Disney Wonder Cruise Review Part Two

On with the review!  Here's part two.

Dining

Over all I thought the food was quite good on the Disney Wonder.  Some meals were better than others.

We had late seating.  We had a table for 4, so it was just us at dinner.  I saw many big parties sitting together.  Disney does a fantastic job at putting groups at the same table for dinner.

Day One

Lunch:   Beach Blanket Buffet  - We chose to go up on the Lido deck to the buffet.  We got on the ship pretty late so we got there as they were finishing up lunch.

The food was just okay.  Did not like the selections to chose from.  I only had a couple of things and they were nothing to write home about.  

The restaurant was nicely decorated, showed some wear and was crowded!  They were so many tables crammed inside, it was uncomfortable.  There was seating outside, it was pretty full and just as crowded.

Desserts were pretty good.  I have found that desserts on cruise ships are like desserts at a Jersey diner, they look better than they taste!

This was our first and last visit to Beach Blanket Bingo.

Rating: On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 2.

Dinner:  Our first restaurant was Triton's.  Loved it!  This is when we met our waiters for the cruise.  They were awesome! 

The restaurant is beautiful. Nicely done.

The food.  YUM!  I started with the Chilled Jumbo Shrimp, then had "Chef Louis" French Onion Soup.  Delicious.

For the main course I had "Triton's" Seared Sea Bass with a Mushroom Herb Risotto, Sweet Onion Marmalade, and garnished with a Potato Crisp.  In the words of Rachael Ray - YUMMO!  It was excellent!

I ended with Triton's Sweet Temptations - A Trio of Crème Brûlée, Chocolate Mousse and Praline Petite Choux.  As far as cruise ship desserts go this was pretty good.  It was a chance to try several things that sounded good without ordering three desserts.  The bite size portions were perfect.

Rating:  I give Triton's a 5.

Day Two
 

Breakfast:  We went to Triton's for breakfast for a sit down meal.  

Food was good.  Service was a little lacking.  Took forever.  I feel like the wait staff did not come back often to check on us.  Not sure where they disappeared to.

Rating: I give breakfast at Triton's a 4.

Lunch:  Had lunch on the lido deck.  I went to both Goofy's Galley and Pinocchio's Pizzeria.

Goofy's Galley:  Had a panini and fruit.  Very good!

Rating: 4

Pinocchio's Pizzeria: I have to say in my defense for those who are wondering why I ate at two places for lunch, the pizza slices are small, we're talking bite size.  While trying to decide what I wanted for lunch I went up to Pinocchio's and got one slice, on a napkin.  Thought the pizza was pretty good, so decided to get another piece after my panini.  Hey, I was on vacation, plus I wanted to try as many of the restaurants as I could so I could come back and tell you all about them.  I did it for you!

Rating: 3.5

Dinner:  Animator's Palate.  Another great meal!

What can I say, the decor is unlike anything else.  Cool!

I started with Ahi Tuna Tartare with Caviar, Chives, and Wasabi Cream.  Excellent.  

Next I had Creamy Butternut Squash Soup which was quite good.

For the main course I had steak, filet I believe.  I don't know the name of it, sorry!  It was excellent though.

Finished the meal with Buckled Warm Apple Crumble.  Pretty good.

Rating: 5

Day Three

Breakfast:  Parrot Cay buffet.

Very nicely themed.  This is a Disney ship, so I wouldn't expect anything less!

Nice selection of foods for breakfast.  A made to order station for omelets.  Food was pretty good.

I have to complain a little about the service.  We had to ask a passing waitress for coffee, more than once.  No one came back to see if we needed more coffee.

Rating: 4

Lunch:  Cookies BBQ in the Serenity Bay area.  

I had a cheeseburger and tried the ribs.  Food was tasty!

I topped it off with a small ice cream cone from the soft serve area.

Rating:  3.5

Dinner:  Parrot Cay.

I started with Baked Crab Dip Martinique, a cheesy crab dip which was quite good.  

Next I had the West Indies Romaine Salad, which was basically a Caesar salad.

For my main course I had Pan–Seared Grouper with Baby Shrimp Lemon Butter served with a Saffron-Herb Basmati Rice and Snow Peas.  This was okay.  My least favorite meal.  I love Grouper, so I was a little disappointed.

Last I had Parrot Cay`s Sweet Temptations - A Trio of Crème Brûlée Cheesecake, Lemon Meringue Pie and Chocolate S`More Vanilla Cake.  A nice sample of the three desserts.

Rating: 3.5 

Last Morning

Breakfast:  On the last morning of your cruise you head to the restaurant that you were at the night before.  So we went to Parrot Cay.  There are two seating's, just like for dinner.

The thing I liked about this was your servers from dinner are there to serve you breakfast.

It was a sit down breakfast this time, not a buffet.  Food was good.  I ordered something simple - a bagel with cream cheese and lox. 

