Category: Disney Travel Tip

#Adulting · California Adventure · Characters/Meet & Greets · Disney Characters · Disney Travel Tip · Disneyland · Downtown Disney District · Grand Californian Hotel · New for Disneyland · Park Restrictions · Phased Reopening · Resort Restrictions

Disneyland

WDW Dreams Into Memories

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!

#Adulting · Adventures by disney · Adventures by Disney Escape · Cruise Itineraries · Disney Cruise Discount · Disney Cruise Line · Disney Dream · Disney Fantasy · Disney Magic · Disney Travel Tip · Disney Wish · Disney Wonder · New for Disney Cruises

Disney Cruise Line Announces Summer 2022 Itineraries

WDW Dreams Into Memories

Who is ready to walk through the most friendly “ear”port in the world?! Disney Cruise Line just announced their sailings for the summer of 2022. They are returning to some old favorite as well as spreading magic to some new places.

Europe

The Disney Magic will be sailing to several different places. They will start with the Greek Isles and the Mediterranean. They will then sail to northern Europe to visit places like the Baltic, British Isles (look for Hans in those Southern ones!), Iceland, and the Norwegian Fjords. Do you think you will spot some famous Frozen Sisters?!

New ports of call:

  • Chania, Greece
  • Porto, Portugal
  • Riga, Latvia
  • Maloy, Norway
  • Nynashamn, Sweden, near Stockholm

Alaska

The Disney Wonder will return to Alaska in 2022. Guests can take in amazing views of glaciers, mountains, local wildlife, and more. These 7 night itineraries will depart from Vancouver and stop at Dawes Glacier, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan.

Caribbean

New in 2022, Disney Cruise Line will call Miami a home port. All sailings out of Miami will visit the famous and beautiful Castaway Cay.

Out of Port Canaveral, the Fantasy will sail several different Caribbean itineraries that range from 5-9 nights. All of these sailings will also stop at Castaway Cay.

The Disney Wish

The Disney Wish is still set to make its debut as the 5th ship in the Disney Cruise Fleet in the Summer of 2022. As soon as I have further details, I will be sure to share them here.

Pre & Post Cruise Disney Enchantment

If your cruise itinerary just isn’t long enough for you, why not add on some extra magic? Guests sailing out of Port Canaveral & Miami are conveniently situated right near Walt Disney World before and after their sailing. Why not add on a few extra days of excitement? I like to call this the Surf & Turf option!

If you are sailing out of other ports, check out an Adventure by Disney Escape. These are amazing VIP experiences where you will see some of these beautiful destinations around the world in a way that you will never forget. For more information on Adventures by Disney, visit my Adventures by Disney page or contact me today!

Now the important part! – When to Reserve

Disney Cruise Line is not like most other lines where the closer you get to the cruise, the lower the price will go. They book every room every sailing fairly early on. That is why, the best time to purchase and the way to save the most is to book as soon as it is released. As the rooms book up, the prices may increase. Here is when you can reserve!

For my Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club Members, Disney Vacation Club Members and/or Adventures by Disney Adventure Insiders:

  • Platinum Castaway Club Members & Golden Oak – March 22, 2021
  • Gold Castaway Club Members – March 23, 2021
  • Silver Castaway Club Members, Disney Vacation Club Members and Adventures by Disney Adventure Insiders – March 24, 2021

Reservations open to the rest of the public on March 25, 2021

Let’s start talking about your Disney Cruise dreams today and let me help you turn them into Magical Memories that will last a lifetime! When you reserve with me, I can make all the early morning and late night calls and sit on all the long holds while you go about your life. I keep track of all the important dates along the way so you do not have to. I am also constantly monitoring for price changes, excursion information, and more. Not to mention, I absolutely love Disney Cruise Line and I will plan your trip with the attention to detail as I would my own. If I can’t sail all the time, why not see the joy through planning others!

Plus, all Disney Cruise Line vacations reserved through me will receive The Minnie Box! Full of information and small gifts of excitement to make getting ready for your trip that much more special.

See Ya Real Soon!

