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

The Spookiest Ship on the High Seas!

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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:

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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

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.

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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!!

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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!

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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

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.

Disney Dining · Disney Travel Tip · Disney World Resort · Savings Promotion · Walt Disney World

3 Huge Last-Minute Summer Promotions

It sure made this little guy excited!

Disney is offering 3 last minute offers for travel this summer. If you were waiting for “tax return” time or hoping for a last minute deal, they have arrived!

Summer Room Offer

Guests who stay between 5/28 & 8/28 can receive up to %25 off their hotel stay. This is a great savings! In addition, guests checking in 5/28-6/30 will also receive a gift card during the stay. The amount you receive depends on how many nights of stay and what category room you are in.

Summer Meal Offer

Guests who arrive from 5/28-8/21 and are staying in a Value or Moderate resort category can get one free quick service meal per person, per day! That amounts to a great savings for your family and some very yummy options!

FREE DINING!

Yes, it is here but it does have limitations – this is only available if you are a Disney Visa Cardholder. Arrive August 1- August 21. Guests staying at the Value or Moderate categories will receive Quick-Service dining. Deluxe and Deluxe Villa stays will receive the Dining Plan.

As always, there are limitations to each of these. If you are excited to book a trip this summer and would like to save some $$$ let me know and we can price out some options for you! All qualifying reservations receive our Minnie Box as well!!

Disney Shows · Disney Travel Tip · Epcot · Walt Disney World

‘Illuminations:Reflections of Earth’ to Stream Live

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Later this year, Illuminations will be retired and Epcot will be getting a whole new Nighttime Spectacular. It is very exciting but I know that many will miss Illuminations, myself included! As a treat and to celebrate this long time running show, Disney is going to stream Illuminations live.

Tune into Disney Parks Blog on April 9th to see this stream. Stay tuned for more details, including the time. I will update here once it is posted. If you are a big fan of this show, be sure to head over to Epcot before the show is gone forever!

Animal Kingdom · Characters/Meet & Greets · Disney Characters · Disney Travel Tip · Extra Magical Events · Hollywood Studios · Magic Kingdom · Star Wars · Walt Disney World

Disney World After Hours Extended

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Disney has added more “After Hours” evenings to the calendar.

After Hours is a great ticketed evening that allows you to enter the park as early as 7PM. Once inside, you are permitted to stay in the park 3 hours after park closing. Only a limited number of tickets are sold so seeing your favorite attractions and meeting your favorite characters will have short wait times. In addition, ice cream, popcorn, and some beverages are included with your admission.

This is available at Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios.

  • Animal Kingdom: May 7, 14 and 21; June 4, 11 and 18
  • Hollywood Studios: May 1, 4, 10, 17, 24 and 31; June 14, 21 and 28
  • Magic Kingdom: May 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30

Two of the additional After Hours Events that will be offered at Hollywood Studios will be special-

May 1 – Celebrate Disney’s Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary. There will be special merchandise, character greeting opportunities, food to celebrate.

May 4 – May the 4th Be With You! – Dress up as your favorite Star Wars Character (Be sure to check guidelines) and be a part of the celebration. any characters will be out for meet & greets and there will be special food & merchandise offerings.

Contact me for any questions or if you would like to purchase a package so you can be a part of some of the magic!

California Adventure · Disney Characters · Disney Travel Tip · Disneyland · Downtown Disney District · Epcot · Walt Disney World

It’s an Eggstravaganza!!

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Disney World & Disneyland will celebrate Spring’s arrival with the return of the Eggstravaganza!

From April 5-21, these fun eggs will be hidden through Epcot in Walt Disney World and Disneyland, California Adventure, and Downtown Disney District. Get your map and stickers and join in the hunt! These can be purchased at select merchandise locations for $6.99.

Search for eggs designed as some of your Disney Favorites and then place the corresponding sticker on the map to show where you found it. Show your completed map to Cast Members at select locations and receive a prize!

We found this so entertaining for our littles and it allowed us some extra adult time when walking “around the world”. It may buy the adults a little extra time to enjoy the Flower & Garden Festival.

Animal Kingdom · Blizzard Beach · California Adventure · Disney Springs · Disney Travel Tip · Disney World Resort · Disneyland · Downtown Disney District · Epcot · Hollywood Studios · Magic Kingdom · New for Animal Kingdom · New for California Adventure · New for Disneyland · New for Epcot · New for Hollywood Studios · New for Magic Kingdom · Typhoon Lagoon · Walt Disney World

Disney Puts New Rules Into Place

© Disney

With all of the big changes coming to Walt Disney World and Disneyland over the next few years, Disney felt the need to restrict a few things. These changes are for the safety and concern of their guests. These new policies & changes will go into effect May 1st.

Strollers

They are restricting the size of stroller permitted into the parks. If you are traveling with a stroller, the new maximum dimensions are 31″ (79cm) wide and 52″ (132cm) long or smaller. This is a GOOD thing. The smaller stroller you have, the easier it is for you to navigate through crowds. If everyone complies, foot traffic will move much smoother.

Wagons

Disney will no longer permit wagons. The wagon style strollers such as the ones made by “Keenz” will not be permitted either, even though you can “push” them like a stroller.

Smoking

Every time I read that, I hear it in Mrs. Doubtfire’s voice. No? Just me? Ok, anyway, there will no longer be smoking sections inside Disney Parks. There will be a designated smoking area outside of the parks near the entrance instead. This will be in effect for all of Walt Disney World, Disney Water parks, Disney Springs, ESPN, Disneyland and Downtown Disney. For guests that are staying in a Resort Hotel or may venture to one for dining/entertainment, they will also each have a designated smoking area. This does include vaping as well.

Loose/Dry Ice

Disney happily let’s us all bring in coolers with our own drinks and food. What they will no longer allow are coolers full of “loose ice” or dry ice. They encourage the use of ice packs and if you require loose ice for any reason, it is available at no charge at their quick service restaurants.

Let me know if you would like clarification on any of these or if you have any questions!

California Adventure · Characters/Meet & Greets · Disney Shows · Disney Travel Tip · Disneyland · New for California Adventure · Super Heroes

“WEB” Comes to Disneyland

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Tony Stark has created and founded the Worldwide Engineering Brigade. This new organization will be used to develop super-powered technology. Current projects include a new and enhanced super suit for Spider-Man. They are looking for new recruits and together, you can help them protect Earth. The WEB facility will allow guests more interaction with some of their favorite superheroes. The new technology offered at the facility will let guests experience what it is like to be a super hero.

Guests can join the heroes in action soon at Disney’s California Adventure at Disneyland Resort. The WEB facility will be a part of a new land that is currently being created for the park. Stay tuned for the opening date!

Characters/Meet & Greets · Disney Characters · Disney Travel Tip · Hollywood Studios · New for Hollywood Studios · Walt Disney World

For All the Little “Cars” Fans!!

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More “Cars” action is coming to Hollywood Studios this Spring!

Lightening McQueen’s Racing Academy zips into Hollywood Studios March 31! With it comes cars, music, dancing, and endless fun. Just outside Sunset Showcase, Piston Cup Champion Cruz Ramirez will stop to meet and greet with all of her fans. DJ, another familiar face will cruise on in and provide the party scene! He will blast off with “DJ’s Ready, Set, Party Time!!” a few times each day. A fun and entertaining party that has Lightning’s Pit Crew gathering guests and getting them involved in dances and games. This is an experience that all Cars fans are going to love!

Look for it this this Spring at Hollywood Studios!

Contact me and let’s get you to Hollywood Studios this spring! All qualifying reservations receive the Minnie Box!