Disney has some of the best shows at sea.  One of my favorite Disney productions is The Golden Mickeys.  The Golden Mickeys is one of the signature, Broadway-style shows on Disney Cruise Line.  The Golden Mickeys is currently being performed on the Disney Dream and Disney Wonder.   Unlike any other show, The Golden Mickeys starts before you enter the Walt Disney Theatre.  As you pass the shops you will see the red carpet leading you into the theatre.  Make sure you arrive early so you can be admired by the paparazzi.  You may also be interviewed as you arrive on the red carpet by the celebrity interviewer, Rona Rivers.  In case you haven’t already guessed, The Golden Mickeys is based on a Hollywood awards show. When the show starts, the stage manager is in crisis mode because the Master of Ceremonies did not arrive.  As you know, the show must go on so the stage manager has to take on the role.  Awards are given to different Disney characters in various categories such as romance, heroism, villains, and friendship.  Characters perform a song and dance number before they accept each award.  The show is updated regularly with new video clips and new Disney characters.  I don’t want to spoil the ending so all I will say is you can expect some Disney magic!  The show is approximately 50 minutes.  Showtimes will be 6:15pm or 8:30pm.You will need to check your Personal Navigator to find out which day the show will be performed on your cruise.  I highly recommend that you gather your entire family and watch this heartwarming Disney classic.

Written by Shante Carson — Shante is a Disney Cruise Expert with over eight cruises taken on the Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, and Disney Fantasy.  Bon Voyage!  Shante is ready to help you plan your magical Disney Cruise vacation. Book your next vacation with Shante at 252-917-0497 or shante@destinationsinflorida.com.

Maybe your family would like to stay closer to home for your next vacation.  No worries because Adventures by Disney has amazing vacations right here in the U.S.

Have you been out west to see the Grand Canyon?  I’d love to take my family on Adventure by Disney’s 8 days/7 nights vacation exploring the nature and history of great sites such as the Grand Canyon and Arches National Park.

Scratch one of the seven wonders of the natural world off your list- you’ll be seeing it up close as a naturalist guide takes you off the beaten path on a privately guided tour of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Explore the amazing mesas of Monument Valley with your very own Navajo-guided excursion in your off-road vehicle.

Do you remember the beginning of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade?  Arches National Park is where they filmed the bit with young Indiana Jones!  And you’ll be right there discovering Arches National Park and hiking to it’s crown jewel, the Delicate Arch.

You’ll finish your trip with an exciting yet leisurely Colorado River rafter adventure, I can’t wait for that!  Then enjoy a down-home cookout with a real cowboy!  Ready to book your Adventure by Disney?  Contact Diana today at diana@destinationsinflorida.com

Written by Diana Edgar — Diana is an Adventures by Disney Expert on United States trips and around the world.  Are you ready for that once-in-a-lifetime vacation?  Diana is ready to help you plan your magical Disney vacation. Book your next vacation with Diana at diana@destinationsinflorida.com

Trying to figure out the ins and outs of Disney dining can be just as overwhelming as planning your actual Disney vacation.  By following these few simple Dos and Don’ts I can help you take the stress and worry out of planning your Disney dining! Every week for the next five weeks I will give you one of my dos and don’ts of Disney Dining.

Do eat at unpopular times

Most people would typically consider breakfast to be around eight or nine in the morning, lunch at noon, and dinner around six or seven in the evening. It makes sense that these would be the busiest times at the quick service restaurants as well as the more difficult times to get reservations at the table service restaurants. Go ahead and change up your dining schedule when visiting Disney. You’ll have better luck getting reservations if you eat breakfast at 10:30, lunch at 3, and dinner at 8. Not to mention, the quick service restaurants will be a lot less crowded during off times, so while everyone else is eating lunch at noon, you can saunter right on up to all of your favorite rides!

Do not forget to make a reservation

Yes, reservations are so important that they bear repeating. Things have changed at Walt Disney World. A few years ago, it wasn’t as necessary to plan your meals ahead of time, and you had a fairly good chance of walking into a restaurant and being seated. However, that all changed with the introduction of the Disney Dining Plan. Now that more and more guests are taking advantage of the pre-paid Disney Dining option, the table service restaurants and character meals are booking up a lot more quickly. To have the best chance of getting in at the restaurant of your choice, it is highly recommended that you make your reservations  as soon as it hits the 180-day mark before your vacation.