#Adulting · Adventures by disney · Aulani · Disney Cruise Line · Disney Travel Tip · Disneyland · Meg the Travel Agent · Universal Resort · Walt Disney World

Celebrate Women

WDW Dreams Into Memories

We are celebrating Women’s History and Women all month long. What better way to celebrate women than to support their small businesses.

When the pandemic hit, many people lost their jobs or had to abandon them to stay home with children that were unable to go to school. Now as we slowly start to rebuild, small businesses need our help and support more than ever. During this month that we devote to celebrate amazing women of our past, present, and future, do your part to support women owned and operated business.

I am a travel professional helping guests travel to all corners of the world with Disney through parks, Aulani, cruising, and Adventures by Disney. Disney is truly a passion of mine. I also help guests with their Universal Studios travel and have recently became trained and certified in several cruise lines (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Virgin) and all-inclusive resorts (Sandals, Club Med). I do this because I love to travel myself and I really enjoy helping others turn their travel dreams into memories that will last a lifetime.

If you are unable or not ready to travel at this moment, you can still support your favorite travel agent! Here are a few ways:

  • Like their posts on social media
  • Comment on their posts
  • Leave a review
  • Give them a shout out
  • Refer them to friends and family

That last one is probably the most important. A referral from a previous guest is one of the highest compliments an agent can receive. Also, we can work with anyone, anywhere. It does not have to be someone local.

I thank you for your continued business and support. It means so much!

#Adulting · 2021 · Disney Travel Tip · Disney World Resort · Epcot · Hollywood Studios · Magic Bands · Magic Kingdom · Phased Reopening · Star Wars · Walt Disney World

Make Disney Memories in 2021!

WDW Dreams Into Memories

What you need to know!

Disney has opened up the window for us to reserve 2021 vacation packages a few days early! There are so many things to look forward to and be excited about when planning a trip to Walt Disney World – even more so in our world today!

Here are a few important things you will need to know:

Available Resorts – With the start of the reservations for 2021 opening today, not every resort will be an option. The initial launch will roll out with the following hotels for you to choose from:

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary ResortDisney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness LodgeDisney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness LodgeDisney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo HouseDisney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani VillageDisney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation ResortDisney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Disney’s Beach Club VillasDisney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney’s BoardWalk InnDisney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s BoardWalk VillasDisney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney’s Caribbean Beach ResortDisney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
Disney’s Contemporary ResortThe Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Park Reservation System – as of now, Disney will continue to utilize the Park Reservation System. This means I will be checking to see if there is park availability during the dates you want to stay before we even check to see what resorts are available. We will want to get your reservation finalized so that you can get in your My Disney Experience and choose which days you want to go to which parks and get those reservations.

Other important information-

Park Hoppers are returning as soon as January 1, 2021 – Hooooraaayyyyyy!!!

While Magic Bands will no longer be included with your stay, Disney will continue to offer discounted options and you can use your smart phone at no cost. You can still can request a Key to the World card upon check-in as well.

You will still receive your fun Keepsake luggage tag.

There will be new and enhanced Magical Extras offered to you during your stay.

Disney will continue to ensure the healthy and safety of it’s guests and castmembers.

Reserving your Trip!

All I need is a basic idea of what you are looking for your 2021 vacation to look like and we can get you started. Contact me today for a no-obligation quote & there is no charge for my planning services & expert knowledge! See ya Real Soon!

Covid-19 · Disney Travel Tip · Disney World Resort · Epcot · Hollywood Studios · Magic Kingdom · New for Epcot · New for Hollywood Studios · New for Magic Kingdom · Park Restrictions · Phased Reopening · Resort Restrictions · Universal Resort · Walt Disney World

Let’s Plan Something to Look Forward To!

WDW Dreams Into Memories

Walt Disney World is Reopening with different operations in place. What to know if you want to amend a vacation, plan a vacation, or keep a 2020 reservation.

