When planning a Disney Cruise Line Vacation there are many factors that you can start with : Departure Port, Price, Ports of Call, and Date.
There are six Departure Ports:
Galveston, TX
New York, NY
Los Angeles, CA
Port Canaveral, FL
Seattle, WA
Vancouver, Canada
Destinations include:
Bahamas- 3, 4, 5, & 8 night cruises
Alaska & Pacific Coast
Caribbean - Eastern and Western
Mexican Riviera
Canada & New England
Hawaii - 2 special sail dates (April & October 2012)
You have to start at what is more important to you: If it's price, then you want to go with one of the shorter bahamas cruises. or if you live near a departure port that could save you on price by not having to drive very far or fly. Also, off-season dates are going to be lower in price,which includes hurricane season and "winter" months. You just have to be willing to be flexible as with any cruise, weather can change things at any moment.
Once you have chosen a cruise based on what is most important to you, you now much choose a stateroom. You can get as small as an inside stateroom or up to a two-bedroom suite. If you don't think you will be in your room much, other than to sleep and shower an inside stateroom could suit you just fine. On some cruises (only Dream & Fantasy) the Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom w/ porthole window is less expensive than the inside stateroom. This is because the inside staterooms on those ships have "magical" porthole windows, with a real-time view of the outside of the ship that reflects the actual stateroom's location. Also, Disney animated characters may make cameo appearances in the Magical Porthole from time to time and can be turned off by the flip of a switch! If you are given the chance to pick your stateroom number, just look at the surrounding areas and floors above and below for things like Elevators, Night Clubs, and the Movie Theatre.
Ok, Now you have your cruise and stateroom booked/ picked out. You now need to pick a dining time, your options are Main Seating and Second Seating for dinner.
On the Disney Wonder and the Disney Magic, the Main Seating is at 5:45 p.m.; the Second seating is at 8:15 p.m. On the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy, the Main Seating is at 6:00 p.m.; the Second seating is at 8:30 p.m.
With each dining time there also is a Live Show time, So if you choose the Main Seating your Live show will be at approximately 8:30pm and if you have Second Seating it will be at approximately 6:15pm. If you are worried about your kids missing out on the activities if you decide on the Second Seating, you can take advantage of "Dine and Play" which allows the children time to eat and as long as they are registered at the Oceaneer Club or Lab the Youth Counselors will come by the dining room at 9pm and will escort them to the youth clubs.
Also, if you are traveling without kids or want to have an Adult-Only dinner.... all four Disney Ships have an Adult- Only restaurant on board and I highly reccommend making reservations as early as you can as it can book up fast.
All you have left to look at is all the exciting and fun excursions that are available. All of the ports of call have different options to choose from, they are an additional cost and are not required. You may decide to not get off the ship at all (unless it stops at Castaway Cay, which I highly reccommend getting off and walking around the island, eating lunch, taking pictures with characters or just lounging on the beach), it is your vacation and you can do as much or as little as you want to do!
Prior to your travel you should recieve a booklet with all your travel information. Included in this packet is your luggage tags. Once you arrive at the port, you "check" your bags with those tags on them and they will be delievered to your room sometime that afternoon. So make sure you have in a carry-on bag what you will need for that day.
Once you are on the ship, eat lunch, take pictures and take -in all that the Disney Ships have to offer!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tips for Planning a Disneyland California vacation......
Disneyland in California:
There are three Disney Hotel options: Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel, and Disneyland Hotel.
Here is a Link to view each hotel and what they have to offer.... http://disneyland.disney.go.com/hotels/
They also have hotels called Good Neighbor Hotels. When you stay at a Disney-approved Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotel, you can be assured of 2 things: quality and close proximity to the Disneyland Resort. In fact, most Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotels are just a short walk or trolley ride away! And with over 40 hotels to choose from, you'll have no problem finding one to fit your needs. You can even book them through Disneyland.com
There are a few Dining packages that are offered at the Disney Owned and Operated Hotels based on the number of days you need. There is no minimum reqirement.
http://bookdlr.reservations.disney.go.com/ibcdlr/en_US/modules/render/PopUp/popupPageProcessor?strPageName=2011_Guest_STD_DiningOption_PopUp
In addition Dining Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advnace! (714) 781 - DINE
Then Park Tickets..... I personally never buy the number of days that Disney suggests as I am never able to go to the parks on arrival and departure day because I am so exhasted from traveling BUT that's me. If the price difference is worth it to you so you can go if you want, but won't feel bad if you don't make it there those days, then go ahead and do it. Sometimes the price difference is so small it's easier just to go ahead and add the extra day and even go for an hour or two if you want. For example: The difference between a 5-day and 6-day Park Hopper Ticket for our enitre family, when I was getting a quote, was $17 plus tax.
