Tips for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

May 20, 2019 WDW Dreams Into Memories

The Disneyland Edition

In just a few days, one of the most anticipated expansions in Disneyland history will open – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. With all of the excitement and popularity that surrounds Star Wars, this will be a very busy land for many years to come. Disney anticipates this excitement and has prepared for it accordingly with all new ways to queue guests and to make any waits as easy and seamless as possible. Here are a few tips provided by Disney. This will help you prepare and be in the know as you visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland:

Between May 31 and June 23, reservations are required to enter Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Guests attempting to enter the land between these two dates will require valid park admission as well as their reservation to enter. These reservations are no longer available at this time.
Any guest staying at a Disneyland hotel between May 31 and June 23rd will automatically be given a reservation to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. If you want to visit in this first month and did not get one of the coveted reservations, book a stay in one of the hotels! Once you reserve a room, you will be notified of your Star Wars time to visit along with room confirmation.
There will be no standby lines between May 31 & June 23. If you do not have a reservation, you will not be able to enter the land.
After June 23, no reservations will be required. Instead a virtual queue will be implemented. With this, you will be given a return time and then can enjoy the rest of the land while you wait for your return time. This will be done utilizing the Disneyland App. Once you have entered the park, you can enter the virtual queue. You will receive a “Boarding Group” and the status of your boarding will be updated on the app as well as throughout the park.
The Disneyland Costume Policy will be in effect – guests 13 and under may dress in appropriate costumes of their favorite characters.
Download the Disneyland App! You should have this anyway while visiting but with the opening of this land, it is even more helpful
Download the Play Disney Parks app. There is lots of fun ways to interact with the land while in Batuu. There are interactive activities such as scanning cargo crates and & items to collect things as well as interact with droids and more!
Disney’s Ultimate Goal is to provide a wonderful guest experience. While in line, you will be able to purchase snacks, enjoy the Play Disney Parks App, utilize a new system to return to the line if you have to use the restroom, interact with cast, and more.
There are MANY other wonderful things coming to Disneyland this Summer. It is the perfect time to visit! You can visit Sleeping Beauty’s newly imagined Castle, ride on Jesse’s Critter Carousel, visit Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration, see the new “Mickey’s Philharmagic”, taste some amazing new treats at Black Tap, and see the return of World of Color. There has never been a better time to visit the Most Magical Place on Earth!

To visit Disneyland during the initial opening phase of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, contact me today so we can get you a hotel reservation along with your Galaxy’s Edge Reservation.

To visit after the initial phase this Summer, contact me and we can find the best time and fit for you!

#Adulting · Cruise Itineraries · Disney Cruise Line · Disney Dream · Disney Travel Tip · Walt Disney World

New Disney Dream Sail Dates

May 19, 2019 WDW Dreams Into Memories

The first time I set foot on the Disney Dream, I fell in love. The Dream & the Fantasy are my favorite cruise ships in the cruising industry. They have an excellent balance of things for kids, things for the whole family, but also plenty for just the adults. The adult area on these two ships are simply amazing and the teen area (for some day when mine are older) has got to be the coolest club on the high seas. I mean, they have their own hot tub and sun deck!!

A great option for guests that LOVE Walt Disney World but may want to try a Disney Cruise or those that want to do both but don’t cant travel for more than 7 nights or so, I suggest the Land & Sea option (or what I like to call Surf & Turf : )

This is a 3 or 4 night sailing that is paired with a few days at Disney World. The Disney Dream just added new sailings that cater to this type of guest perfectly!

They added the following itineraries for 2020:

3-Night Bahamian Cruises
Disney Dream from Port Canaveral, FL
New 2020 Sail Dates: Aug. 24, 27; Sept. 3, 2020

4-Night Bahamian Cruises
Disney Dream from Port Canaveral, FL
New 2020 Sail Dates: Aug. 30; Sept. 6, 10, 2020

More dates will be released for later in 2020 as well if you are looking to travel early in the school year or on one of awesome Halloween Sailings or Holiday Sailings. Stay Tuned!!

If you are interested on pricing for one of these great cruises alone or would like to pair it with a stay at Disney World, I would love to help! I have great knowledge about the Disney Cruises which can be an awesome advantage to you while planning. Contact me today for a no obligation quote – remember my services are always free of charge and qualifying reservations will receive our Minnie Box!

Disney Travel Tip · Merchandise · Walt Disney World

New Magic Band Options Coming Soon!

May 16, 2019 WDW Dreams Into Memories

There is nothing like the excitement when that generic, white, rectangular box gets pulled out of the mail. What many who handle that white box along its travels do not know is that it holds the key to your Disney Vacation – Magic Bands! As generic as it my look, my littles know exactly what it is and we do a little happy dance around the mailbox when it arrives. What color did each person choose? What does it say on the inside of the band? SO much excitement and an awesome milestone on your countdown to Disney. Well, Magic Bands just got a little more exciting!

Now, in addition to the regular colors of the rainbow, Disney is going to offer all new options. Over 30 new options will be available for you to choose from! These new options will feature some of your favorite Disney Characters plus all new patterns and designs.

