Mikey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will debut in Spring of 2020 at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood Studios! This long anticipated attraction is based on the famous Emmy Winning shorts of Mickey Mouse on the Disney Channel. It will immerse you in the wacky world of Mickey & Minnie and their cartoon world. This underwater poster above is just a small glimpse into what is yet to come. For all the guests who arrive to Walt Disney World and have looked for an attraction featuring their favorite Mouse only to find one did not exist, your wish has come true!
This attraction is also set to arrive at Disneyland in 2022.
Spring is a beautiful time in Florida – it is not too hot but warm enough to enjoy the resort pools and all the water rides. The Flower & Garden Festival is in full swing at Epcot and the animals in Animal Kingdom are out and about and you may even see some babies. This new attraction is just another reason to visit in Spring of 2020! To plan and reserve a vacation package, contact me today! My services are free of charge and I can save you time and money! Plus, all qualifying reservations receive our Minnie Box! The agencies special gift tailored to your family that will arrive on your doorstep prior to your trip. I look forward to planning with you and making your next Disney Destination Vacation the most magical yet!
Epcot International Festival of the Arts is set to return for 2020. It will kick off on January 17 and run through February 24. This festival is a celebration of Art and how different cultures celebrate it through many different expressions including visual, culinary, and performing arts.
During this event, guests can experience art through the Broadway Concert Series, different culinary kiosks where food seems to jump right off the painters palate, view many different Disney artist’s work, as well as let their inner artist show. It is a fun event and entrance is included with your admission.
Disney on Broadway
The Disney on Broadway Concert series starts off with the beautiful music from “The Lion King”. The talent for this year is bountiful. Here is the schedule:
Jan. 17, 20, 21, 24 and 25 – Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White (“The Lion King”)
Jan. 18, 19, 22, 23 and 25 – Heidi Blickenstaff (“The Little Mermaid”; “Freaky Friday”) and Gavin Lee (“Mary Poppins”) Jan. 25 – Special performance featuring Simmons, White, Blickenstaff and Lee
Jan. 26, 28, 29; Feb. 1, 2, 5, 6 and 9 – Kara Lindsay (“Newsies”) and Kevin Massey (“Tarzan”)
Feb. 10, 12, 13, 18, 19, 22, 23 and 24 – Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins”; “Beauty and the Beast”) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan)
Additional dates & artists still to be announced so stay tuned!
New for 2020
A new Brunch will be offered at Le Cellier in the Canada Pavilion. Reservations are required.
Purchase beautiful art throughout World Showcase
Visit and observe artists that are creating right in front of you
Family Fun
The “Green Landing” Family play zone where guests of all ages can explore an area dedicated to Wall-E & Eve
Several different photo opportunities where guests can “jump right in” to some of their favorite stories
Add color to a beautiful wall mural located along World Showcase Plaza
Take part in a fun scavenger hunt featuring my favorite; Figment! Travel through World Showcase and find Figment. Hint: He has painted himself into some very famous paintings
Create your own artwork!
If you are interested in visiting Disney World and any of Epcot’s wonderful festivals, contact me today! I would be happy to assist in planning your amazing vacation and my services are always free. See ya real soon!
Thanks to a very busy October with the gift card giveaway I ran, I have been crazy busy dedicating my time to new and current guests and unable to update my blog as much as I like. I wanted to do a little recap of all the things I would have posted about.
Disney Villain After Hours
The Disney Villains are returning to the Magic Kingdom in 2020 for more Evil Evenings at After Hours. This Extra-Ticket event is a fantastic time in Magic Kingdom. Lines are short, entertainment is fabulous, merchandise & food is themed after your favorite villains and you never know who you may run into! Treats such as popcorn & soda are all-you-care-to-eat at this event as well so you will not go hungry!
Hades & Meg will be leading a stage show that will showcase some other Disney greats. Hades & Meg! Where else do you get to see these guys?!? So exciting. With this After Hours ticket, you can enter the park as early as 7 pm – this means you can catch the fireworks before heading off to enjoy attractions and Villainous fun! The events will take place select evenings from February 7th – July 10. This is a great add-on to any vacation package. You can get SO much done in the time you have because of the lower crowds.
If you are traveling during this time and would like to discuss adding it to your vacation package, contact me today!
After Hours
After Hours dates for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom have been released for next year. Here are the dates that are currently available –
Magic Kingdom
January 23, 27 & 31
February 3, 10, 17 & 24
March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
April 5, 13, 20 & 27
May 5, 11, 18 & 25
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
April 1, 7, 14 & 22
May 2, 9, 16, 19 & 26
This event also allows guests into the parks at 7pm, has lower wait times, and provides complimentary ice cram novelties, popcorn and select beverages.
runDisney Race Calendar
Dates have been released into 2021 for your favorite Disney Races. Below you will find Disney’s graphic with dates including when they go on sale.