Now I havn't been to Disneyland CA since I was a little kid, and I hope to go there in the future so I don't have many insider tips but if I hear of any I will be sure to post them on here.
Next planning tips.... Disney Cruise Line!
There are three Disney Hotel options: Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel, and Disneyland Hotel.
Here is a Link to view each hotel and what they have to offer.... http://disneyland.disney.go.com/hotels/
They also have hotels called Good Neighbor Hotels. When you stay at a Disney-approved Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotel, you can be assured of 2 things: quality and close proximity to the Disneyland Resort. In fact, most Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotels are just a short walk or trolley ride away! And with over 40 hotels to choose from, you'll have no problem finding one to fit your needs. You can even book them through Disneyland.com
There are a few Dining packages that are offered at the Disney Owned and Operated Hotels based on the number of days you need. There is no minimum reqirement.
http://bookdlr.reservations.disney.go.com/ibcdlr/en_US/modules/render/PopUp/popupPageProcessor?strPageName=2011_Guest_STD_DiningOption_PopUp
In addition Dining Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advnace! (714) 781 - DINE
Then Park Tickets..... I personally never buy the number of days that Disney suggests as I am never able to go to the parks on arrival and departure day because I am so exhasted from traveling BUT that's me. If the price difference is worth it to you so you can go if you want, but won't feel bad if you don't make it there those days, then go ahead and do it. Sometimes the price difference is so small it's easier just to go ahead and add the extra day and even go for an hour or two if you want. For example: The difference between a 5-day and 6-day Park Hopper Ticket for our enitre family, when I was getting a quote, was $17 plus tax.
Now I havn't been to Disneyland CA since I was a little kid, and I hope to go there in the future so I don't have many insider tips but if I hear of any I will be sure to post them on here.
Next planning tips.... Disney Cruise Line!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Disney Shopping card
Disney is currently offering a $1000 Disney Parks Shopping Card and Deluxe Framed Castle Pin Set Product for Guests traveling to Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort and Disney Vacation Club® Resorts located within the U.S. The Disney Parks Shopping Card and Deluxe Framed Castle Pin Set Product is yours for $1,000 (plus $20 shipping and handling) and allows you to shop for items at Disney owned and operated merchandise locations with ease.
The Deluxe Framed Castle Pin Set features as many as 60 authentic Disney Pins that have been framed and double matted to create a whimsical image of Cinderella Castle. This elegantly framed pin set is only available with the Disney Parks Shopping Card.
This is such a great deal if you plan on spending $1000 on merchandise in one or even multiple trips to any Disney owned and operated merchandise location at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Disney Vacation Club Resorts located in the U.S.
Let me know if you are interested in this offer and I can help you purchase it.
The Deluxe Framed Castle Pin Set features as many as 60 authentic Disney Pins that have been framed and double matted to create a whimsical image of Cinderella Castle. This elegantly framed pin set is only available with the Disney Parks Shopping Card.
This is such a great deal if you plan on spending $1000 on merchandise in one or even multiple trips to any Disney owned and operated merchandise location at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Disney Vacation Club Resorts located in the U.S.
Let me know if you are interested in this offer and I can help you purchase it.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Dining Reservations
Did you know that you can make Advance Dining Reservations (ADR) 180 days from the date you are wanting to book???? So for all those important Character meals, celebrations dinners, and just any of your favorite table-service restaurants BOOK EARLY!!! Even if you havn't booked a room yet and are waiting for the best possible deal on that, you can still book ADRs :-)
I can help you make the reservations, what I need from you is What Restaurants, Dates of Vacations, and approx time you are comfortable with. If you know you want to do them on a specific day, add that in too! I usually, when I make dining reservations look at park times and Extra Magic Hours so that you can get the most of your park time! Wouldn't want you having breakfast at Animal Kingdom when there are EMH that morning at Hollywood Studios, the only reason I would EVER do that is if there is no other availability at that restaurant. But the earlier you book you wont have to worry about that~
Don't know where to start planning a Disney Vacation................ Will be posting tips on that soon!