Here’s a review of what we’ve covered already:

Week 1 Do and Don’t

Do Make Advanced Dining Reservations

Don’t be afraid to try something new

Week 2 Do and Don’t

            Do get a Disney Dining Plan

            Don’t forget to leave enough travel time to get to your dining destination.

Week 3 Do and Don’t

            Do a Character Meal

            Don’t Forget About the Resort Restaurants

Week 4 Do and Don’t

            Do Speak Up If You Have a Food Allergy or Dietary Restriction

            Don’t Forget To Cancel a Reservation

Well the time as come, the last week of my Disney Dining Dos and Don’ts series! Hopefully these simple Do’s and Don’ts will make your Disney Dining experience less stressful and more magical!

Written by Meghan Blair, the “Disney Foodie” — As a Florida Resident, Meghan combines her love of Disney and her love of food! She will give you the best restaurant and dining tips and suggestions to make your meals, just as magical as the rest of your vacation! Book your next vacation with Meghan at 954-328 7090 or meghan@destinationsinflorida.com.

Once the sun sets, the pulse quickens as Orlando’s thriving nightlife comes alive. From ultra-hip bars and high-energy dance clubs to laid-back pubs and multi-venue entertainment complexes, Orlando offers plenty of hot spots to live it up. Orlando’s nightlife options include bars and clubs in Downtown Orlando, Universal CityWalk, Downtown Disney, “Restaurant Row” on Sand Lake Road and along International Drive.

 

Written by Stacy Gaffney, “Sorcerer Stacy” — Stacy is an expert in planning an affordable Disney and Orlando vacation. Watch out for the magic, as Sorcerer Stacy plans your vacation! Book your next Disney & Orlando vacation with Stacy at 877-918-8941 or stacygaffney@destinationsinflorida.com.

If you are trying to plan a honeymoon within a budget, you can still have a great honeymoon at Disney World. The Walt Disney World Resort offers three categories of resorts. The best value resort for honeymoons is the new Art of Animation Resort.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is the newest resort at Walt Disney World. This value resort offers standard rooms that accommodate up to 4 as well as family suites that accommodate up to 6. All of the standard rooms have a Little Mermaid theme and are in their own section of the resort. Although it is a bit of a walk from the main lobby, you will be a little more secluded. The larger families will be in the family suites and focusing on the center pool. Back in the Little Mermaid section, you should be able to avoid quite a bit of the noise and crowds. There is still a pool nearby though, the Flippin’ Fins Pool,  which features the “Under the Sea Orchestra” conducted by Sebastian. The resort also has a food court called Landscape of Flavors which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Landscape of Flavors also features 5 distinctive food shops that serve fresh, made-to-order cuisine.

At the reasonable prices for your resort, you will be able to splurge on the “extras” on your honeymoon for those fancy dinners, souvenirs, or maybe even a portrait session!

Would you like more information on a Disney World honeymoon? Contact Siera at siera@destinationsinflorida.com!

Written by Siera Duiser, “Disney BridalEars” — Siera has grown up loving all things Disney!  She even had her very own Disney Fairytale Wedding in 2011. Now Siera enjoys Disney World with her own family.  Siera specializes in Disney weddings, honeymoons, and traveling with younger children.  Book your next vacation with Siera at siera@destinationsinflorida.com.

A day at the Magic Kingdom can be hectic. If you need a little break while in Liberty Square, take a ride on the Riverboat! The Liberty Square Riverboat is a slow moving attraction for all ages. The entrance is located near the Haunted Mansion.

The steam powered paddler ride lasts about 17 minutes and travels a half mile around Tom Sawyer Island on the Rivers of America on an underwater track. The engine converts the river water into steam, powering the paddle that moves the boat. The river water is actually dyed a greenish brown color.