These race entries can be added to a Disney vacation Package. If you are interested in an upcoming race, contact me and we can discuss putting this together with a resort stay & ticket package.
Disney Wonder Update
The Disney Wonder has added new spaces for guests to enjoy and they look fantastic. The French Quarter Lounge is a new space for families to enjoy. This lounge brings your favorite Bayou Princess to life and has several nods to “The Princess and The Frog”. If you are looking for an “adult only” area, cafe cove is the newest spot added to the ship. In addition, Disney’s Teen guests will enjoy a club exclusively to them at Vibe. Here is a short video that discusses these wonderful new enhancements:
In Holiday New, Disney World & Disneyland both came out with some great announcements:
Mickey’s very Merry Christmas Party is a truly magical event that begins in just a few short days. This year, a new Fireworks show will debut! “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmas Fireworks” will have you swept up in Holiday magic with an amazing projection show set to some of your favorite holiday classics. This is a great way to get into the Christmas Spirit!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will take place select nights in November and December. Let me know if you would like to add this event to your vacation!
In just a few short days, the Festival of Holidays will begin at Disney California Adventure. This festival celebrates the holidays by sharing the festive culture of Southern California. There will be dance parties, a Holiday Foods Marketplace, Live Music, and so much more. This runs through January 6. I will be visiting this weekend and will be sure to report back!
Lunar New Year and Food & Wine Festival – Returning in 2020
This year from January 7 – February 9, come celebrate the Year of the Mouse with beautiful decor, delicious cultural cuisine, multicultural performances, and a crowd favorite; “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession”.
February 28 – April 21, Guests can experience Food & Wine Festival at California Adventure. Live entertainment, culinary seminars and delicious bites & sips await you at this annual festival. Kid’s can get in on the fun with a “hands-on” cooking experience with chef Goofy!
If you are planning a trip to Disneyland, these dates are a great time to travel there. One of the many festivals or experiences can just add that much more magic to any vacation!
October Gift Card Giveaway
Drum roll Please!!! Miss Kristen Mayle, you have won a gift card for your vacation in 2020. Thank you for trusting me to reserve your trip and help you plan!!
That is all for today! I will be traveling to Disneyland this weekend with the Agency I work for and look forward to sharing all that I learn and see with you!
Disney has just announced several new discounts for this winter and spring. There are a few different ones available but the offers are limited so if you think you may want to take advantage, contact me today! Any of these offers would be fantastic to take advantage of. Add in the fact that if you book this month, you are entered in my $50 gift card giveaway and you can really save some $$! Here is what was announced:
Walt Disney World
Book now through January 1, 2020 and receive one of two offers:
For travel January 1, 2020 – March 7, 2020, get a FREE dining plan for kids ages 3-9 when adults purchase their dining package. This also includes a Frozen Welcome Pack which comes with a voucher for one stroller rental for the length of your stay, one in-park 5×7 photo print per room and one merchandise bag per room including a plush, book and 2 treats.
For travel January 1, 2020 – April 25, 2020 on most nights, save up to 25% on your room. Add a 6-day or longer theme park ticket to your vacation package and each member of your family ages 3+ will receive a $30 Disney gift card!
Aulani: A Disney Resort & Spa
Book now through November 13 and travel most nights January 5, 2020 through February 29, 2020 (Get away from the cold!)
Save up to 30% on 5 or more consecutive nights
Save 25% on stays of 4 consecutive night
Plus, enjoy a $250 Resort Credit on stays of 5 or more nights or a $150 Resort Credit on stays of 4 nights.
Adventures by Disney
Book now through March 25, 2020 for select departures January 5 through April 30, 2020 and save up to $400 PER PERSON on select Disney Destinations around the world.
Destinations include Africa, Australia, Europe, Asia, North America, Central America, South America – you can travel to almost any corner of the Earth with Disney’s attention to detail, customer service, and the desire to provide magic to every member of the family.
Take advantage of one of these promotions to save big on your Disney Dream Vacation. Qualifying reservations will also receive the Minnie Box! Our gift to you for choosing us to be your planners. It is full of magic and surprises and is specially tailored to each family. I look forward to helping you turn your dreams into memories!
Gone are the days of swimming pools & BBQ’s. Bring on all the pumpkin, trick or treating,
crisp air & bonfires. As 2019 winds
down, I have set a business challenge for myself for October and I need your
help! My goal is 13 new reservations in October (spooky month, spooky
number!).