Rating: 4

Final Notes

Service:

Our servers at night were great.  They did an excellent job.  Very friendly and took time to talk with us every night.  I can't say enough good things about them.  Getting our food was little slow, but I feel the blame for that falls on the kitchen.

Whew!  I didn't realize I would have that much to say about the dining!

Part Three of my Disney Wonder Cruise review will be coming soon!

Disney Wonder Cruise Review Part One

We had a great time on our Disney Wonder cruise!

 

Pre-cruise:  We flew into Orlando the night before and stayed at Coronado Springs for one night.  We used the Magical Express bus.  I love using Magical Express.  You get off the plane, go down to the Magical Express area and before you know it you are on your way to your resort.  The Coronado Springs Resort is beautiful!  This was my third time staying at the resort.  First time since the rehab, love the new rooms!

We had dinner and breakfast at the Pepper Market.  I enjoyed both meals and thought the food was good.

Getting to the ship:  We used the Disney Cruise Line Transfers.  We had to have our luggage ready by 8 am.  Four women had to be ready by 8 am, no simple feat, but we did it!  We went to breakfast and went back to our room until the 11 am check out time.  We had to meet in the lobby at 12:15 pm  for our Disney Cruise Line bus.  The buses usually stop at more than one resort to pick up passengers.  Luckily we were the last resort pick up.  The bus arrived promptly and we were off by 12:30 pm.  It's about an hour and fifteen minute drive to the ship.  We arrived at the port about 1:45 pm.

Getting on the ship:  The process of getting on the ship was pretty quick.  We waited a little while, probably 20 minutes for people to go through security.  Once in the terminal, it was another 15 minutes to check in and get our pictures taken for our ID.  We did the on board check in for our return flights too.

We finally got onto the ship about 2:30 pm or so. They served lunch until 3 pm, so we went right to lunch.  

   Pros of using Disney Cruise Line Transfers:

• It's easy!  No worries, luggage is taken care of for you.

   Cons of using Disney Cruise Line Transfers:

• You get on the ship late.  Which has it's own sets of pros and cons.  Pro - no lines or waiting to get on the ship.  Con - You do not have any time to explore the ship after lunch.  You pretty much eat and then have to get ready for the muster drill.  I personally like to get on the ship early, so I was a little disappointed in how late we got there.

Ship: The ship is beautiful!  We did find it difficult to navigate around the ship.  Maps of the ship are located next to the elevators.  We would look at the map to find out how to get where we were going and every single time went the wrong way!  The way the maps face are backwards to the ship, at least to us.

Cabin:  Loved our cabin!  We booked deluxe inside cabins, 2573 and 2571.  They were connecting cabins and located mid-ship on Deck 2.  The location was great!  We never had far to go to get to anything.  This was the first time for two of the cruisers to have an inside cabin.  They both agreed that they did not miss the window at all.

A deluxe inside cabin means you have a split bathroom.  It was nice that one person could be showering, while the other used the "facilities".  The only drawback was having bathroom supplies in both bathrooms.  Sometimes it felt like I was going back and forth between the two bathrooms a lot.

I have to mention the hair dryer.  It was the weirdest hair dryer I have ever used!  It was like a vacuum hose and the end of it was unlike anything I have ever seen.  I should have taken a picture of it to show you, but didn't think of it.  The hose got kind of hot while drying my hair.

The cabin had plenty of storage.  We had more than enough room for our clothes for the 3 day cruise.  I would say you could easily fit enough clothes for four people for a longer cruise too.

The beds were comfortable, but I feel Disney could get better sheets/blankets.  By better, I mean more luxurious.  I have to say the bedding was more luxurious on my last Carnival cruise.  Disney cruises are at least twice the cost of Carnival.  Come on Disney, invest in some better bedding!

Cruise Casual Attire:  I saw the biggest mix of attire on this cruise.  Three day cruises tend to have less people dressed up on the formal night on any cruise line, but I would say it was even more so on the Disney Cruise.

The first night was casual.  I saw everything from t-shirts and jeans to people in khaki's/dress pants with a few people dressed up more.  Our first night was at Triton's, which is the dressier restaurant.

The formal night was the last night and our restaurant was Parrot Cay.  I saw some people dressed up, with men in suits/ties and women in dresses/pantsuits to t-shirts and jeans.

I have to say, it was a bit strange to be dressed formal and going to Parrot Cay, a restaurant that is very casual.  If I were going to this type of restaurant at home I wouldn't dress up.

I liked the rotational dining and going to a different restaurant every night, but think Disney should do away with the formal night.  The navigator did say formal attire optional.  I wouldn't bring anything formal for another three night Disney cruise or even a four night.  I probably would for a seven night cruise though.

Part two of my Disney Wonder Cruise Review coming soon!