As you board the 47 ft. tall Colonial American vessel you will notice there are 4 decks:
• Pilothouse, also known as the top deck, features the wheelhouse and Captain’s Quarters
• Promenade Deck, includes a salon and a collection of vintage photos and maps
• Texas (or Sun) Deck, the perfect place to catch some rays as you float down the river
• Main Deck, includes the boiler and pistons that run the paddlewheel

As you travel, you will hear narration by Mark Twain. There are many sights to be seen on your journey including:
• An early American settlement
• An idyllic Native American village
• Harper’s Mill
• Fort Langhorn
• Wilson’s Cave Inn
• Woodland animals, including deer
• Great views of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain and The Haunted Mansion

So, take a ride on the Liberty Square Riverboat and enjoy the scenic view!

Written by Sheri Morris, “Main Street Morris” — Sheri is proud grandmother with a keen eye for detail. She specializes in Disney Travel for adults and RV travel.  Book your next vacation with Sheri at 804 405 5005 or at sheri@destinationsinflorida.com.

 

With Memorial Day just around the corner, it’s time to once again remember that those who are defending this country of ours deserve our thanks. I personally appreciate that Disney offers a fantastic way to be Honoring Our Heroes! Share this far and wide to all your neighbors and friends who are serving currently or who have retired from the military. These discounts are currently through September so book those Summer trips now. You know where to reach us right?

I am fortunate to have close friend’s who are military families. It’s always such an honor for me to help plan their Disney vacations! As such, I’ve become very familiar with the Disney Military Discount Offers. Honoring our Heroes is one way Disney can give back to those that are serving and/or have served. It’s an incredible feeling when I speak to one of our military families to answer any questions. I love being able to help Disney in Honoring our Heroes!

As we all know, those serving our country don’t get to be home often enough. It’s truly awesome that when they come home for leave that they have time to spend with their families. What could be better than spending that time at Disneyland or Disney World! Disney makes it a real possibility for them all.

I realized though that there may not be a lot of information out there for our heroes and their families on what is available to them. Disney truly wants to Honor Our Heroes, the loyal men and women of all the branches of the military, active and retired, as well as their families. This includes all our heroes in all branches of service, reservists, Coast Guard and National Guard included. There are some ‘rules’ that need to be followed, but none too complicated that I’ve experienced. It’s simply a matter of finding the dates that work and speaking with a Disney Specialist to get you set.

The greatest way Disney is Honoring our Heroes is the offer to purchase the promotional 3 day Park Hopper at Disneyland for about the regular price of a 1 Day Park Hopper!! Total Purchase price of $125 for a 3 Day Park Hopper,  including Extra Magic Hours! This ticket offer is only for the military member and their immediate family, and is currently available through September 28, 2013.

In addition to the Park Hopper Tickets, Disney Resort Hotels offer discounts up to 40% off! There are a few restrictions and at times the amount of rooms available are limited, such as the height of Summer. Just check in with your travel agent directly to get prices and availability of rooms. Most travel agents can also find out which good neighbor hotels offer military discounts. Unfortunately, Disney Vacation Planning does not have this information available. Know that you’ll need your Military Identification when you activate your park tickets at Guest Services, as well as need it when you check into your hotel to retain the discount.

Walt Disney World also offers discounts on Walt Disney Resort Hotels. At around the same discount rate. Keep in mind that this promotional offer is also limited to a specific number of rooms and doesn’t apply during certain black out periods.

Overall, Disney wants to Honor Our Heroes and ask that they visit the parks to spend time with their families! Let’s share this information with all of our military so that they can spend time at the Happiest and Merriest Places on Earth!

Contact DisneyDaniel today to book your first, next or Best Disney Vacation!

Written by Daniel Mullarkey, DisneyDaniel — Daniel is a self-proclaimed Disney Geek, Disney Vacation Planner and a Disney Specialist! When he’s not adding to the plethora of Disney trivia in his head, you can find DisneyDaniel on his Facebook Page and/or follow him on Twitter!  Book your next vacation with Daniel at 425-420-8988 or daniel@destinationsinflorida.com.