I can help you make the reservations, what I need from you is What Restaurants, Dates of Vacations, and approx time you are comfortable with. If you know you want to do them on a specific day, add that in too! I usually, when I make dining reservations look at park times and Extra Magic Hours so that you can get the most of your park time! Wouldn't want you having breakfast at Animal Kingdom when there are EMH that morning at Hollywood Studios, the only reason I would EVER do that is if there is no other availability at that restaurant. But the earlier you book you wont have to worry about that~
Don't know where to start planning a Disney Vacation................ Will be posting tips on that soon!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Special Offers As of Today November 3, 2011
Walt Disney World Resort ~ Orlando, FL:
**Free Dine Offer~ Now through Dec. 17, 2011, buy a non-discounted Magic Your Way package for 4 nights and 5 days at select Disney Value Resorts and get a FREE Quick-Service Dining Plan. Or, buy a non-discounted Magic Your Way package for 4 nights and 5 days at select Disney Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts and get a FREE Disney Dining Plan.
Valid for arrivals most nights:
You must book by Nov. 19, 2011.
**Winter Room Offer~You can save up to 35%* on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels, for stays most nights Jan. 2 – Feb. 20, 2012.
For stays most nights Jan. 2 – Feb. 20, 2012, you can save:
Disneyland~ Anahiem, CA:
You can save $500 when you buy a 4-day, 4-night vacation package that includes a 4-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper souvenir ticket and a 4-night stay at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. Book this offer Nov. 1, 2011 – Feb. 26, 2012, for arrivals most nights Jan. 2 – Feb. 26, 2012. Travel on this offer must be completed by March 1, 2012.
Also,
When you check in at one of the three Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort from Jan. 4 to Feb. 29, 2012, each person in their party will receive two Disney's FASTPASS® tickets, per stay.
Combined with valid theme park admission, it's a great way to make the most of a Disneyland® Resort vacation!
*****UPDATED: Disney Cruise Line~ Various Ports:
Kids 17 and under can sail FREE* when traveling with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom in Categories 4A-10C on most Mexican Riviera sailings The new sail date range is Jan. 22 – Feb. 5, 2012. Government Taxes and Fees not included.
Departing from Los Angeles, you can enjoy the beauty and fun of the Baja California and Mexican coasts on a voyage filled with unmatched Disney entertainment, legendary service and magic for everyone of every age.
Adventures by Disney:
No Current Offers
Other Offers:
With this Special Grand Opening Offer, you can experience Aulani—the newest Disney Resort—and enjoy their most magical vacation yet when you stay 4 nights and get your 5th consecutive night free!
**Free Dine Offer~ Now through Dec. 17, 2011, buy a non-discounted Magic Your Way package for 4 nights and 5 days at select Disney Value Resorts and get a FREE Quick-Service Dining Plan. Or, buy a non-discounted Magic Your Way package for 4 nights and 5 days at select Disney Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts and get a FREE Disney Dining Plan.
Valid for arrivals most nights:
- Jan. 8-12, 2012
- Jan. 21 – Feb. 2, 2012
- Feb. 11-16, 2012
- March 3-8, 2012
- March 24-29, 2012
- 15% at Disney's All-Star Movies Resort and Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- 20% at Disney Value Resorts (except Disney's All-Star Movies Resort), Disney Moderate Resorts (except Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter)
For stays most nights Oct. 30 – Nov. 21 and Nov. 26 – Dec. 23, 2011, you can save:
- 20% at Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
- 25% at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney's Polynesian Resort
- 30% at Disney Deluxe Resorts (except Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney's Polynesian Resort) and Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts
You must book by Nov. 19, 2011.
**Winter Room Offer~You can save up to 35%* on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels, for stays most nights Jan. 2 – Feb. 20, 2012.
