Disney News

This weekend, you can expect to see more tiaras and tutus at the Walt Disney World® Resort than normal!

One of the largest women-specific running events in the nation, the 5th Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend, kicks off today! More than 36,000 runners are expected to participate in this weekend’s races. Participants this year represent all 50 states and over 30 countries!

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend is made up of several events – the Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Royal Family 5K and runDisney Kids’ Races on Saturday, Disney’s Princess Half Marathon on Sunday, and the Disney Fit for a Princess Expo at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

runDisney is a series of events that provides runners unique opportunities to run through Disney theme parks. Each year, more than 100,000 running enthusiasts participate in runDisney events. Off to Neverland Travel® has helped many guests plan runDisney trips in which they earn Disney-themed medals, experience legendary Disney entertainment and guest service, and ultimately celebrate their accomplishments with a Disney vacation!

Upcoming runDisney events include:

• Expedition Everest® Challenge – May 4, 2013
• Disneyland® Half Marathon Weekend – Aug. 30 – Sep. 1, 2013
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ 10-Miler Weekend – Oct. 4-5, 2013
• Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend – Nov. 8-9, 2013
• Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend – Jan. 9-12, 2014
• Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend – Jan. 17-19, 2014

Contact your Magic Maker® today for more information on participating in an upcoming runDisney event.

Good luck to all our guests, Magic Makers®, and their families participating in this weekend’s races! Run swiftly, safely, and have fun!

We are often asked, “Is my child old enough for a visit to Walt Disney World® Resort?”

That is a good question, and one you may have asked (or at least thought about) before making an investment in a Walt Disney World® Resort vacation yourself.

There are those that argue that a child can be ‘too young’ for a trip to Walt Disney World® Resort. Most often, their case rests upon the statement that before a certain age the child will never remember they were there, or that up to a certain age the attractions won’t keep them entertained.

While the first part of their statement may be true, a child may not remember their first trip to Walt Disney World® Resort, they often forget that as a parent YOU will remember their first trip to Walt Disney World® Resort, and those memories are just as special.

Having just returned from a trip with a 17 month old and a 4 year old, as a parent, there’s not a price tag you can put on the smiles of your children as they ‘experience’ all that a Disney vacation has to offer for the first or second time.

While they may not remember the trip into adulthood, my wife and I will never lose the images of the smiles, laughter and joy burned into our memory on this magical trip.

At their age, Walt Disney World® Resort comes alive. It is so much more than actors in costumes and ride experiences…it is a wonderful reality in which they are immersed in they story.

And about there not being enough to do…

The Walt Disney World® Resort has much to offer for visitors under 3 years old.  Starting with free admission, there are countless attractions and shows that will engage and entertain young travelers! Magic Kingdom® Park alone has ‘enough’ for the little ones to do to keep you busy for days! From the dark rides that the entire family can ride together to play areas and interactive queues, your little ones are certain to have a blast.

As you venture outside of Magic Kingdom® Park into the other three parks, two water parks, and resort areas, you will find that play areas and attractions designed just for these younger guests abound!

In our article Walt Disney World® Resort for Toddlers we explored some of the options available for you and your family! And if you are worried about ‘managing your day’ with young ones around the park then our article Visiting Walt Disney World® Resort with Toddlers is a must read!

And of course our Magic Makers have not only visited Disney Parks countless times ourselves, but we have helped take the stress out of planning vacations for families just like yours for over five years now! Regardless of age, there is something for EVERYONE at any Disney Destination, so just call on your Magic Maker® to help uncover that hidden treasure!

When the 20th Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival kicks off on Mar. 6, 2013, it will debut a new concept for the festival – Garden Marketplaces. These Garden Marketplaces will mix garden- and backyard-living-inspired food and beverage items into the annual Epcot® festival of blossoms.

Let’s get down to the details! Walt Disney World® Resort Chefs and Cast Members have worked hard to ensure that each Marketplace offers a whirlwind culinary adventure without repeating any offerings from the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival. While this is not a complete list of food and beverage offerings, here’s just a taste of the of gourmet bites and beverages that will be available:

• The Smokehouse – Barbeque and Brews (The American Adventure): Finger-lickin’ barbecue at its finest – Pulled pig slider or smoked beef brisket. Also enjoy red wine and a selection of craft beer.
• Lotus House (China Pavilion): Far Eastern flair will be showcased with delicacies like Beijing-style candied strawberries, spring pancakes with grilled chicken and green apple, bubble teas, fruit beverage cocktail and Chinese beer.
• L’Orangerie (France Pavilion): Pair a rustic ratatouille tart or a country pâté and cherry compote with a sip from a selection of French wines.
• Bauernmarkt – Farmer’s Market (Germany Pavilion): Savory spring pea and mushroom bread pudding and a German meatloaf sandwich with sweet mustard and fried shallots are among the menu items in Germany. Beverage options include Hugo, an elderflower sparkling wine cocktail, and a selection of German beers.
• Primavera Kitchen (Italy Pavilion): Try some green asparagus and lobster with garden cocktail sauce or lasagna primavera. No Italian cuisine would be complete without a  fruity cocktail or Italian wine!
• Hanami (Japan Pavilion): Now this is something you won’t want to miss! Frushi, or fruit sushi, will be made with fresh fruit and coconut rice.
• Jardin de Fiestas (Mexico Pavilion): Crab tostadas, pork tacos, the strawberry-infused Rosita margarita and tequila flights will keep the culinary party going in Mexico!
• Taste of Marrakesh (Morocco Pavilion): Enjoy Morocco’s lamb kebabs and couscous, harissa chicken drumettes with chermoula, desert rose cocktail and more.
• The Cottage – Savories, Trifles and Tea (United Kingdom Pavilion): The UK will feature a selection of tea and delectable dainties including a salmon tartare-topped cheddar biscuit and a Caprese and a trio of trifles.

