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!
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!
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.
The month of December was an absolute whirlwind. Between celebrating with my own family and getting all of my Holiday Guests settled in, I never stopped! It was a crazy, but fantastic Holiday season and I hope you all were fortunate enough to have the same.
Disney was kind enough to give us each a gift as well. Since the beginning of the Holiday Season, they have released several new promotions for us to take advantage of them with and I just wanted to share them all with you in case you missed them.
Disney World
Gift of Magic – Save up to 20% off of select rooms January 2, 2020 – April 25, 2020 when you book by March 7, 2020. Bonus!: If you book a 6 day or longer theme park ticket, each person gets a $30 gift card.
Free Dining – Purchase a vacation package with 5 night/6 day vacation package with the park hopper option, get a free dining plan for each person in your travel party at select hotels during select travel dates this Summer, 2020.
Bask in the Sun & Fun – On must stays April 1 – September 12, 2020, save up to 25% on your hotel stay.
Kid Sized Fun – Free dining plan for kids ages 3-9 for stays May 25, 2020 – August 28, 2020 at select resorts with a 4 day/4 night package & book by February 26, 2020.
3 Day Kid’s Theme Park Ticket – Now through May 21, 2020, purchase a 1-park 3 day child’s ticket for just $67/day.
Disneyland
Disney Visa Room Discount – Book with your Disney Visa and save up to 25% off your room at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the Disneyland Hotel. Offer is good through April 16, 2020 when you book by March 14, 2020
Magical Escape – Enjoy 25% Off Select Rooms with a 4-Night or Longer Stay at a Disneyland Resort Hotel. Valid most nights January 5 through April 16, 2020 when you book by March 14, 2020.
3 Day Kid’s Theme Park Ticket – Now through May 21, 2020, purchase a 1-park 3 day child’s ticket for as low as $67/day.
Disney Cruise Line
Canadian Resident – Save up to 25% on select 2020 sail dates.
20% off – Save up to 20% off on select sailings in 2020.
Deposit Discount – 50% off your required deposit on select 4-night or longer cruises between June 20, 2020 and May 31, 2021 when you reserve by February 14, 2020. Remainder of Deposit would be due along with final payment.
Adventures by Disney
Save on Winter & Spring Adventures – Save up to $400/person on select Adventures January 5 – April 30, 2020 when you book by March 25, 2020.
Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa
*Spring Dates: Book through May 8, 2020 for travel March 1–June 13, 2020. Guests can receive a $250 Resort credit for 5+ night stays or a $150 Resort credit for 4-night stays when they book by January 8, 2020.
Bonus for All Disney Destination Reservations
The fantastic bonus each guest will receive when you reserve with me and Magical Vacations is unprecedented attention to all the details of your trip. You receive all my knowledge, hints & tips plus I can save you time, take the stress out of planning, and often wind up saving my guests $$$.
Also! Guests will receive Magical Vacation’s Signature “Minnie Box” – Our gift to you full of magic and surprises that are specially tailored to each travel party. (Subject to Package Minimum)
Exclusions and limitations do apply to all above offers. If there is something you may be interested in, let me know as soon as possible because the offers will book quickly!
This year’s Festival looks to be even bigger and better than last years. I wish I was heading there this season to join in the festivities and try all the bites and sips but it is not in the cards since I will be going in February and just left Disneyland last week. Someone will have to report back and share all the wonderful things they did and tried.
Here is a foodie guide direct from Disney:
“Feast of the Three Kings (Near the Mexico Pavilion):
Food Items:
Pastelón: Sofrito-marinated Beef with Sweet Plantains and Olives (GF)
Queso Fresco-stuffed Arepa topped with Shrimp, Crushed Avocado Aji and Tomato Sauce (GF)
Arepas topped with Melted Queso Fresco (GF, KA)
Tres Leches Rice Pudding with Pumpkin Seeds (GF)
Chocolate Crinkle Cookie
Beverages:
Coquito: Tropical Eggnog (non-alcoholic, KA)
M.I.A. Beer Company Tres Reyes Mango Golden, Doral, FL
Coquito: Tropical Eggnog with a Bacardi Gold Dark Rum Floater
Celebration Barbecue Pork with Steamed Rice and a Fortune Cookie
Chengdu Spicy Street Fries
Beverage Items:
Tsingtao Beer
Firework: Jose Cuervo Tequila Gold, Vodka, Mango Syrup, Orange Juice and Soda Water
Marco Boba: Amaretto, Iced Coffee, Milk and Boba
The Lucky Mo: Peach Schnapps, Peach Syrup, Orange Juice, Pineapple Juice and Coconut Milk
Norway- Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe (Norway Pavilion):
Traditional Holiday Rice Cream
Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen (Mexico Pavilion):
Food Items:
Giant Tostada de Puerco: Braised Pork served on a Giant Tostada with
Chipotle Black Bean Spread, Guajillo Sauce, Queso Fresco, Crema
Mexicana, Pickled Onion, and topped with Chicharrón Dust (GF)
Tamal de Pollo: Braised Chipotle Chicken served in a Corn Masa with
Yellow Mole and topped with Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, Queso Cotija and
Crema Mexicana (GF, KA)
Horchata Cheesecake: Creamy Rice Cheesecake served with Cajeta Sauce
Beverages:
Holiday Cider: Hard Apple Cider with Cinnamon-infused Tequila
Mexican Fruit Punch: Mezcal, Red Wine, and Blackcurrant Liqueur
infused with Star Anise, Cinnamon, Clove, Ginger and Orange Peel (served
warm)
Horchata Margarita: Tequila, Horchata Rum, Cinnamon Whisky, and Agua de Horchata served on the rocks
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company:
Future World East: Choco-Latte: Latte with Chocolate Sauce and Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur
Canada: Ginger Chai Madness: Chai Latte with Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur and Gingerbread Syrup
Showcase Plaza: Coconut Snowstorm: Latte with RumChata and Coconut Syrup
If you would like to schedule a last minute trip down there for a nice long weekend, let me know! We can set you up with a great vacation package and some wonderful tips to make the most of this great festival. Happy Holidays!