For stays most nights Jan. 2 – Feb. 20, 2012, you can save:
- 20% at Disney's All-Star Movies Resort
- 25% at Disney Value Resorts (except Disney's All-Star Movies Resort) and Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- 30% at Disney Moderate Resorts (except Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter), Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney's Polynesian Resort
- 35% at Disney Deluxe Resorts (except Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney's Polynesian Resort) and Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts
Disneyland~ Anahiem, CA:
You can save $500 when you buy a 4-day, 4-night vacation package that includes a 4-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper souvenir ticket and a 4-night stay at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. Book this offer Nov. 1, 2011 – Feb. 26, 2012, for arrivals most nights Jan. 2 – Feb. 26, 2012. Travel on this offer must be completed by March 1, 2012.
Also,
When you check in at one of the three Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort from Jan. 4 to Feb. 29, 2012, each person in their party will receive two Disney's FASTPASS® tickets, per stay.
Combined with valid theme park admission, it's a great way to make the most of a Disneyland® Resort vacation!
*****UPDATED: Disney Cruise Line~ Various Ports:
Kids 17 and under can sail FREE* when traveling with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom in Categories 4A-10C on most Mexican Riviera sailings The new sail date range is Jan. 22 – Feb. 5, 2012. Government Taxes and Fees not included.
Departing from Los Angeles, you can enjoy the beauty and fun of the Baja California and Mexican coasts on a voyage filled with unmatched Disney entertainment, legendary service and magic for everyone of every age.
Adventures by Disney:
No Current Offers
Other Offers:
With this Special Grand Opening Offer, you can experience Aulani—the newest Disney Resort—and enjoy their most magical vacation yet when you stay 4 nights and get your 5th consecutive night free!
Book your trip before December 16, 2011 for stays most nights from:
- November 27 to December 16, 2011
- January 4 to January 12, 2012
- January 16 to January 25, 2012
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Not sure if your little ones are big enough for a Disney World Vacation.....
I think this is what I hear the most, "My kids aren't big enough to take them to Disney World or Disneyland yet". So I want to tell you what there IS to do with those little ones! I have taken both of my kids to Disney World in Orlando, FL before they were 6 months (my son was 5mo and my daughter was 4mo) and yes it is not the same experience as when you go as a kid or an adult without kids. BUT you see so many other things that you wouldn't see otherwise. Here is what you can ride/do with a child of any age...
Magic Kingdom~
**Railroad (From Main Street, U.S.A., to Frontierland, and eventually will be stopping again at the NEW Fantasyland when it opens sometime in 2013)
** It's A Small World ** Peter Pan's Flight **Snow White's Scary Adventures
** Mickey's PhilharMagic ( 3D Show) ** The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh ** Dumbo
** Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin ** Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
**Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover
**Country Bear Jamboree ** Haunted Mansion **Aladdin's Carpet Ride
**Jungle Cruise ** Pirates of the Carribean **Enchanted Tiki Room
**Parades and Fireworks too!
Animal Kingdom~
** Kilimanjaro Safaris **Finding Nemo: The Musical **It's Tough To Be A Bug! (3D show)
** Festival of the Lion King **The Boneyard
**Wild Life Express Train to: Rafiki's Planet Watch, Afffection Section , Habitat Habit, and Conservation Station
Epcot~
**The Seas: Nemo & Friends Ride, Tutle Talk with Crush, Many aquariums and manatee to see.
**World Showcase: Maelstrom Ride (Norway Pavilion), Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the THree Caballeros Ride (Mexico Pavilion)
** Imagination! Pavilion: Journey Into Imagination with Figment
** The Land: Circle of Life
Hollywood Studios~
**Toy Story Mania **Beauty and The Beast Live Show **MuppetVision 3D ** Voyage of the LIttle Mermaid **"Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" Movie Set Adventure
**Studio Backlot Tour **Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show **The Great Movie Ride **Fantasmic! (Nighttime Show)
I probably missed some, but just shows you how much there is to do with a child of any age.
If your child is 40" or taller- they can ride things like Test Track, Splash Moutain, Soarin', Kali River Rapids, Tower of Terror, Star Tours, Etc. But if they aren't and you still want to ride some of those big rides here is what you want to do.....
"Switch Pass" Service- Any ride that you cannot take the child on (ie Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Test Track, Soarin', etc.) you can get a switch pass. Which means before one adult in your party enters the line for the ride they should as the cast member at the entrance for a switch pass, once that person has ridden the ride they give that pass to the other adult waiting with the child. They will then go to the fast pass line and have a much shorter wait, instead of getting in the stand-by line and waiting again for a second time.
