Search results for: "Breaking the Myths"

When things don’t go as planned, you have to be flexible! Just this past weekend, Winter Storm Nemo caused havoc to the Northeast corridor and brought transportation in the area to a standstill.  Earlier last week, fog delayed the arrival of the Disney Magic® into Port Galveston which created a strain for its passengers to make their flights home!

For today’s “Breaking the Myths” article, it only seems fitting to discuss being prepared for the unexpected!

1. Myth: There is no reason for a healthy family to purchase travel protection.
   There is no denying that purchasing a travel protection plan is an added expense to any vacation. But coverage for medical reasons is just one part of many plans. Most plans will cover trip cancellation & interruption, trip delays, baggage & personal effects loss, baggage delay, and medical expenses during your trip. Even if you have medical insurance at home, it may not cover you while you are away on vacation! You want to make sure you read through the insurance information closely and direct any specific questions on coverage to the Insurance Company itself as they will be the ones determining eligibility if needed.
2. Myth: If my credit card offers travel protection, there is no need to purchase an additional policy.
   Some credit card companies off various forms of travel protection, but they may not protect you in cases of travel delay, trip cancellation, or if you need to seek medical attention overseas. If your card does offer protection, be sure to research their coverage to ensure you’re fully protected.
3. Myth: Purchasing a passport for a cruise is an unnecessary expense.
   Current U.S. government regulations allow U.S. Citizens to cruise with a raised-seal birth certificate and government issued photo ID as long as the cruise both originates and terminates from the same U.S. port and sails within the Western Hemisphere. If you experience a family emergency during your cruise and need to return home via air, a passport would be required to do so. While a passport may not be necessary for all sailings, Off to Neverland Travel® suggests that every guests travels with a passport.  All current guidelines are subject to change at any time. Guests remain responsible for ensuring they have all the proper documentation to board the ship and enter each of the countries on the ship’s itinerary.

Expect the unexpected! Talk to you Magic Maker® about protecting your travel investment. The nominal fee you pay up front may save you in the long run!

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

You’ve probably heard of the “5 P’s of Success” – Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance. When it comes to your Disney Destinations vacation, the 5 P’s count as well!

As part of our continuing “Breaking the Myths” series, today we are going to focus on planning!

1. Myth: You will be able to see/do everything in one trip.
   Covering nearly 40 square miles, the Walt Disney World® Resort is about the same size of San Francisco or two Manhattan islands! When visiting this vacation kingdom, the possibilities are limitless! Working closely with your Magic Maker®, we suggest making a “must do” list. Doing so not only sets reasonable expectations for your vacation, but it helps you keep from getting overwhelmed once you are at the Parks.The same theory applies at Disneyland® Resort and aboard Disney Cruise Line® – there is just so much to do. So, slow down and enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of your Disney Vacation.
2. Myth: We’ve already been to “Disney” once – there’s no reason to go back!
   Walt Disney once said “Disneyland® will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” To this day, that is still the case. Whether at the Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort, or on Disney Cruise Line®, Imagineers are always working on creating new experiences for guests to enjoy! In the past couple months, the Walt Disney World® Resort has debuted the New Fantasyland® Area, a reimagined Test Track® Presented by Chevrolet®, and several other experiences throughout property. Disneyland® Resort completed a five-year expansion project last summer and next month will open Fantasy Faire inside Disneyland® Park. Both Disney Cruise Line® and Adventures by Disney® make regular changes to their itineraries to provide guests with the best experiences. And if you’ve only experienced a Disney Destination on one of the coasts, hop to the other side of the States as the Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® Resorts each offer a totally different experience with their own exclusive attractions!
3. Myth: Because there is so much to do, it is best to go to on a Disney Vacation with no plan.
   A “vacation” is something different to each and every one of us! Some will want to plan each and every minute of the vacation while others will want to go with the flow once they get there. Regardless of how you picture your dream vacation, having a base plan will only benefit you! For example, during peak times finding a walk up opening at a Table Service Restaurant can be difficult! Even doing something as simple as reviewing and familiarizing yourself with the park maps beforehand can save you time in the parks. Discuss your preferences with your Magic Maker® so they can help you make the most of your vacation!

Our Magic Makers® love planning! Allow our expertise to benefit your upcoming vacation. All vacations booked through Off to Neverland Travel® receive planning services free of charge, so you have nothing to lose! Contact us today!

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

In general, traveling can be stressful! With all the booking, planning, and packing involved, you often wonder when the relaxation of vacation comes into play. For guests with disabilities, there is added stress of accommodations and accessibility during your stay.