And outside of the World Showcase Pavilions, three additional Marketplace options will be available.

• Fruits by the Glass (World Showcase Plaza): How about a toast to Spring? Options include mango and blueberry wines, nonalcoholic wild berry slush and gluten-free raspberry ale.
• Pineapple Promenade (World Showcase Promenade): This one is sure to be a crowd favorite! Try everyone’s favorite Dole Whip, but with a twist of spiced rum! Other options include pineapple upside down cake, fruit cups and more.
• Florida Fresh (World Showcase Promenade): Enjoy a taste of the Sunshine State with watermelon and feta salad, shrimp and grits, and tomato and carrot wines!

The 20th Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival runs Mar. 6, 2013 – May 19, 2013 and is included with regular admission to Epcot®. It’s not too late to experience this year’s festival for yourself. Contact your Magic Maker® today!

Since Disney Cruise Line® first set sail in 1998, they have pioneered the family market in the cruise industry. Each of their ships have been designed to provide a unique vacation experience for all ages. Onboard, adults can relax and recharge while children experience all the magic Disney has to offer! Over the years, Disney Cruise Line® has received more than 100 awards in the travel industry!

As a continuation of our “Breaking the Myths” series, today we are focusing on our favorite vacation at sea!

1. Myth: All four of the Disney Cruise Line® ships features the AquaDuck.
   Each of the Disney Cruise Line® ships have something different or exclusive to offer their guests. From varying shows, restaurants and onboard features, no two ships are the same. The AquaDuck, the world’s first-ever shipboard water coaster, is only available on the Disney Dream® and Disney Fantasy™. 
2. Myth: Disney Cruise Line® sailings have nothing to offer for adults traveling without kids.
   There’s no hiding the fact that Disney Cruise Line® is the perfect vacation for the young, but they also offer a wide variery of events catered specifically for the young at heart! Onboard, adults will find endless ways to relax and enjoy themselves – from elegant dinners to backstage tours to an exclusive beach on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. And that is just the beginning, so ask your Magic Maker® for complete details.
3. Myth: We are early eaters – the second seating for dinner won’t work for my family.
   Typically the main seating for dinner is the first to become unavailable on Disney Cruise Line®. But, some of our young families are experiencing that the later seating is more convenient while on vacation for many reasons. First, your normal routine will inevitably be put on hold while you are on vacation. You will be staying up later for shows and parties, waking up early for Port Adventures, and maybe even skipping the normal naps to spend some extra time in the pool. When you are spending the day in port, some feel the main seating cuts your day short by having you back on the ship too early to get ready for dinner. Next, there is no shortage of food on Disney Cruise Line®! If your kids (or you) are hungry before dinner, you can make a quick trip to the pool deck and grab a small snack to hold them over until dinner! Lastly, Disney Cruise Line® offers Dine and Play for second seating – a service allowing families to enjoy dinner together then ushers kids to the Kid’s Clubs to give parents time to relax at the end of the meal and spend time in the adult-exclusive areas of the ship.

Disney Cruise Line® has just released itineraries through the end of 2014! Booking early is the best way to save on a Disney Vacation at sea, so contact your Magic Maker® today and start planning!

Miss some of our past “Breaking the Myth” articles? Click here to access them.

Disney Parks have released details on the next “Limited Time Magic” events, and the fun centers around Monday’s Presidents Day holiday!

Walt Disney World® Resort

• Presidents Day – A Weeklong Celebration – Epcot’s® popular a cappella group, Voices of Liberty, will perform special musical performances Feb. 18 – 24. Taking place at the American Garden Theatre, the show will pay honor to our past and current chiefs of our great nation. Check your Daily Times Guide for showtimes and additional information.

Disneyland® Resort

• Voices of Liberty: Presidential Celebration – Disneyland® Park’s Voices of Liberty will be performing a similar show at the Main Street Opera House Feb. 18, 19, 22, 23,and 24. Their impeccable 8-part harmonies in this special show is some “Limited Time Magic” that you won’t want to miss! 
  
• Oz The Great and Powerful Sneak Peek – Catch a special sneak peek of Walt Disney Studios upcoming movie, Oz The Great and Powerful, which opens in theaters Mar. 8. The extended preview will be shown in 3D with a few special 4D effects thrown in the mix! The preview will be held daily Feb. 16 – Mar. 31 in the Muppet*Vision 3D Theater at Disney California Adventure® Park.

The “Year of the Ear” continues on both coasts with the some Glitzy Ear headbands that are available for purchase in select Merchandise locations!

Off to Neverland Travel® will continue to bring you details on future ”Limited Time Magic” events as they become available!