My Disney Wonder Cruise

I'm back from my Disney Wonder Cruise.  The good news is I didn't get seasick on my cruise.  We had rough seas a lot.  Rough seas, according to the TV on the Disney Wonder were 8 - 13 ft. seas.  The ship was a rocking!!  The last night was particularly bad.  I didn't sleep a wink with the rocking and creaking noises.  I turned the TV on several times during the night, I think they stop the report at 8 - 13 ft. seas because it seemed worse than that to me!

The bad news is, I am now seasick.  Apparently you can get seasick when you get back from a cruise.  I still have my "sea legs" according to my husband and google (had to check to make sure he was right!).  I am really happy I didn't get seasick on the ship, took Bonine and ginger pills.  I am not so happy that I am feeling the effects now.  Reading and typing on the computer makes me nauseous.  I thought I would be better by today, but no such luck.  I will type a full report in a few days, when hopefully this feeling subsides.  I know my loyal readers are sitting on the edge of their seats in anticipation of my review, I am sorry to tell you, you will have to wait a bit longer.

I took Bonine the last couple of days and today have tried a sinus pill along with ginger.  If anyone has a suggestion on how to make this go away, PLEEEEEEEASE leave me a message!!

Bon Voyage!

Setting sail tomorrow on my Disney Wonder Cruise!

Can't wait!  I will be posting a full review when I get back!

Making A List And Checking It Twice

No, this is not a post about Santa.  One week from today I will be in Lake Buena Vista, FL for one night at Coronado Springs Resort then off on my 3 night Disney Wonder Cruise!  With only one week to go I am in final preparation mode.  That means I am making a list and checking it twice.  Yes, I did get that idea from Santa, it works for vacations too!

In the next week lots of things will be happening.  Making lists of things to do helps keep me organized and helps me make sure not to forget anything.  My lists are hand written in a notebook, but will summarize them for you.

Clothes Packing List:  I write down everything I intend to wear and as I put it in the spare room on the bed, next to the suitcase, I check it off.  Notice I said next to the suitcase.  I do not put things into the suitcase until the day before (sometimes the night before) I am going to travel.  I do this for two reasons - 1.  I can see everything I intend on wearing and can change my mind or re-evaluate if necessary.  2.  Things won't be as wrinkled if I wait until the last minute to put them in the suitcase. 

Toiletries Packing List:  I do not want to forget any of these items!  It can be costly to have to purchase something I forget.  The frugal of side of me can't stand to pay $6.00 for a $2.00 item!  I always pack some just in case medicine.

Things To Put In My Carry On List:  This list has everything from travel documents to ID, Camera, etc.  This is the bag I cannot live without!

Things To Do Before I Go List:  This list has things I want to get done in my house before I leave.  I want to come back to a clean house right?  Okay I admit, this is the one list I never get to before I leave.  I have good intentions, I put it on a list!  Oh well, it will be there when I get back!  Since I am going away on a girls trip I will be adding things to do for my husband and daughter so they can survive without me.

I love looking forward to a trip.  It's so much fun!

How To Spend A Day Getting Character Autographs In Disney World

I was recently asked how to spend the day getting autographs from the characters.  Hmm, what an intriguing idea.  Spend a whole day just meeting characters and getting autographs.  The idea to do that never occurred to me.  Going to a Disney World park and not go on any attractions is almost sacrilegious to a Disney fan like myself!  

After giving it some thought, I decided it could be a great way to stop and smell the roses.  I have to admit, I have been known to cringe when I see the lines for characters and family members want to get an autograph.  I have even gone as far as talking them out of it.  Shhhh, keep that a secret.

Here are some tips I came up with on how to spend a day getting character autographs:

• Pick A Park - Magic Kingdom and Epcot have the most opportunities to meet characters.  If you have a specific character you just have to meet, I found a great website to help you find him/her/it/animal (whatever it may be!).  The website is WDW Character Hunt.  Locations, times and characters can change often, nothing is set in stone!
• Make Reservations For A Character Meal - A character meal is the best way to get some one on one time with a character.  The characters make their way around the restaurant and will stop at your table.  Sometimes you get to see the characters more than once, depending on how long it's taking you to eat.  Each theme park has a character meal for at least one meal a day, some have breakfast, lunch and dinner.  There are also character meals at some of the resorts.  You can find a list of character dining at WDW Character Hunt .
• Get A Times Guide - When entering the park, make sure to pick up a times guide to find out the times and places of character greetings.  As I stated above - locations, times and characters can change!  You will have to take a few minutes and make a plan of where to go.  You will also find parade and show times.  You can't get an autograph, but you can see your favorite characters perform.
• Get To The Park Of Choice Early - Most people do not want to get up early on vacation.  If you get to the park of your choice at rope drop you will be rewarded with shorter lines at Character Greets (and attractions too!).
• Head To The Back Of The Park - If there are Character Greets at the back of the park, you may want to head there first.  Most people will stop at the first characters they see.

I hope these tips help you on your quest to get character autographs, even if you don't want to spend a whole day devoted to it.  I may incorporate a half day of just character meets on my next trip, I don't think I could skip attractions for a whole day!  I'll let you know how it goes.