While they will not be complimentary, guests can use a $14.99 credit (the cost of a plain Magic Band) towards an upgrade to one of these new options.

We are being told they will roll out in the next few weeks. Possibly in time for me to customize for my own June Trip?! C’MON Disney, its my 10th Anniversary – Please, Please make it happen!

We are not being told how much they will be so i’m not yet sure on how much over the $14.99 they will cost. You will be able to choose and purchase right through My Disney Experience. Super fun & easy! Check out this video all about it:

Let me know if you would like to get started on planning your dreams! I can help you with everything from Magic Bands to Magical Express and all my services are free of charge!

Animal Kingdom · Disney Travel Tip · Epcot · Hollywood Studios · Magic Kingdom · Walt Disney World

Extra, Extra Magic Hours

May 15, 2019 WDW Dreams Into Memories

Extra (additional), Extra Magic Hours are coming to Disney World this Fall!

Because of all the excitement surrounding Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney is opening adding more Extra Magic Hours to the calendar.

Extra Magic Hours are offered at a select Disney World park each day. They happen either before the park opens or after the park closes. They are available at no charge to Disney Resort Guests and other select hotel guests only. They typically last an hour or two and the park in which it is offered rotates.

Well now – With the addition of Extra, Extra Magic Hours, you will have way more options and a lot more time available to be in the parks. This is what they are offering now to Disney Resort and other Select Hotel Guests:

Hollywood Studios will open daily at 6am from September 1st – November 2nd.
Magic Kingdom will open daily at 7am from August 29th – November 2nd
Animal Kingdom will open daily at 7am from August 29th – November 2nd
Epcot will still have occasional Extra Magic Hours as it does now

This adds several hours of possible park touring time to your vacation. It also definitely has me rethinking how I will plan Fastpasses for my guests traveling in the fall as well as my own trips.

If you would like some guidance on how to take full advantage of these Extra, Extra Magic Hours or even if this just gets you so excited that you are now ready to book a trip, contact me today!

Disney Characters · Disney Cruise Line · Disney Travel Tip · Themed Cruises

The Spookiest Ship on the High Seas!

April 30, 2019 WDW Dreams Into Memories

Every fall, Disney Cruise Line Sailings look a little….spookier! The cruises leading up the Halloween are transformed into “Halloween on the High Seas”.

This Not-so-Spooky event has your favorite characters dressing up in their Halloween Best, silly & spooky Halloween decorations throughout the ship, themed entertainment & parties in addition to all the usual fun, and probably the only Trick or Treating in the middle of the ocean! Check it out:

To get a quote of the “Ultimate Costume Party at Sea” contact me today! Get a free, no-obligation quote! My planning & reservation services are all free of charge and you get all the knowledge I have for Disney Cruises included as well! Let’s turn your Dreams into Spooky Memories!

#Adulting · Disney Dining · Disney Travel Tip · Epcot · Walt Disney World

#Adulting in Disney: Part 3

April 30, 2019 WDW Dreams Into Memories

I feel that Epcot deserves its own separate #Adulting post. There are multiple things to do in Epcot that are either not kid-friendly or are easier and maybe even more fun when traveling without children.

Epcot has four great seasonal celebrations. There is rarely a time when there is not a Festival going on. These festivals are immersive and teach us about ours and other cultures. There is themed entertainment, merchandise, performances, food & beverages, and more. Admission to these festivals are included with your park admission!

The four Festivals are:

Epcot International Festival of the Arts
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

Many couples and groups love to travel to Epcot for the Food & Wine Festival. It is a great time and a perfect #Adulting opportunity. However, here is a little secret – all of these festivals have delicious bites & sips from around the world and often they are far less crowded than the Food & Wine Festival – especially on the weekends!!

In addition to the festivals, Epcot has some great restaurants that I personally find more for #Adulting. Within each country are table service restaurants. Each restaurant will serve delicious food from their native country and I find the menus and decor much more appealing for adults.

Epcot has the Wine Walk that we spoke about in #Adulting at Disney Parks. Guests can purchase a passport and have it stamped around the countries as they sample wine.

The shops in the World Showcase have beautiful merchandise from the native countries. If you enjoy shopping, shopping here is almost like a treasure hunt!

And Ohhhhh the entertainment! I love listening to the British Revolution (British Rock Band) in the United Kingdom, listening to the Rose & Crown Pub Musicians, or watching the Serveur Amusant in France – a French acrobat with some amazing talent!

There are also several tours that are geared for adults and have a minimum age requirement. Some of these look really great, especially the tour of The UnDISCOVERed Future World Tour. You get to go behind the scenes, head into cast lounges, hear about Walt’s original vision for EPCOT and even go “backstage” – like under the outside portion of test track where the SIM cars whiz by! What an amazing and informative adventure!

Regardless of how much time I have in a given trip to Walt Disney World, I go to Epcot. There are so many wonderful things to see, do, eat, and drink! This park is the perfect balance of #Adulting with Disney Magic and for that is one of my favorites!