This is where you come in! Any Disney or Universal package booked in the Month of October will receive an entry into a drawing for a $50 gift card for Disney or Universal! Travel can be anytime between now and the end of 2020. Disney Packages require 3 night stay and 3 day park tickets. Universal Packages require 2 night stay and 2 day park-to-park tickets. Any Disney Cruise, Adventure by Disney, and Aulani: A Disney Resort & Spa Package count. If this package is booked for a check in date in 2019, you will receive 2 entries! Perfect time to book a holiday reservation and see Disney decorated for Christmas or book a Very Merrytime Cruise!
Each day I will post on Facebook a countdown of my
favorite hints and tips for Walt Disney World and Universal Studios so be sure
to follow me at https://www.facebook.com/wdwdreamsintomemories/.
These
hints and tips will give you a great idea of all the knowledge I share with my
guests when I am assisting with their vacation planning.
Already reserved or not planning on traveling in the contest time
frame? You can still help me AND win a contest of your own! If you have
traveled with me before you know that I get all my clients through referrals
from satisfied guests. You know that I
put everything I have into each guest’s reservation and that my level of
service is unprecedented. These
referrals are how I can continue to help more families and do what I absolutely
love to do. Anyone who refers a guest
during the month of October will receive an entry into a drawing for a
Starbucks Gift Card (or Amazon for those of you who don’t need coffee to
survive). There is NO limit to how many entries you can get – if you refer 3
guests, you will receive 3 entries.
BONUS: If I reach my goal of 13 reservations in October, I will do an additional swag giveaway. Both the referrers and the travelers will receive one entry and the winner will get the choice of a Disney or Universal gift. Gift Cards will go out after final payment is made for guest’s trip. If bonus is met, swag giveaway will go out as soon as drawing is completed.
(Previous Reservations do not qualify. I’m sorry, I appreciate you, but this is about 13 in October)
Don’t forget about our Minnie Box! Qualifying reservations will receive this gift from the “Disney Earmarked Agency” I work for! It is full of magic & surprises. It arrives just prior to your departure and will get your family even more excited about their trip!
THANK YOU for all your support. I look forward to helping turn more dreams into memories in October and for years to come!
I am in the process of writing up my trip report including a lot of information on Star Wars. I loved everything about it – the theming, the shops, the restaurants, Smuggler’s Run, the food, and of course, the Merchandise! There were the neatest things in these stores. These are items that have not been sold before and were created just for Galaxy’s Edge. I was so excited to see and play with them and we brought home quite a few souvenirs. While I write my trip report, I wanted to share this video with you. This is from D-23 and they share a lot of what is up for purchase when you visit Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World or Disneyland. Check it out!
My Trip report and a further, more in-depth look of Star Wars Land should be up this weekend but I thought this was fun in the meantime! Enjoy!
If you are ready to visit Galaxy’s Edge to build your own Droid or take home some of this other amazing Star Wars Merchandise, contact me today and Let’s Turn Your Disney Dreams into Magical Memories!
Disney After Hours has added several dates to both the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom calendars.
After hours is a time for guests to enter the parks when most guests are heading out. The park is open late for just these specific ticket holders. Guests will have access to many of their favorite rides and will also receive unlimited ice cream novelties, popcorn, and fountain beverages. Here are the dates as posted directly from Disney:
Magic Kingdom Park
November 18, 2019
December 9, 2019
January 6, 2019
January 13, 2020
January 17, 2020
January 20, 2020
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
October 5, 9, 19, 26 and 30, 2019
November 5, 13 and 19, 2019
December 7, 14 and 18, 2019
January 9, 16, 22 and 30, 2020
February 6, 13, 19 and 27, 2020
March 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2020
If you have a trip planned during this time, this is an excellent way to see a lot of a park in a short period of time. We experienced it in the spring and we did every ride the kids wanted to and also several meet and greets. At one point, it felt as if we were the only guests in the park. It was truly awesome.
If you do not have a Disney Vacation Package scheduled yet, contact me today! I would be happy to assist you in getting your trip planned and reserved. My services are free of charge and I can save you lots of time and money too! Contact me today!
So, this happened! I did not know a Land in a Theme Park could even win such an amazing honor but if anyone can do it, it is Disney!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was named one of TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places in 2019! That is so huge! I can not wait to visit in a few weeks.
Excellent news: The agency I am a part of, Magical Vacations LLC, has hit a new level of awesomeness. Because of our dedication to our guests and the TYPE of customer service we provide, the owner has been requested to join a small number of other travel agency owners for an advanced showing of Galaxy’s Edge. She will gain access to the land tomorrow (2 days early!) and also will be present for the dedication of the land. This will give us access before the grand opening and I am thrilled to see what she has to share. Stay Tuned!