How To Dress For Dinner On A Disney Cruise

With only two weeks to go before my Disney cruise, I have started to think about what to wear. Probably should have started thinking about this sooner. Oh well, I'm going on a cruise and I'm going to have a blast!!  To help with the decision making process, I googled "what to wear on my Disney cruise".  

This is from the Official Disney Cruise Line site:

Dining Dress requirements vary by venue or theme night on your cruise. In general, most meals are "Cruise Casual"—no shorts, swimwear or tank tops. Most cruises also have special theme nights with additional attire requirements. Here's a breakdown of these events by cruise itinerary.

On 3-night cruises:

• One cruise casual night—no shorts, swimwear or tank tops
• One pirate or tropical night (deck party)
• One "dress-up night"—jacket for men, dress or pantsuit for women

On 4-night cruises:

• First night: cruise casual—no shorts, swimwear or tank tops
• One pirate or tropical night (deck party)
• One "dress-up night"—jacket for men, dress or pantsuit for women
• Final night: cruise casual—no shorts, swimwear or tank tops

On 7-night cruises:

• First night: cruise casual—no shorts, swimwear or tank tops
• Three additional "cruise casual" nights—no shorts, swimwear or tank tops
• One pirate or tropical night (deck party)
• One formal and one semi-formal night—formal wear for men: tuxedo or suit; for women: gown or dress; semi-formal wear for men: suit/jacket; for women: dress or pantsuit. 

Dress for dinner at Palo on all cruises:

• Men: dress shirt or jacket, no shorts
• Women: dress or pantsuit

 
Thanks Disney, I still have no clue what to wear! What is cruise casual? I know resort casual is a step above very casual clothes. No jeans, flip flops, t-shirts, and short shorts or very short skirts. Back to google.

Okay, the only thing I can find on cruise casual is what Disney has above. You can wear jeans if you want.

Here's what I'm thinking for my three night cruise:

• Cruise Casual Night - capris with a nice shirt
• Pirate Night - capris or jeans, maybe jean capris, not sure yet, with a nice shirt or white blouse - closest thing I could get to pirate attire!
• Dress Up Night - pantsuit or really dressy slacks with a dressy top

Hopefully this will be appropriate and I will not stick out like a sore thumb.  I think my choices will be fine, given the guidelines provided by Disney.

Look for my full report on what people wear on a Disney cruise and my thoughts on cruise casual in a few weeks!

New Enhancements to Disney's Private Island, Castaway Cay!

Three weeks left until my Disney Cruise!  Sail away is rapidly approaching.  Can't believe it's coming up so fast.

Thought I would share this video of all the new things on Castaway Cay.  Pretty cool!

Wild Africa Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom

You can now book the Wild Africa Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

This three-hour tour will be offered several times daily at Disney's Animal Kingdom.  Groups will be small with no more than twelve people.   Introductory offer starting at $129 on bookings from Jan. 16-Feb. 26, 2011.  Park admission is required for participants.

Check out this video for an idea of what the tour will be like:

I'm really excited about this tour!  I think it looks and sounds amazing!  This is definitely on my list of things to do on my next visit to Walt Disney World!

Four Weeks Until My Disney Cruise!

Time is flying by!  Before you know it, I will be setting sail on the Disney Wonder.

I can't wait to be on the ship and experience all she has to offer!  So what am I looking forward to on the ship?  Let me tell you!

The entertainment!  Anyone who knows Disney, knows they know how to keep you entertained!  Here's how:

Three Broadway Shows:

1. Disney Dreams - An Enchanted Classic: award-winning, musical live show celebrating the value of dreams, starring some of your favorite Disney Characters
2. The Golden Mickeys:  Musical live show presented as an awards ceremony in which characters from Disney movies are nominated in a series of categories.
3. Toy Story –The Musical:  Musical live show based on the hit Disney-Pixar film.  The light-hearted story of Woody and Buzz Lightyear's friendship. 

First-run movies and digital 3-D films:  I wonder what they will be showing on our November cruise.  I'm hoping Tangled!  It starts in theaters November 24th.  Keeping my fingers crossed!

Quiet Cove Pool: The adult only pool.  This is an adult trip!

Nightclubs and Lounges:  I plan on checking them all out but am especially looking forward to:

1. Cadillac Lounge - A piano bar with complimentary hors d'oeuvres - including caviar - are served throughout the evening.
2. WaveBands -  Entertainment and fun interactive activities for the entire family during the day. At night, the club caters to adults only, offering dancing, games, karaoke and 2 full bars serving mixed drinks.
3. Promenade Lounge - Activities for the whole family, including Pirate Scavenger Maps for Castaway Cay (hope I'm not too old for this!), Pirate Trivia and Bingo (yes I like Bingo!)

Character Greetings:  Yes, I am looking forward to meeting Mickey!  I really, really, really want to meet Captain Jack!