Disney Cruise Line · Disney Travel Tip · Disneyland · Meg the Travel Agent · Savings Promotion · Universal Resort · Walt Disney World

Top Reasons to Contact Me for Your Disney Destination & Universal Travel Needs

Featured WDW Dreams Into Memories

All of your Favorite Leading Ladies & Gentlemen – they all had one thing in common; An awesome sidekick!

Anna has Olaf, Aladdin has Genie, Mulan has Mushu & you can have me!!

Think of yourself as the leading lady or gentleman and think of me as just that – your awesome Disney Sidekick. I am here to help you turn your dreams into amazing memories to cherish for years to come as well as to help you with anything that may come up while you plan. If you are thinking to yourself, “I want total control of my trip and don’t want anyone planning for me and I prefer to make my own reservations.” No worries – I can do as little or as much as you would like. I can help you plan the whole trip, or I can just hold the reservation for you and watch for things that will impact your trip like closures, discounts, and more! It is all up to you!

Why use me as your Disney Sidekick? Here are several reasons:

Knowledge

When I chose to become a Travel Agent for Disney Destinations & Universal Resorts, I had to go through many courses and trainings from both companies. I actually had to earn a degree from Disney’s College of Knowledge before I could speak to any guests. Now that I am an established agent, I have to attend on-site trainings and conferences as well as a form of continuing education throughout the year. I am updated daily to changes, new attractions, closures, special events, and more. I make sure I know everything I need to know to make sure each guest has a fantastic experience without any unwanted surprises.

Experience

In addition to the formal courses I had to take, there is also the decades (yikes) of experience I have had with both companies. I have been going to Walt Disney World since before I said my first word. I have been over 50 times and each experience was a little different. I have been as a child, as an adult without kids, on a bachelorette trip, on my “Disney-moon”, and now several trips with children of all ages. I know the resorts, parks, transportation, and magical extras quite well in addition to all the tips and tricks to have the smoothest and least stressful trip possible.

I have taken several Disney Cruises as well so I am very familiar with the ships and itineraries and would love to help you plan your first or fiftieth Disney Cruise.

I have also been going to Universal since I was very small. My Father was in a line of work that got us VIP tours a few times so I even know some of the behind the scenes things. Not to mention, Harry Potter is my favorite book series so I get “lost” in the Wizarding World at least once a year.

Passion

I live and breathe the Magic of Disney. I have personally felt how it can bring people together. I am so passionate about helping guests with their trips because I want each guest to feel the magic and wonder that I feel when I am in Disney World.

Planning, Prepping & Tips

What should I bring in my park traveling bag? What should I leave home? What activities can I do with a small child while everyone else is riding the “big” rides? When can I check in for my Disney Cruise and why do it ASAP? What are the best FastPasses and how do I get them? Should I bring my kids with me to our Palo Reservation? How can I get a Cinderella Castle Reservation? What is the most romantic restaurant in Disneyland?

These are questions I get frequently and when you reserve with me I can help you with them and many, many others.

Perks

Travel Agents do have some fun things they are able to do for their guests – for example; If you are not staying at a Universal Resort but you would like to visit the parks, tickets that are purchased through me will get you into the parks an hour prior to the general public. This is usually only a perk reserved for resort guests but the tickets purchased from me through my agency will allow you to do that!

Time

Planning a Disney Cruise or a Disney World/Disneyland trip takes a lot of time. There are so many options to choose from, reservations to make (at an unbelievably early hour) phone calls to make that sometimes have high wait times…etc. Let me do that for you! Changing reservations or adding/taking away options often requires a phone call to Disney – I can do that for you as well.

Surprises!

Qualifying reservations receive our Minnie Box (or Adventure Packet for Universal)!! This is a super fun surprise that is unique to the wonderful agency I am a part of – Magical Vacations LLC. This is a box that will be mailed to you prior to you leaving for your trip. It is full of magic and surprises tailored to your family’s vacation.

Just Me!

You may need to contact several different departments of Disney to get your trip all set up – The Disney Cruise Line for your cruise needs, Guest Services to modify Magical Express & transfer you after a cruise or a flight, multiple different numbers to contact if you want to add Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique, golf, spa experiences…etc. When you reserve through me, I am your one point of contact – Just me! Just let me know what you need and I make all the calls and sit on all the holds!

Money

Yes – Travel Agents can save you money! My knowledge alone can help you make informed decisions that can easily save you money. In addition, like I said earlier, I do watch closely for discounts released after you reserve and if your trip qualifies, I can have it applied to your trip. I do have guests that book their trip through me and make all of their own reservations themselves. They handle their entire trip because that is what they like to do. I just hold the reservation for them and watch for discounts.

I just saved a guest over $1000 last week when three different promotions were released. There were limited rooms to the offer but I was able to modify her reservation and have it changed before most even knew about the promotion. $1000! That is a lot of Mickey Head Ice Creams!

Contact me!

Now that you know the many wonderful things I can do to make your trip as magical and memorable as possible, contact me! I would love to help you and your family turn your Dreams into Memories!

Already Booked?

If you are already reserved for your Disney Cruise, Aulani, Adventures by Disney, Disney World or Disneyland trip but you would like me to assist you going further, let me know! We may be able to transfer your reservation over so that I can help you with anything you need going forward.