June 22

Disney’s new Park Pass System opens to guests who currently have a 2020 Disney resort hotel reservation and valid theme park admissions. This does include Annual Passholders. If it is linked in your My Disney Experience, log in and choose which parks you want to go to on which dates. (Note: park hopping is not permitted at this time. You will only be able to choose one park per day)

June 26

The Disney Park Pass System will open to Annual Passholders

June 28

The Disney Park Pass System will open to all other guests who have park passes for 2020

By June 28

Sometime by June 28, Guests will be able to make new Disney Resort hotel package reservations and theme park tickets will go on sale for 2021

Later sometime this Summer

Based on availability and capacity, guests will be able to make Disney Resort Reservations as well as purchase tickets for 2020

If you are ready to have something to look forward to in 2021, contact me so that we can get all the details of your trip planned out. On the 28th, we can be ready to reserve and get your Park Passes.

If you would like to plan a 2020 Disney vacation, please reach out! We can discuss some options and be ready once they open the calendar back up.

Universal

Universal Studios is OPEN! If you are looking to visit in 2020 OR 2021, I can assist with that. Contact me and let’s start making some great plans so you and your loved ones can get an exciting countdown going!

California Adventure · Disney Travel Tip · Disneyland · Downtown Disney District · Grand Californian Hotel · New for California Adventure · New for Disneyland

Disneyland

WDW Dreams Into Memories
© Disney

The Happiest Place on Earth is set to reopen in phases beginning on July 17th – which also happens to be the 65th anniversary of the original park opening. If that doesn’t scream magic, I am not sure what does!

With the two parks opening on the 17th, Downtown Disney will open a bit in advance on the 9th and the Disney Grand Californian along with the Paradise Pier Hotel will follow shortly after on July 23.

The Disneyland Resort will reopen with several new policies in place to protect guests & staff. Much like the Disney properties that opened before it, capacity will be reduced, some offerings may be limited and additional health and safety measures may be put into place. More will be released as we get closer to the opening date.

Family’s look to Disneyland and Disney properties as a place of hope, magic, togetherness, and happiness. I am so happy to see them reopening – as it is a sign of moving forward and getting back to a state of normal. I cannot wait to return to the Happiest Place on Earth.

Stay tuned for more news on openings and new policies!

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We’re Going to Walt Disney World

WDW Dreams Into Memories

(Virtually, of Course!)

Here is an announcement from Magical Vacations Owner:

Please join us! Reminisce about your favorite trips. What do you pack? Where do you stay? If we cannot be at our Happy Place, let’s visit it virtually!

#Adulting · Characters/Meet & Greets · Christmas on A Disney Cruise · Cruise Itineraries · Disney Characters · Disney Cruise Line · Disney Travel Tip · Themed Cruises

New to Cruising?

WDW Dreams Into Memories

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!

#Adulting · Disney Travel Tip · Hollywood Studios · New for Hollywood Studios · Star Wars · Walt Disney World

Star Wars Fastpass+ & New Hollywood Studios Tiers

WDW Dreams Into Memories

Great news for Disney World Travelers and Star Wars fans! They have now added Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run to the list of Fastpass+ Options!

Starting February 19th, guests can choose between Smuggler’s Run or Slinky Dog Dash as their Tier 1 Fastpass. (Pending availabiity). This also means that several attractions will be moving over to the Tier 2 Fastpass options: Toy Story Mania, Alien Swirling Saucers, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Fantasmic! and more.

Rise of the Resistance will still utilize the virtual queue for now.

As a reminder, you get one fastpass from Tier 1 and then two more Fastpasses from Tier 2. More on that HERE.

If this all seems overwhelming and you would like some assistance, I am happy to assist you with your Walt Disney World or any Disney Destination Vacation. My services are complimentary to my guests and you can sit back and enjoy the planning without any of the stress. Contact me today for a no-obligation quote! Qualifying reservations also receive our Minnie Box! A special gift tailored to your travel party sent to you before you arrival. See Ya Real Soon!

#Adulting · Characters/Meet & Greets · Disney Characters · Disney Dining · Disney Travel Tip · Epcot · epcot festival · Extra Magical Events · New for Epcot · Walt Disney World

International Festival of the Arts 2020

WDW Dreams Into Memories
© Disney

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!