If your little girl is dying to be a Disney Princess you can make that dream come true by taking her to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for a Princess Makeover.  The Disney Fantasy is the only ship that has a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.  The boutique is located on Deck 5, Midship on the Disney Fantasy.  Every time you walk by the boutique you will see lots of smiling faces as each girl is pampered by her very own Fairy Godmother-in-training.  Guests must be between the ages of 3-12 to receive a Princess Makeover.  The Coach, Castle, and Crown packages are the same packages offered on land.  There are three boutique packages exclusive to the Disney Fantasy.

• The Fantasy Package: includes Hairstyle, Shimmering Makeup, Face Gem, Clinch Sack, Princess Sash, Nail Polish, Costume, Wand, Tiara, Shoes, Tutu, Sparkly T-shirt, and Head Band ($119.95)
• Under the Sea Package: Swim Suit, Cover Up, Vibrant Sun Block application, Del Sol Floral Clip, Necklace, and Nail Polish ($99.95)
• Royal Sea Package: This is the ultimate Princess Experience.  The Royal Sea Package includes a Princess Royal Rolling Trunk, Three Makeover experiences (Castle, Under the Sea, and Pirate package), a Boutique Frame with your very own photo of the Fairy Godmother, a special invitation with a Glass Slipper Ribbon Necklace and a Keepsake Glass Slipper ($595.95)

There are also three costumes made exclusively for Disney Cruise Line.  Those are: Captain Mickey Mouse, Princess Minnie Mouse, and First Mate Minnie Mouse.  On Pirate Night, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is transformed to The Pirates League.  Guests can choose a makeup package ($34.95) or costume package ($99.95) for their pirate transformation.  Any guests ages 3 and up can receive a Pirate Makeover.  You may book a reservation to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique online before your cruise. The Royal Sea Package cannot be booked online but you can download a request form and email it to dcl.shore.excursions@disney.com. 

Written by Shante Carson — Shante is a Disney Cruise Expert with over eight cruises taken on the Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, and Disney Fantasy.  Bon Voyage!  Shante is ready to help you plan your magical Disney Cruise vacation. Book your next vacation with Shante at 252-917-0497 or shante@destinationsinflorida.com.

In our tour around the world with Adventures by Disney, we are now going to Egypt.  This is a trip that is definitely on my bucket list.  Starting in Cairo at the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities  you’ll have your own Egyptologist share this amazing museum with you and Junior Adventurers will have an art detective game.  Afterwards, enjoy lunch at Al Azhar Park overlooking Cairo.  Then you are off to tour Citadel of Saladin and the Great Mosque.

This next day may just be my favorite- a tour of the great pyramids and the sphinx, then the Khufu Boat Museum and see the pharaoh’s painstakingly restored “sun boat” that archaeologists unearthed beside the pyramid in 1954. followed by a camel ride on the Giza plateau with a view of the pyramids.  Your family will learn the ancient art of paper making from papyrus from a local expert and then learn to write your name in hieroglyphics on your own cartouche!  Wrap up this day with by making your way deep into a bustling bazaar, also known as a souk, and experience scenes right out of Aladdin! Narrow alleyways wind past medieval archways through a dizzying display of tables and booths selling silver, rugs, pottery and more. As you explore the souk, stop by the fascinating Islamic monuments along the way

On day four, your family will depart Cairo and fly to magical Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with two of the most magnificent temples in the world!  Ok, I take it back, these next few days may be my favorite days of the trip- after your tour, you will board the the Tamr Henna, your Nile cruise ship docked in Aswan. This “floating hotel” provides comfortable accommodations on your 3-night cruise from Aswan to Luxor. Enjoy the cool Nile breezes as you pass iconic monuments on the river banks—such as the Temples of Philae and Edfu— the vast desert stretching into the horizon.  With a local expert at the helm, you’ll cross the smooth waters of the First Cataract for a scenic excursion. This is where the ancient Egyptians believed the god of the cataracts dwelled, controlling the flow of the sometimes destructive waters.  Your family will have some time to go through the markets of Aswan and enjoy dinner in the hotel where Agatha Christie wrote her renowned mystery novel, Death on the Nile, and imagine the Imperial age when famous guests such as Charlie Chaplin and Winston Churchill stayed in its rooms. Newly restored, the hotel sits on a granite bluff and overlooks the temples of Elephantine Island.

