Let me know if you are interested in one of the deals below or contact me about deals for your dream destination!
WDW Dreams Into Memories Weekly Deals 11/16/24-11/22/24
Category: Characters/Meet & Greets
Universal Orlando News & Promo
The holidays return to Universal Orlando this month! Beginning on November 22, you can experience the jolliest time of year while also enjoying one of your favorite theme parks. Join us to unwrap a season of thrills, fun, and excitement for the whole family. As part of your park admission, there are several experiences, characters, shows, and stories to take part in. Here are some of the highlights:
Christmas in the Wizarding World – Hogsmeade will be decked out with holiday magic. Grab a hot butterbeer and enjoy special holiday-themed performances by your favorite wizarding performers. As night falls on Hogsmeade, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” will come to life. An amazing projection show on the castle highlighting favorite holiday moments from the Harry Potter films.
Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure – Whoville has decked the halls! Enjoy whimsical holiday decor and interact with some of your favorite Whos. You can even have a chance to meet the mean, green one himself! The Grinch! Enjoy a wondrous stage show titled “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” based on the holiday favorite “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”.
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida – Enjoy larger than life balloons, festive floats, and your favorite characters in their holiday best. Inspired by Despicable Me, Shrek, and Madagascar, your favorites come to life in a Parade featuring Macy’s. To cap off the parade, there will be a special appearance by Santa on a magical float with a grand Christmas tree.
Additional festivities – Enjoy holiday themed food, beverages, and merchandise from an all new holiday shop. There will be an all-new Nutcracker hunt that you can participate across Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and City Walk.
Holiday Add-On Experiences – There are additional experiences that you can purchase to enhance your Holiday Vacation:
Universal Holiday Tour:
- An exclusive meet and greet with the Grinch and his faithful dog Max;
- Small plates, delectable desserts and non-alcoholic beverages in Universal Studios Florida;
- Reserved seating at the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” in Universal Islands of Adventure;
- An exclusive meet and greet photo opportunity with Santa Claus in Universal Studios Florida;
- An after hours showing of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle;”
- Priority access to Universal Studios Florida’s newest attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast (subject to change and based on availability).
Breakfast with the Grinch – Breakfast in Seuss Landing with the Grinch and other Seuss Landing favorite characters.
Holiday Celebrations outside the Parks:
Additional festivities are available at all eight Universal Orlando Resort hotels. Each hotel will be decorated and offer special holiday menus for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.
At City Walk, you can find special entertainment as well as menu offerings at select venues.
Holiday Special
Take advantage of some great promotions Universal is offering for November and December 2024. Let me assist in your planning one of the best gifts you can put under the tree. Or, surprise them and take them to Universal over the Holidays.
*Get 2 days free, with a 3 day ticket
*Up to a $1,000 dining card
*Up to 20% off a 4-night stay
*Save up to 20% in a suite
Reserve with me and travel by 12/31/24 and receive up to $100 gift card! My planning services are complimentary. Let me save you time and money and assist your family with their newest adventure! Ask about my “Adventure Pack”.
Disneyland
Reopening Policies & Procedures
Disneyland is finally reopening and we couldn’t be more excited! Here is all you need to know about Disneyland and it’s phased opening.
Now Open
Downtown Disney District
Opens April 29
Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel & Spa – This will open to guests far and wide. You do not need to be a California resident to enjoy the resort or Downtown Disney District! (Villas will open May 2)
Opens April 30
Disneyland Park & Disney California Adventure Park*
*Park reservations will be required and at this time, only residents of California will be eligible for entry.
There are going to be so many protocols put into place for yours and the Cast Members safety. Some of these will change through time and others can be difficult at times to navigate which is why I HIGHLY suggest using a Travel Specialist to help plan with your trip. My services are free and will save you so much time & stress so if you are planning on visiting, let me help!
Disneyland Today
To start, Disneyland reservations and park access will look different than it ever has. Here is what you can expect when they first reopen:
Park Tickets
Tickets that were purchased prior to the closure have been adjusted. Guests should review the Know Before You Go listed on the Disneyland website prior to visiting. If you hold a 1-day ticket, you can check HERE to see when they are valid for.
You will need a Park Reservation and a ticket for that park on that day to enter. You can check the park availability calendar HERE. Reservations can be made on a rolling basis 60 days in advance of the day you want to attend.
Park Hopper Tickets
Park Hopping will be available! During your park reservation process, you will select which park you want to attend first during that specific day. At 1pm on that day, you can then utilize your park hopping ticket and hop to the next park. Guests will not be able to join the Rise Against the Resistance queue unless they are in Disneyland to start the day. Hopping from California Adventure to Disneyland will not permit you to join the Queue.
