacon, Sausage Links and Breakfast Potatoes
  • Macadamia Crusted Brioche French Toast with Mascarpone and Fresh Berries
  • Mickey Waffle with side of Bacon or Sausage
  • Kids Offerings:
    • Scrambled Eggs with Sausage, Bacon and Potatoes
    • French toast or a mini-Mickey waffle

Menu offerings subject to change.

The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant breakfast is available for a limited time – from Nov. 1, 2015 until Jan. 23, 2016. Pricing is $23.99 +tax for adults and $12.99 +tax for kids ages 3 to 9 or (1) Table Service entitlement on the Disney Dining Plans.

Contact your Magic Maker® with additional questions or to request your Advance Dining Reservation!

By |2017-06-27T10:21:27-05:00September 1st, 2015|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: , , |0 Comments
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‘Star Wars™ Half Marathon – The Dark Side’ Announced for Walt Disney World® Resort

After a successful first Star Wars™ Half Marathon Weekend this past January at the Disneyland® Resort, runDisney participants have been hoping for a similar event to hit the East Coast. This morning, runDisney announced a second Star Wars™ Half Marathon Weekend would be added, but this time things will be focused on the dark side!

Star Wars™ Half Marathon – the Dark Side Weekend will take place April 14-17, 2016, at the Walt Disney World® Resort. In addition to the Half Marathon, the weekend’s events will include a Star Wars™ 10K, Star Wars™ 5K, Kids Races, and the Dark Side Challenge (Star Wars™ 10K on Saturday and Star Wars™ Half Marathon on Sunday). Participants can also accept the Kessel Run Challenge by completing the Star Wars™ Half Marathon missions on both coasts earning them a commemorative “Coast to Coast” medal inspired by the Millennium Falcon starship.

The original Star Wars™ Half Marathon Weekend, which will return in January at the Disneyland® Resort, will be rebranded as the Star Wars™ Half Marathon – the Light Side but registration for that event has already sold out.

Race registration for Star Wars™ Half Marathon – the Dark Side Weekend opens Sep. 22 (Early registration starts Sep. 15th for Annual Passholders and DVC Members)! Like all runDisney events, this one is expected to sell out quickly so mark your calendars!

Contact your Magic Maker® for additional details!

 

By |2015-09-14T13:05:25-05:00August 25th, 2015|Categories: Disney News|Tags: , , |0 Comments
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