After breakfast on day 5, you’ll disembark the Tamr Henna and board a motor launch to cross the Nile to the Island of Agilkia, home to this famous temple, the Temple of Philae. With an Egyptologist as your private guide, explore the towering columns and mysterious hieroglyphs devoted to the goddess Isis.  Commissioned by the only female pharaoh, Hatshepsut, this enormous obelisk would have been the largest in history had its sculptors not detected a crack in the granite and abandoned it in this bedrock quarry. An Egyptologist helps you examine the telltale markings that reveal the incredible technology employed by its creators.

Always wanted a henna tattoo? I have.  After lunch, you will have your chance with local henna artists.  And for another of my favorite parts of this tour– the cooking lesson!  Learning to make an Egyptian specialty and 2 desserts!  Followed by a tour of the Temple of Kom Ombo.

On day 6, your family takes a horse and carriage ride to the Temple of Edfu, where an Egyptologist introduces you to this beautiful, well-preserved temple dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god.  And your afternoon will be spent at the Temple of Luxor.

Day 7 is a big day!  Egyptologist guides you into the famed location of over 60 tombs for pharaohs and nobles on the West Bank of the Nile. Adventures by Disney provides a premium ticket that includes two top tours: the tombs of both King Tut and Ramses VI!  Followed by a private tour of The Temple of Karnak.  Then take a short flight to the coastal city of Sharm El Sheikh where the following day you will have privately chartered boat to take your family out for snorkeling in the Red Sea!

As you can tell, I have trouble finding my favorite part of this tour.  What are you most looking forward to?  To book your Adventure by Disney vacation, contact Diana at diana@destinationsinflorida.com.

Written by Diana Edgar — Diana is an Adventures by Disney Expert on United States trips and around the world.  Are you ready for that once-in-a-lifetime vacation?  Diana is ready to help you plan your magical Disney vacation. Book your next vacation with Diana at diana@destinationsinflorida.com.

Trying to figure out the ins and outs of Disney dining can be just as overwhelming as planning your actual Disney vacation.  By following these few simple Dos and Don’ts I can help you take the stress and worry out of planning your Disney dining! Every week for the next five weeks I will give you one of my dos and don’ts of Disney Dining.

Do Speak Up if You Have a Food Allergy or Restriction

Disney parks are well known for accommodating food allergies and dietary restrictions and/or intolerances. No matter what restaurant you choose, the chef will ensure they create a delicious meal that won’t exclude anyone or their needs. Once you are seated at your restaurant, your server will usually ask you if anyone in the party has any food allergies or dietary restrictions. If they do not ask, be sure to speak up and let them know. The chef will then visit your table to discuss the food allergy or dietary restriction and will come up with a meal that accommodates those needs. Disney is renowned for their world-class service, so of course this would extend to their restaurants. They are going to do everything that they can to ensure you have nothing less than a fantastic meal.

 

Don’t Forget to Cancel a Reservation

With advance dining reservations becoming more and more difficult to get, Disney has instituted a credit card guarantee at most of the more popular restaurants and character meals. At the time of making your reservation, you are required to give a credit card in order to hold the reservation. If you do not cancel within at least one day of your reservation, most restaurants will charge you $10.00 per person in your party. However, there are some restaurants, like Mickey’s Backyard BBQ, that will charge you the full price of your dinner show if you do not cancel with sufficient notice or do not show up all.

Here’s a review of what we’ve covered already:

Week 1 Do and Don’t

• Do Make Advanced Dining Reservations
• Don’t be afraid to try something new

Week 2 Do and Don’t

• Do get a Disney Dining Plan
• Don’t forget to leave enough travel time to get to your dining destination.

Week 3 Do and Don’t

• Do a Character Meal
• Don’t Forget About the Resort Restaurants

Be sure to check back next week to see what my next Disney Dining Do and Don’t will be!

Written by Meghan Blair, the “Disney Foodie” — As a Florida Resident, Meghan combines her love of Disney and her love of food! She will give you the best restaurant and dining tips and suggestions to make your meals, just as magical as the rest of your vacation! Book your next vacation with Meghan at 954-328 7090 or meghan@destinationsinflorida.com.