Disney Fastpass
Disney Fastpass service will not be operational when the park initially opens. Disney will use the additional queue space to allow for proper social distancing. Disney Maxpass will also be unavailable to start.
Park Feature Availability
Upon reopening, guests may visit all of their favorite attractions however character interactions will be different and limited and nighttime shows & parades will not be operational. Instead of one-on-one character greetings, guests can enjoy seeing their Disney Favorites from a distance as they cruise by in Character Cavalcades!
Disney Tech
Guests must have a Disney Account in order to make park reservations.
The Disneyland App will be invaluable to use for mobile ordering, maps & GPS, theme park hours & other important times, Dining Reservations, Mobile Check-in for reservations, joining wait times for restaurants, and more!
Enhanced Safety Precautions
- Reduced capacity permitted entry
- Face masks required (all guests 2 and up)
- Social Distancing required
- Temperature screenings
Important Reminders & Tips
- Guests 3 and up must have a park ticket and reservation for entry
- One guest can book all park reservations for their party but a “party” cannot exceed 10 guests or guests from more than 3 households
- Guests will need a park reservation for EACH day they want to enter a park
- The Disneyland App will be a must-have for your trip
For Further information and updates, please check back often!
For assistance with reserving your Disneyland Vacation, contact me today!
The World’s Most Magical Celebration
Walt Disney World Resort Celebrates 50 Years
Starting October 1st, Walt Disney World will take on a whole new shine! They will throw the world’s most magical celebration in honor of 50 wonderful years of guests, memories, & celebrations. During the celebration, each of the 4 parks at Walt Disney World will take on a new “Ear”idesence that will make some of your favorite iconic structures shimmer & shine. I am sure the castle will sparkle beautifully during the day, but I am even more excited to see it shine at night!
This new Earidesence will also be transforming Spaceship Earth, The Tree of Life, and the Hollywood Tower of Terror Hotel.
Some of our favorite characters will also get a little sparkly with new outfits for the celebration.
The celebration will run for 18 months starting on October 1. If you are interested in being one of the first to see the amazing transformation and celebration, you will want to book soon. Many others are having the same idea and now that more and more people are traveling again, the fall and early winter of 2021 are going to book up very quickly!
Contact me today for a quote on your vacation and to receive my complimentary planning. I cannot wait to help you plan your dreams!
Stay tuned for more announcements about the celebration as we get closer to October 1!
New to Cruising?
Disney Cruise Line – The Perfect Choice for New Cruisers Are you looking for a unique vacation experience that blends entertainment and adventure with comfort and convenience? On a Disney Cruise, you and your loved ones will:
- Explore a variety of desirable destinations in a short period of time.
- Enjoy onboard activities, entertainment and dining options – most of which are included in the price of the cruise.
- Save time by unpacking just once, as opposed to unpacking at several different hotels during a land-based vacation.
Discover these benefits, and many more, by embarking on a hassle-free vacation with Disney Cruise Line. Why Choose a Disney Cruise? There is truly something for everyone on a Disney Cruise – from relaxing “me” time for the adults to imaginative fun for the kids and exciting family time for all. Every voyage includes the attention to detail and world-class hospitality that only Disney can provide. Activities: You will find a variety of activities at themed onboard venues designed to inspire and delight every member of the family. Dining: Guests will experience diverse menus, “rotating” through three uniquely-themed, elegant restaurants with the same wait staff to anticipate their needs and personal tastes. Enjoy expertly prepared dishes from filet mignon and lobster to other culinary delights from around the world. Options range from upscale table service and casual buffets to poolside dining, snacks and 24-hour room service – all included in the cruise fare. Entertainment: Enjoy Broadway-quality, original Disney musicals that can’t be seen anywhere else, special moments with Disney Characters, first-run Disney movies, uniquely themed celebrations on deck, a fireworks spectacular at sea and more! Disney Castaway Cay: Most Bahamian and Caribbean cruises include a stop at Castaway Cay, a private island paradise, reserved exclusively for Disney cruisers. Service and Amenities: On a Disney Cruise Line vacation there’s so much included in the cruise fare! Plus, you will enjoy Disney’s renowned service and amenities throughout the ship, including:
- World-class staterooms
- All meals daily, including 24-hour complimentary room service, as well as complimentary soda, coffee and tea on deck
- First run-films at sea, including some in digital 3D
- Most voyages include fireworks at sea, weather permitting
- Kid’s clubs filled with oceans of activities and amazing entertainment, including private clubs for tweens and teens
- Exclusive areas for adults, including nightclubs, an exclusive pool and fitness center and more.
If you would be interested in more information for your first or fiftieth Disney Cruise, contact me today. My complimentary planning services will allow you to look forward to your vacation and not stress about details and deadlines. See ya Real Soon!