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!
Give the wonderful gift of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa to your family this Holiday Season! This resort in Ko Olina, Hawai’i is a beautiful place to spend a magical vacation with your O’Hana! With the promotions Disney has been offering and the new flights through Southwest Airlines, this vacation is more affordable than ever!
New Aulani Offer:
Save up to 30% on 5 nights of stay or more or 25% on 4 nights when you stay from March 1-June 13, 2020 when you reserve by May 8. (Talk about a great getaway for Spring Break!!)
Book by January 8 and guests will receive a $250 resort credit on 5+ nights of stay and $150 resort credit on 4 nights of stay.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is a breathtaking setting for the most amazing family vacation. There is fun for the whole family and the amenities and recreation are first class. Read more about the resort HERE.
For more information on Aulani and this promotion or to reserve your stay, contact me today! My planning services are free of charge and I can save you time and money! I look forward to hearing from you! Aloha!
For the seventh year in a row, Disney Cruise Line has taken the #1 spot in U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Best Cruise Line Rankings. That is a major accomplishment and to hit it 7 years in a row is a testament to just how magical Disney Cruise Line really is!
Disney Cruise Line ears this award year after year for a few simple reasons:
The Disney Name – You know you are getting top of the line service, food, accommodations, and activities because it is all backed by the Disney Name. They make sure that every aspect of your Cruise is as magical as possible. They truly care about every detail and the way they are perceived.
The Disney Activities – Whether you are the youngest or oldest of Disney Fans, there is something for everyone. The Broadway-Style shows are breathtaking, the experiences & meals with the characters are so special, the pampering is unmatched and the deck parties are unprecedented. Disney does everything with the Disney touch and if you love Disney World or Disneyland for the magical feeling you get, then this should be your very next vacation. Plus, it is not just for families or younger children. The ships that Disney is building have whole sections dedicated to adults including lounges & bars, spas, and pool areas including one with the bar stools in the water! It is that magical Disney touch that is added to every aspect & activity of an amazing vacation that can take you to many parts of the US, Caribbean, and Europe.
The Rooms – The rooms on this cruise line are among the largest for their categories. They give you more space and more storage. They also have SPLIT BATHROOMS! If you have ever cruised with someone who takes a little longer to shower or get ready, you know how valuable this is. You have a shower and a sink in one room and a sink with a potty in another. Twice the space to get ready = happy family members.
Special Sailings – Disney Cruise Line provides several different themed cruises throughout the year. They include Halloween & Christmas Sailings but also Character themed sailings like Marvel & Star Wars Days at Sea. More info on those Here.
Value – Yes, Disney Cruises are more expensive than some other commercial lines. However, those other lines cannot begin to offer the what Disney does. You truly get what you pay for in this instance. The cast & crew, the meals, the shows, the kids clubs, the activities, deck parties, excursions, rooms, cleanliness (Lowest report of viruses in the industry due to their diligence), and the magic make it worth every penny.
Don’t take my word for it – Try it! Even the shortest of cruises will have you wanting to return. Oh, and that is another amazing part about Disney Cruise Line; their loyalty and benefits for repeat customers is like no other cruise line. They want you to return and they show it with all of the perks they offer.
Contact me today for more information or to reserve your Disney Cruise. My planning services are free of charge and my knowledge and position can save you time and money. Plus, every cruise guest receives our Minnie Box delivered to their doorstep before you leave for your cruise! I look forward to speaking with you 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!
Turning Dreams Into Memories 