Deck Parties - The Sail Away Celebration and of course Pirates In The Caribbean!

In case you couldn't tell - I'm really excited about this cruise!  I feel like a kid right before Christmas!

Like the Beach Boys song says: 

We'll get there fast

And then we'll take it slow

That's where we wanna go

On a Disney Cruise!

Okay, the song doesn't say on a Disney Cruise, I added that!  :)

Hi Ho Hi Ho, It's Off To Disney World I Go - Part Five

The fifth and final part to the Walt Disney Vacation Planning series!

What kind of ticket and/or package to get?  I'm going to try to sum this up in a nutshell!

So here's the scoop on the tickets:

You start with a Magic Your Way Base Ticket with a choice of ticket length from 1 to 10 days. The base ticket allows admission to one Theme Park per day – you are permitted to leave and go back to the same park.  You cannot go to a different park, even if you bought a 7 day ticket for a 4 day stay – you will not be allowed to go to a different park with the same ticket.  Ticket expires 14 days after the first use.

You can then add on the following for a fee (contact me for pricing!):

Park Hopper® Option - visit more than 1 Theme Park on the same day (or all 4 if you want!).  This applies to all days on the Base ticket.

Tip:  I recommend the Park Hopper® Option.  I like the option of going to a different park if I choose.   It can also buy you more hours in the parks if your visit is during value season when park hours are shorter.

Water Park Fun & More Option - includes a certain number of admissions into one of the following: Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, Disney's Blizzard Beach, DisneyQuest®, Downtown Disney®, Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course or Disney's Wide World of Sports®. (Subject to seasonal or weather closures. Age restrictions may apply for access to certain facilities) The number of visits is based on the length of base ticket.  

Tip:  If you plan on going to a water park for just one day or go to DisneyQuest once, it is cheaper to buy the one day admission to either of them.  Planning on more than one visit or going to both – get the Water Park Fun & More option.

No Expiration Option - unused Theme Park Days and unused Water Park Fun & More admissions never expire so they may be used on a return visit. 

Tip: If you are staying for 11 days or more, or plan on returning within a year, purchasing an annual pass is a better option.

Now on to packages!

To get a package or not, that is the question!  Packages can offer a good value – you can save money on dining.  The base package starts with resort accommodations and a base ticket (plus some features).  You can then add different packages with dining and recreational activities included. 

Tip:  Booking a package offers convenience, but is not always the most economical choice.  I feel it's worth it to price things separately. Shameless plug:  Part of my services as a travel agent are helping you choose the best options for you (package, ticket etc!).  Discounts are sometimes offered by Disney, contact me for information on the latest ones!

Below is a summary of the packages.  Park Hopper, Water Park Fun & More and No Expiration Options can be added. 

Everyone in the room must be booked on the same package and ticket options. Packages and tickets plus their options or components are nontransferable. Theme Park tickets and options must be used within 14 days of first use unless the No Expiration Option is purchased. Visiting more than one Theme Park on the same day requires the Park Hopper option.

Magic Your Way Package – 2010 Starter package.  Includes:

• Accommodations at a Disney Resort
• Magic Your Way Base Ticket - admission to one of the four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks
• Official luggage tag (1 per person)
• Arcade card valid for 100 points of game play at resort arcades (1 per room)
• Planet Hollywood meal & merchandise voucher
• One round Miniature Golf (one per room)
• Niki Bryan Spa Discount – 15% off most 50 minute or greater services at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. (Hand and foot treatments are excluded. Age restrictions apply).
• ENHANCED! Walt Disney World® Marina Discounts – 15% off the regular price of any boat rental at participating Walt Disney World marina locations.
• Guided Fishing Excursions Discount – 15% off the regular price of Guided Bass Fishing Excursions and Bass Nitro Fishing Excursions at select Walt Disney World marinas. Excursions include fishing equipment, rod, reel, shiners, artificial bait, non-alcoholic beverages and a 1 year membership to B.A.S.S. (Bass Anglers Sportsman Society).
• Sammy Duvall's Watersports Discount – 10% off the regular price of all activities including parasailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing trips at Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre located at Disney's Contemporary Resort. (Subject to availability; restrictions apply).

 2011 packages include the above plus:

• Children Activity Centers – 15% off the regular hourly rates at the Children Activity Center located at select Disney Resort Hotels. Minimum charge of two (2) hours per child. Services available for children age 3-12.

The following packages have a fee per person per day (in addition to the cost of the starter Magic Your Way Package) and must be purchased for entire reservation with at least a 1 day theme park ticket. Contact me for information on pricing!

Magic Your Way Package Plus Quick Service Dining      

Includes features from the Magic Your Way Package plus -

For each night of your package, each person (age 3+) receives:

- includes: entree or Combo Meal and dessert (lunch or dinner only) or juice (breakfast only) plus non-alcoholic beverage.