International Festival of the Arts 2020
The International Festival of the Arts is now in full swing at Epcot. There are several events & exhibits that returned from 2019 and there are also many new things to look forward to!
New this year are Life-sizes frames of VanGogh’s Café Terrace at Night and Sunflowers paintings that you can step right into for an amazing photo opportunity.
There are 12 Food Studios that present artful bites & sips that may be too beautiful to consume. Some favorites that are set to return include The Artist’s Table Studio for the Sipping Chocolate Flight of white, milk and dark chocolate as well as the BLT from The Deconstructed Dish Studio. There are lots of new items that have been added to these menu’s this year so stay tuned for some favorites!
If music is one of your favorite forms of art, definitely check out the amazing talent nightly at the American Gardens Theater. The Disney on Broadway concert series is comprised of wonderful arts that have been featured in Disney films:
- Jan. 17, 20, 21 and 24 – Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White (“The Lion King”)
- Jan. 18, 19, 22 and 23 – Heidi Blickenstaff (“The Little Mermaid”) and Gavin Lee (“Mary Poppins”)
- Jan. 25 – Special performance featuring Simmons, White, Blickenstaff and Lee
- Jan. 26, 28, 29; Feb. 1, 2, 5 and 6 – Kara Lindsay (“Newsies”) and Kevin Massey (“Tarzan”)
- Jan. 27, 30, 31, Feb. 3, 4, 7 and 8 – Liana Hunt (“Newsies”) and Adam Jacobs (“Aladdin”)
- Feb. 9 – Special performance featuring Lindsay, Massey, Hunt and Jacobs
- Feb. 10, 12, 13, 18, 19, 22 and 23 – Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins”) and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”)
- Feb. 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20 and 21 – Syndee Winters (“The Lion King”) and Michael James Scott (“Aladdin”)
- Feb. 24 – Special performance featuring Brown, Strickland, Winters and Scott
To secure seats to these performances in advance, you can reserve a Disney on Broadway Dining Package. This will guarantee you a seat on the day you dine in one of several Epcot restaurants and there is no additional cost for it.
Guests that are visiting the festival with little artists will want to check out the Green Landing Family Play Zone. This is a great area for littles to expend some energy while you sit back and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Festival.
Another neat artistic addition to World Showcase for the Festival that the whole family can enjoy are images of Disney Characters that are hidden throughout the countries. Can you find Remy & Emile in France? What about Mushu in China? What other favorite Characters can you spot?
I will be visiting this festival in early February and cannot wait to come back with my experiences and photos. If you have any questions or would like to visit the International Festival of the Arts, contact me today! My planning services are free for my guests and it will save you time, stress, and possibly even money. See ya Real Soon!
We’re Going Live!
In 2020, I am going to be doing monthly updates via Facebook Live. I am aiming for the second Sunday of every month but that may change in the case of a holiday (or a research-based Disney Trip). I would love for you to join me.
I will gather the information I learn directly from Disney each month and then hop on Facebook Live to share it all, answer questions, and explain anything that may need an explanation. It is a great way for you to keep up on updates, closures, refurbishments, discounts, and more.
Oogie Boogie Bash!
© Disney
Since I shared what is new in Disney World this Halloween season, I wanted to also relay what would be new in Disneyland!
Disney California Adventure Park will present Oogie Boogie Bash! This will be a separate ticket event that offers special entertainment, food, characters, and trick or treating.
An awesome new version of World of Color will be shown. “Villainous!” will be hosted by Oogie Boogie himself and is sure to provide some screams. Other Halloween entertainment will include a Descendants Dance Party, Mickey Stage Show, Frightfully Fun Parade, Trick or Treating on immersive treat trails and a new interactive trail provided by Disney Villains.
Guests are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween Costume. This Bash will start on September 17th and take place on 20 select nights. Get your tickets now, as they will sell out!
To plan a trip to Disneyland and add this Spooky event to your itinerary, contact me today!
Christmas in July
It is hot, hot, hot out there. I hope everyone is enjoying their Summer, spending time by the pool, lake, or ocean!
Let’s think some cool thoughts and Celebrate A Very Merry Disney Christmas in July! I know its still 5 months away but it always manages to sneak up on me anyway!
12 Days of Christmas posts will include hints, tips, recipes, and suggestions on how to make your Holiday Season a Magical Disney Holiday Season.
On the First Day of Christmas, Mickey gave to Me::
Traveling for the Holidays
This is a fantastic time of the year to head to any Disney Destination. Everywhere you look, there are beautiful light displays, holiday treats, and wonderful experiences to share with those that you love.