Yes, it is only August but the Winter Holiday Season will be here before we know it – especially at Disney where the Christmas Season starts before Thanksgiving!
We are a big fan of the parties offered in Magic Kingdom. It is often difficult for me to answer which is my favorite when guests ask. I truly do love them both for very different reasons. Either way, I highly recommend both if you happen to be at Disney World when they are taking place.
The Very Merry Christmas Party is a beautiful and fun way to ring in the season. The entertainment, decor, music, and characters will have you feeling like it is Christmas Day. One of the very special offerings is set to return again this year – a Christmas Party at Tony’s Town Square.
This Holly, Jolly Christmas Party offers tasty food, holiday beverages, festive music & decor and entertainment – including a visit from Tony, himself. Guests are free to come and go as they please throughout the night. With admission to this party, you will also receive reserved seating for the 11 P.M. showing of “Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade”. This is a great advantage and lets guests enjoy shorter wait times on favorite attractions while the earlier, more popular showing of the parade is performed.
This party runs from 9:30 PM 12:30 AM (a half hour after the Very Merry Christmas Event closes!!) and reservations are open now! Contact me today to add them to your Disney Holiday Vacation Package.
On the Tenth Day of Christmas, Buzz Lightyear Gave to Me::
Traveling for the Holidays
2019 would be a great year to visit Animal Kingdom during
the holidays. This year they will debut
new decorations, shows, entertainment, and yuletide cheer. The magic will begin as soon as you cross into
Discovery Island and while the whole park is decorated, each land’s decorations
are tailored to its theme. Here are some of the wonderful holiday festivities
you can plan on experiencing:
Discovery Island decorated for a winter celebration
New Tree of Life Awakenings – themed to the spirit of the holidays
Festive musicians playing throughout Discovery Island
Catch some vintage Christmas Décor in Pandora – Humans remaining on Pandora bring décor from Earth to share with the natives
Various musicians and groups play music & dance throughout Harambe Village
Mickey & Friends Holiday Overlay for Character Meals at Tusker House
Celebrate Diwali in Asia – The Holiday Festival of Lights
Donald’s Dino-Bash Holiday Hoopla Dance Party with Characters. There will be interactive games for littles
If you are heading to Disney World during the Holidays, stop by Animal Kingdom. This new Holiday Event is sure to be amazing – I am most excited for the Discovery Island section and the New Tree of Life Awakenings. What are you most excited about?
Giving a Disney Destination as a Gift for the Holidays
Give the gift of Memories that Will Last a Lifetime plus make your Holiday Shopping super easy and give the gift of a Disney Destination. Looking for a fun way to do that? How about a scavenger hunt? One year, we left a note card on the kitchen table for when the littles woke up. It told them they had to hunt for and collect clues. Each clue they found would be a hint at the surprise. You can make a list of items in your home that will help them guess what the surprise is. Then decide how you will get them from one clue to the next.
For this trip, we were headed to Disney World and staying in Port Orleans Riverside plus we were going to experience Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. The first card basically just told them we had a surprise for them, but they had to hunt for it.
“Find the next clue where little #2 keeps his reptile toys.”
In the reptile toy bin, the found the next clue attached to a rubber alligator hinting at where we were staying (the kids love the fold down bed with the image of Luis above it at Riverside) They grabbed the gator and read the card –
“The next clue is where our pups like to sun themselves.”
They ran to the front porch to discover a card on a pumpkin gourd. The next clue –
“Find the next clue where you get your favorite beverage.”
In the Fridge they found a toy plane. It was then they figured we were going on a trip. The next Clue –
“Find the next clue where mommy shows us where all our different family members live”
They ran to the playroom to find a card on the state of Florida on our State Map rug. The final clue read –
“Run to up to where Daddy gets dressed.”
When they opened the closet doors, they found a suitcase with a Stuffed Mickey & Minnie on top. They needed a bit of help with the “alligator hint” but they figured out the rest all on their own. It was a fun way to tell them about their trip and the excitement that built during the hunt made the trip itself even more exciting. I am happy to help you plan any aspects of your trip, including how to gift it to your loved ones!
Trivia – Did You Know?
There were two “Marley’s” in “The Muppet Christmas Carol” but in other renditions of this movie or play, there is just Jacob Marley. They added a Robert Marley in this version so they could be played by Statler & Waldorf.
Contact Me
If you would like assistance reserving a trip to a Disney Destination
for the 2019 Holidays or if you would like to beat ALL the Holiday
Shopping crowds and book a Disney Destination to gift to your loved ones
this year, contact me today!
I would be delighted to help you find a great way to wrap up your
gift to surprise your family! I look forward to hearing from you and
helping you plan your Holiday Magic soon!
Turning Dreams Into Memories 