Children ages 3-9 must order from a Children's Menu (if one is available). Gratuity is not included. Tax included.

2 Snacks – such as frozen ice-cream novelty, box of popcorn; single piece of whole fruit or a medium fountain soft drink

1 Resort Refillable Drink Mug per Person

Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining  

Includes features from the Magic Your Way Package plus -

For each night of your package, each person (age 3+) receives:

One table service or buffet meal – includes entree and non-alcoholic beverage at breakfast or buffet,  entree, dessert, or buffet, plus non-alcoholic beverage at lunch or dinner. 

One quick service meal – includes entree and non-alcoholic beverage at breakfast, entree or Combo Meal and dessert plus non-alcoholic beverage at lunch & dinner

Children ages 3-9 must order from a Children's Menu (if one is available). Gratuity is not included.  Tax included.

1 Snack - such as frozen ice-cream novelty, box of popcorn; single piece of whole fruit or a medium fountain soft drink

Magic Your Way Package Plus Deluxe                                    

Includes features from the Magic Your Way Package plus -

For each night of your package, each person (age 3+) receives:

Three table service or quick service meals –

Table service or buffet meal – includes entree and non-alcoholic beverage at breakfast or buffet,  entree, dessert, or buffet, plus non-alcoholic beverage at lunch or dinner. 

Quick service meal – includes entree and non-alcoholic beverage at breakfast, entree or Combo Meal and dessert plus non-alcoholic beverage at lunch & dinner

Children ages 3-9 must order from a Children's Menu (if one is available). Gratuity is not included.  Tax included.

2 Snacks – such as frozen ice-cream novelty, box of popcorn; single piece of whole fruit or a medium fountain soft drink

1 Resort Refillable Drink Mug per Person

Magic Your Way Premium Package                                       

Includes features from the Magic Your Way Package plus -

For each night of your package, each person (age 3+) receives:

Three table service or quick service meals (any combination of) –

Table service or buffet meal – includes entree and non-alcoholic beverage at breakfast or buffet,  entree, dessert, or buffet, plus non-alcoholic beverage at lunch or dinner. 

Quick service meal – includes entree and non-alcoholic beverage at breakfast, entree or Combo Meal and dessert plus non-alcoholic beverage at lunch & dinner

Children ages 3-9 must order from a Children's Menu (if one is available). Gratuity is not included.  Tax included.

2 Snacks – such as frozen ice-cream novelty, box of popcorn; single piece of whole fruit or a medium fountain soft drink

1 Resort Refillable Drink Mug per Person

Unlimited selected recreation -  includes: Golf (lessons, greens fees, rental clubs, cart, balls & shoes included), Miniature Golf, Water Sports, Archery, Tennis, Guided Fishing Excursions, Cane Pole Fishing, Horseback Trail Rides, Pony Rides, Carriage Rides, Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides, Bike Rental and Watercraft Rental. Some restrictions may apply and advance reservations may be required.

One admission per person to Cirque du Soliel La Nouba

Unlimited use of Disney Children's Activity Centers (potty trained kids ages 4 -12)

Unlimited admission to selected theme park tours

Preferred fireworks viewing areas for Wishes at Magic Kingdom and Illuminations at Epcot. (One viewing per Theme Park. Advance reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance and voucher is required.)

PhotoPass Portrait Session

Magic Your Way Platinum Package   

Includes features from the Magic Your Way Package plus:

Accommodations at a Deluxe Disney resort or select Deluxe Villa resorts (Beach Club Villas, Boardwalk Villas or Villas at Wilderness Lodge)

For each night of your package, each person (age 3+) receives:

Three table service or quick service meals (any combination of)–

Table service or buffet meal – includes entree and non-alcoholic beverage at breakfast or buffet,  entree, dessert, or buffet, plus non-alcoholic beverage at lunch or dinner. 

Quick service meal – includes entree and non-alcoholic beverage at breakfast, entree or Combo Meal and dessert plus non-alcoholic beverage at lunch & dinner

Children ages 3-9 must order from a Children's Menu (if one is available). Gratuity is not included.  Tax included.

2 Snacks – such as frozen ice-cream novelty, box of popcorn; single piece of whole fruit or a medium fountain soft drink

1 Resort Refillable Drink Mug per Person

Unlimited selected recreation - includes: Golf (lessons, greens fees, rental clubs, cart, balls & shoes included), Miniature Golf, Water Sports, Archery, Tennis, Guided Fishing Excursions, Cane Pole Fishing, Horseback Trail Rides, Pony Rides, Carriage Rides, Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides, Bike Rental and Watercraft Rental. Some restrictions may apply and advance reservations may be required.

One admission per person to Cirque du Soliel La Nouba

Unlimited use of Disney Children's Activity Centers (potty trained kids ages 4 -12)

Private in-room child care (4 hour minimum, 6 hour maximum, gratuity not included)

Unlimited admission to selected theme park tours

Fireworks viewing areas for Wishes at Magic Kingdom and Illuminations at Epcot. (One viewing per Theme Park. Advance reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance and voucher is required.)