Today we will look at what it would be like to be at the Magic Kingdom during the holiday season.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is an amazingly magical event that takes place in the Magic Kingdom. There are holiday ride over-lays, special merchandise, delicious holiday treats (all you can enjoy Hot Cocoa and Christmas Cookies) and, ok yeah, about half the typical amount of guests that are usually in the parks. This is an after-ticket event and Disney controls how many tickets are sold. You will find the lines for your favorite rides to be a fraction of what they usually are. It is an amazing and magical time and I highly recommend it! Tip: Tickets say enter at 7pm but get in as early as 4pm! That is three bonus Hours in Magic Kingdom!!
Giving a Disney Destination as a Gift for the Holidays
My kids have so much “stuff”. There really is nothing that they need. To eliminate a bunch more “stuff” we have been giving a trip as a gift for the last few years. They have received Disney World quite a few times and this year will be a Disney Cruise. These trips are for later in the year and it is something we can look forward to together all year long. GOOD GRACIOUS does this make my holiday shopping easier.
I wanted to offer a few different ways to “wrap up” a Disney Destination to put under the tree. One of my favorites is to fill a wrapped box with Disney Balloons. Now, with the Husband being an air condition/heating technician, I had him bring home the biggest A/C Box he could find. Y’all, this box was big enough for me to walk into! So we wrapped it in a really fun Mickey Christmas Paper (thank you, Dollar Tree) and inside we put an extra large mickey balloon and several star and round balloons. We put it out a week before Christmas and it drove them NUTS!! When they finally opened it all together on Christmas Morning, it was like Christmas Magic. Inside, I also put our family countdown that we always use, and a few different planning documents that we enjoy going over together. It was so much fun and we did enjoy talking about it until the following October when we actually traveled.
Recipes
Looking to add a little Disney Flair to your Holiday Desert? One of my Favorites would be Rice Crispy Mickey Heads!
- Make Rice Crispy Treats as per the cereal box
- Use the Mickey Head sandwich shaper or free form a mickey head
- Dip the ears and top of head into melted baking chocolate
- Use green and red sprinkles to decorate the chocolate
- (can obviously use any colors for a fun treat for any holiday)
If you are looking to travel during the 2019 Holiday Season or if you would like to look into purchasing a trip to gift to your family this Holiday Season, contact me today! It is the fastest and easiest holiday shopping you will ever do and I am happy to help with all the fun and cheery details. Also, qualifying reservations will receive our Minnie Box! Our gift to you that arrives on your doorstep prior to your departure for your trip. It is filled with magic and excitement and is tailored to your travel party. I look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your Holiday Magic soon!
DCL Major Announcements
Disney Cruise Line just won Travel & Leisure Magazine’s Award – Number One for Ocean Cruise Line! This is a vote made solely by their readers and the readers all agreed – Disney is Top Notch! Yes, there are so many cruise lines out there but let’s face it folks, you get what you pay for!
So many categories are taken into account when readers make these decisions. It is clear that the Food, Provided Activities, Ports-of Call, Cleanliness, and most importantly, their Customer Care & Service are the very best. The Crew & Cast Members really help make these sailings the most Magical on the High Seas and we are so grateful. They have guests returning year after year because of their attention to detail, kindness, and desire to entertain and please. As the President, Jeff Vahle, says, “they are the secret to our magic!”.
Also, because of the many repeat guests, Disney Cruise Line is always trying to find ways to make the Cruises new and exciting. Coming soon are three new ships as well as a new Private Island. They will also add New Orleans to their list of “Home Ports” and add the Hawaiian Islands, Puerto Rico, and Greece to Ports of Call. Big things happening for sure!
Looking for a Very Merrytime for Your Holidays?
Disney just added several new sailings for November and December of 2020. These cruises will be November 12th and December 30th (with the exception of 12/26 & 12/30 sailings).
These itineraries will be Bahamian or Caribbean Cruises and they will depart from Miami, Fl.
If you would like more information on these Very Merrytime cruises, check out more details here.
To book or inquire today, please feel free to contact me for a no-obligation quote! I would love to help you turn your family’s dreams of a Disney Cruise into fantastic memories that can be cherished forever. Booking a planning a Disney Cruise can be a little overwhelming and it is easy to miss things that make your trip easier and less stressful. That is where I come in! My services are free of charge. I am happy to look out for discounts that come up after you have booked and automatically apply them as well as keep track of all the important milestones so you do not have to. Disney Cruise reservations made with me will receive our Trademark Minnie Box as our special thank you!
This is a gift mailed to you prior to your departure for your trip. It is tailored to each travel party and is full of magic and excitement. This is our way of saying thank you and showing just how much emphasis we put on customer service and satisfaction at Magical Vacations LLC. Let us assemble one for you!!
Turning Dreams Into Memories 