Still think you aren't ready to tackle Walt Disney World with your young child.....
You might consider a Disney Cruise! Watch for another post on what there is do to for Toddlers, Children,Tweens, and Adults on a Disney Cruise.
Magic Kingdom~
**Railroad (From Main Street, U.S.A., to Frontierland, and eventually will be stopping again at the NEW Fantasyland when it opens sometime in 2013)
** It's A Small World ** Peter Pan's Flight **Snow White's Scary Adventures
** Mickey's PhilharMagic ( 3D Show) ** The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh ** Dumbo
** Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin ** Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
**Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover
**Country Bear Jamboree ** Haunted Mansion **Aladdin's Carpet Ride
**Jungle Cruise ** Pirates of the Carribean **Enchanted Tiki Room
**Parades and Fireworks too!
Animal Kingdom~
** Kilimanjaro Safaris **Finding Nemo: The Musical **It's Tough To Be A Bug! (3D show)
** Festival of the Lion King **The Boneyard
**Wild Life Express Train to: Rafiki's Planet Watch, Afffection Section , Habitat Habit, and Conservation Station
Epcot~
**The Seas: Nemo & Friends Ride, Tutle Talk with Crush, Many aquariums and manatee to see.
**World Showcase: Maelstrom Ride (Norway Pavilion), Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the THree Caballeros Ride (Mexico Pavilion)
** Imagination! Pavilion: Journey Into Imagination with Figment
** The Land: Circle of Life
Hollywood Studios~
**Toy Story Mania **Beauty and The Beast Live Show **MuppetVision 3D ** Voyage of the LIttle Mermaid **"Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" Movie Set Adventure
**Studio Backlot Tour **Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show **The Great Movie Ride **Fantasmic! (Nighttime Show)
I probably missed some, but just shows you how much there is to do with a child of any age.
If your child is 40" or taller- they can ride things like Test Track, Splash Moutain, Soarin', Kali River Rapids, Tower of Terror, Star Tours, Etc. But if they aren't and you still want to ride some of those big rides here is what you want to do.....
"Switch Pass" Service- Any ride that you cannot take the child on (ie Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Test Track, Soarin', etc.) you can get a switch pass. Which means before one adult in your party enters the line for the ride they should as the cast member at the entrance for a switch pass, once that person has ridden the ride they give that pass to the other adult waiting with the child. They will then go to the fast pass line and have a much shorter wait, instead of getting in the stand-by line and waiting again for a second time.
Still think you aren't ready to tackle Walt Disney World with your young child.....
You might consider a Disney Cruise! Watch for another post on what there is do to for Toddlers, Children,Tweens, and Adults on a Disney Cruise.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Iphone app for Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL
So after seeing the commercial on TV for the Verizon Wireless Disney Mobile app I decided I needed that for my upcoming vacation to WDW. The only thing is, Iphone is not compatible with that specific app, even though I do have Verizon. My next task was to find a good similar iphone app, and I did and will be testing on my trip to WDW in September. The app is by UndercoverTourist.com, Disney World Wait Times, Dining, and Maps Free. I think apps like this only work well the more people that use it and update the wait times. I will be seeing how accurate it is during a low crowd time of the year. I would like for my customers to get the most out of their vacation, as well as myself, and I believe that an app like this could help me and you plan your day at the parks.
Update: The Application was somewhat helpful, it doesn't seem to update very fast though. Also, If you are taking advantage of the Extra Magic Hours it says the rides are "closed" so you won't know the wait times during that time in the park. If you have a Smart Phone through Verizon (NOT an iphone) they do have an application called Mobile Magic and it's FREE. If you have an iphone you can go the the website m.disneyworld.com , it gives you some very basic info on the Rides but until they come out with an app for the Verizon Iphone users this will have to do.
Update: The Application was somewhat helpful, it doesn't seem to update very fast though. Also, If you are taking advantage of the Extra Magic Hours it says the rides are "closed" so you won't know the wait times during that time in the park. If you have a Smart Phone through Verizon (NOT an iphone) they do have an application called Mobile Magic and it's FREE. If you have an iphone you can go the the website m.disneyworld.com , it gives you some very basic info on the Rides but until they come out with an app for the Verizon Iphone users this will have to do.
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