1 Resort Refillable Drink Mug per Person

PhotoPass Portrait Session

One selected spa treatment per person

Richard Petty Ride Along Experience    

Fireworks cruise to either Wishes or Illuminations (one per reservation) 

Reserved seating at Fantasmic! (one per person)   

Nightly turn-down service  

Personalized pre-arrival itinerary planning   

I don't think I succeeded in summing this up in a nutshell!  I tried! 

Disney Vacation Memories

Here's a video about Disney's new promotion, Let the Memories Begin.

Even if you've seen it before, it deserves another look!

Pass the tissues please!

Countdown Continues!

Another week has gone by, five more weeks until my Disney cruise!

I received my Special Cruise Documents yesterday!  The documents are in a spiral bound little travel booklet. I think it's pretty cool! So what's in the booklet?

• Your Luggage Tags
• Welcome Aboard Letter from the President of Disney Cruise Line
• Vacation Checklist - Things to do right now, before you leave home, check in, before you get to the port, and as soon as your on the ship.
• Vacation overview - Embarkation information, vacation summary, port adventures
• Reservation Details
• Important Extras - Airline check in, gratuity guidelines, contact information on little cards to give to people so they know how to reach you on the cruise.
• Cruise Documents - Cruise Contract, Cruise Contract Signature Form, Embark-Departure Form, Payment Authorization Form, Onboard Airline Check-in, Ground Transfer Purchase Option

The booklet contains everything you need to know for your upcoming cruise.  I love having all the information at my fingertips.  The spiral bound booklet makes it easy to find all the information.  No rummaging through a bunch of papers - if you even get any.  I know the new way is paperless, but I like having a hard copy of things to refer to.  Of course Disney does it better than anyone else.  I haven't even stepped on the ship and I'm already impressed!

Hi Ho Hi Ho, It's Off To Disney World I Go - Part Four

Part Four of the trip planning series is about my favorite thing to decide!  Where To Stay?

Stay onsite!  I highly recommend staying onsite!  There are over 20 themed resorts to choose from.  Disney does not miss a detail when it comes to the themes of their resorts.  Plus the perks you get from staying onsite are great, not to mention the fact that you get the Disney Magic and service 24/7! 

Benefits:

• Disney themed resorts and legendary service
• Disney Magical Express Transportation - offers free roundtrip airport transportation and baggage delivery to and from Orlando International Airport. 
• Use of Walt Disney World® Resort Transportation System – motorcoach, watercraft or monorail
• Merchandise Delivery – don’t lug your packages around all day – have them sent to your resort!
• Extra Magic Hours – Each day one of the theme park opens one hour early or stays open up to three hours extra after park hours.  Resort guests get more time in the parks!  Select attractions will be open.  This is one of the best perks of staying at a Disney resort!
• Close To The Magic - Staying at a Disney Resort means being surrounded by magic 24 hours a day and also being close enough to return to your hotel for a break.   You can take a nap or go for a dip in the pool!
• Charging Privileges – Take advantage of charging privileges available with your Disney Resort ID. Charge most Disney purchases to your room!
• Guaranteed admission to the parks even when they reach maximum capacity.  If you are visiting during a holidays, you could run into the parks reaching capacity and non resort guests will be turned away.
• Disney Dining Plan option
• Complimentary Golf Club Rental - Get complimentary Titleist and Cobra club rental when you purchase a full round of golf at any of the 4 Disney Championship Golf Courses.

Here is my advice on picking your resort:

1.  Decide on the category - there are five different categories of resorts at Disney World.

To help you do this you have to answer some basic questions.

• How much do you want to spend?

• Are you going to spend time enjoying the resort and its amenities or will you be in the theme parks all day?

• Would you like the resort to have a water slide?

• Would you like the resort to have a sit down restaurant or do you prefer quick counter service meals?

2.  Pick your resort!  Once you have decided your category of resort, choose one based on the theme that appeals to you.  You will also have to consider which room view you would like.

Use the following links to explore the different categories and resorts.

1. Value
2. Moderate 
3. Deluxe 
4. Deluxe Villas 
5. Campground 

Do you have five or more in your party?  Click here to find some options.

   

It's tough deciding which resort!  If you are torn between a couple of resorts, consider splitting your stay.  If you really want to stay at a moderate or deluxe resort and it isn't in your budget for your trip, splitting the stay between two categories may put it in your reach.  There's always next time too!

As a travel agent, it's both my job and my pleasure to help you find the best resort for you.  Feel free to contact me, I would be happy to answer any questions!

Happy Birthday Walt Disney World!

Walt Disney World is 39 years old today!

Here's a video I found on You Tube of the opening ceremony at the Magic Kingdom.  The video is great, but it's even better seeing the show in person!  If you haven't seen it yet, make sure you do on your next visit!