All Disney Destinations do a great job in ensuring each and every guest has a magical vacation regardless of any special needs they may have.  As part of our continuing “Breaking the Myths” series, today we are going to focus on traveling with disabilities.

1. Myth: Someone in my traveling party has a food allergy, so eating at Disney is next to impossible.
   Whether you have a food allergy, food intolerance, or even a medically restricted diet, the chefs at most table service and select quick service locations can often accommodate your needs. It is important that you work closely with your Magic Maker® so that your reservations are properly notated and the restaurants and chefs are aware of your needs. Upon entering a restaurant, be sure to tell your waiter/waitress or cashier that you have a dietary restriction and they will get a member of the culinary team for you to discuss your options.
2. Myth: Because of my family member’s disability, they just wouldn’t enjoy the parks.
   Because each person’s disability is different, Disney Parks has created a Guest Assistance Card (GAC) Program for those in need of extra assistance. The program allows for your family to meet with a Guest Services Cast Member upon entering a Theme Park on your first day. The Cast Member will discuss what needs you will have over your vacation and issue you a GAC which notes specific accommodations. When visiting attractions, you simply show your GAC to the Attractions Host/Hostess and they will guide you from there. However, having a GAC does not give you front of the line access to all attractions like many think. In fact, use of the GAC at some attractions may result in a longer wait then utilizing the standby line. We suggest you discuss with your  Magic Maker® any special needs you may have prior to travel so we can help you make the most of your vacation!
3. Myth: Special assistance is only available for those with physical limitations.
   Disney Destinations seeks to provide assistance to all guests regardless of their type of disability. Guests with mobility disabilities may choose to utilize a wheelchair or ECV throughout property and will have reserved seating for most shows and parades. Guests with visual disabilities can utilize braille maps and audiotape guides. Assisted Listening and other captioning devices are available for guests with hearing disabilities in addition to interpreters at select shows. Accommodations for guests with developmental disabilities are also provided as necessary via the Guest Assistance Card. Trained service animals on a leash or in a harness are welcome in most locations throughout all of the Disney Destinations, but may not be able to participate in select attractions or experiences. And as mentioned above, chefs at Disney Destinations will accommodate guests with dietary restrictions to the best of their ability.

Don’t allow any disability to stand in the way of a Magical vacation experience for your family. Our Magic Makers® will use their personal experience and expertise to ensure that any special needs that a member of your family may have are met.

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

For the past couple months, we have been sharing with you some of the common questions and myths we receive regarding vacationing at Disney Destinations. The bottom line is this – planning ANY vacation can be difficult! But when you start considering all the little details involved in a Disney Vacation, it is no wonder that it stresses many out!

Let’s take a look at three of the common myths regarding booking with a Travel Agent:

1. Myth: Booking with a Travel Agent will cost me more
   It has become fact of life – additional services will cost you money. Well, that’s not the case with Off to Neverland Travel®! When you book your vacation to a Disney Destination through us, our services are at NO additional cost to you! Whether it be helping with Advanced Dining Reservations or giving some touring plan advice, our Magic Makers® are here for you. Also, since your travel is booked directly through the suppliers, our pricing is Disney’s pricing. However, we will check all the promotions (and continue to check even after booking) to make sure you are paying the lowest price possible!
2. Myth: All travel agencies selling Disney Vacations are “Authorized Disney Vacation Planners”
   Being an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is more than a cool logo we put on our website. Rather, it is a special designation that Off to Neverland Travel® has earned from Disney Destinations. This designation assures you that we have earned our place among family vacation specialists, specifically vacations to the Walt Disney World® Resort, the Disneyland® Resort, onboard Disney Cruise Line®, and the many itineraries offered by Adventures by Disney®.  In addition to their personal experiences, our Magic Makers® have completed extensive online training from the College of Disney Knowledge and have access to some onsite training opportunities available exclusively for EarMarked Agencies. Make the most of your vacation by booking with Off to Neverland Travel®, An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. Our designation is the difference you deserve!
3. Myth: I enjoy planning my vacations so using a Travel Agent isn’t for me
   There is no specific “type” of person who uses a Travel Agent. Each and every one of us are different! Some of our clients count on their Magic Maker® to plan every detail of their vacation. Others just rest easy in knowing that they have received the best possible discount and have an expert available if they run into any questions while planning their own vacation. The level of involvement of our Magic Makers® in your vacation is up to you!

Wow, after breaking those three myths, I think the only question is “Why wouldn’t you book your vacation with Off to Neverland Travel®?” Contact your Magic Maker® today to get started!

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