Dining On The Disney Wonder

The countdown continues with only 6 weeks until my Disney Wonder cruise!  There are so many things that I am looking forward to on this cruise (I may have said that before!).  This week let's talk dining!

Cruises and food go hand in hand.  One of the first questions I ask anyone who has just come back from a cruise is "How was the food?"   I'm not a very picky eater, so I am sure I will have plenty of meals that I like.  I am more excited about the dining experience.

Some of the things I am looking forward to:

Rotational Dining - Leave it to Disney to come up with something like this!  You go to a different restaurant every night and your servers follow you.  A new experience every night of our 3 night cruise!

Themed Restaurants - No one does this better than Disney!  

• Animator's Palate - The scenery changes right before your eyes! The artwork on the walls goes from black and white to color during your dinner.  Your servers are in on the act too!  How cool is that?!
• Parrot Cay - Themed after, you guessed it, the tropics! The perfect place for Pirate of the Caribbean night (can't wait!).
• Triton's - Elegantly themed featuring beautiful Art Deco touches.  

Table/Dinner Assignment - I have heard that Disney does an excellent job pairing you up with dinner mates.  Since we will be adults traveling without children, I am interested in seeing how this works out.  If what I have heard is correct, Disney will try to seat us with other adults without children and even have our rotational dining assignment with adults without children or adults with older children.  We'll see!

Room Service - I have heard you can order Mickey Bars (chocolate covered, vanilla ice cream bars shaped like a Mickey head, aka heaven on a stick!!).  I hope this is true and will let you know!

I also plan on trying:

• Beach Blanket Buffet -  On Deck 9 for lunch when you first get on board. I heard there are chocolate chunk cookies to die for at the buffet.  That's all I have to hear!
• Pinocchio's Pizzeria - pizza
• Goofy's Galley - salads, sandwiches, ice cream and cookies
• Pluto's Dog House Snack Bar - hamburgers, chicken

Look for the full dining review when I return!

Hi Ho Hi Ho, It's Off To Disney World I Go - Part Three

The Walt Disney World five part trip planning series continues today with the third thing you have to decide - how long to stay?

How Long Should I Stay?

If I had my way all of my trips would be at least 10 days during low attendance time periods.  Of course I don’t get my way often.  Little things like, work schedules, school schedules and budget for trip often stand in my way!

The first trip I took with my family was for 3 nights and 4 days.  It was before Animal Kingdom opened so there were 3 parks to visit.  We went at a low attendance time and stayed at the Polynesian Resort.  We were able to do everything we wanted.  Key factors that played into that happening were the low attendance, the great transportation options at the Polynesian and having a plan.  We didn’t take a break during the day and went morning till night.  It was a great trip but I did learn that we needed a break during the day!

Factors in determining how long to stay are:

1. Time of year you are visiting.
2. How you want to spend your days.

It will take 7 days during a visit in crowded times of the year compared to 4 to 5 during a slower time to experience the same amount of attractions.

The following may help you decide how long to stay.  The recommendations are my opinion and are based on my own vacations. 

How Long to Stay Guide:

 (based on trying to see it all! - most attractions, parades & fireworks)

See part one of the trip planning series to find out the dates of low, moderate and high crowd levels.

During Low Crowd Levels:

• 4 days - Tour the theme parks morning till night with no breaks and grabbing quick stuff to eat (counter service).
• 5 to 6 days – Tour at a more leisurely pace, take a break during the day, have a few sit down meals at nicer restaurants.
• 7 to 8 days – Take your time, spend a day at your resort, break during the day, have sit down meals, go to water parks and do other recreational activities like mini golf or rent a boat.

During Moderate Crowd Levels:

• 4 to 5 days - Tour the theme parks morning till night with no breaks and grabbing quick stuff to eat (counter service).
• 6 days – Tour at a more leisurely pace, take a break during the day, have some sit down meals at nicer restaurants.
• 8 to 10 days – Take your time, spend a day or two at your resort, break during the day, have sit down meals, go to water parks and do other recreational activities like mini golf or rent a boat.

During High Crowd Levels:

• 5 to 6 days – Tour the theme parks morning till night with no breaks and grabbing quick stuff to eat (counter service).
• 7 to 8 days - Tour at a more leisurely pace, take a break during the day, have a few sit down meals at nicer restaurants.
• 10 days – Take your time, spend a day or two at your resort, break during the day, have sit down meals, go to water parks and do other recreational activities like mini golf or rent a boat.

Most of us have time and/or budget restrictions.  If you can only go to Walt Disney World for 5 days during peak times – GO!  I am by no means saying to forget it if you can’t stay for at least 10 days.  You may not get in everything you want to, but any day at Walt Disney World is better than a day at home or work!

Something to keep in mind also:  Disney has made it very affordable to stay longer.  The difference in cost for theme park tickets from 4 – 7 days is very minimal (we’re talking $5 per day per person!).