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!
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!
The Food & Wine Festival is back at Disney’s California Adventure. This delicious festival will begin tomorrow, February 28, 2020 and run through April 21, 2020. It is a fun & lighthearted even with some of the tastiest treats! Pick yourself up a Fodd & Wine Festival Passport and see what bites & sips are your favorite. Here are the menus, direct from Disney-
“Nuts About Cheese Marketplace
Fiscalini White Cheddar Lager Soup served in a Mini Boudin® Sourdough Bowl (Vegetarian)
Impossible™ Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese (Vegetarian)
Oikos® Greek Yogurt Banoffee Tart
Honey Bourbon Lemonade (Alcoholic)
Uncork California Marketplace
California Artisan Cheese with Central Coast Creamery Holey Cow Swiss and Vintage Cheese Co. Cabernet Cheddar (Vegetarian)
White Wine Flight
Malibu Rocky Oaks, Sauvignon Blanc, California
Rombauer, Chardonnay, Carneros
Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Sofia, Rosé, Monterey County
Red Wine Flight
Erath, Pinot Noir, Oregon
The Prisoner, Red Blend, Napa Valley
Quilt, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Road Trip Mimosa Trio
Pacific Mimosa
Mojave Mimosa
Sierra Mimosa
Chandon Brut, Sparkling Wine, California
Golden Dreams Marketplace
Brunch Fried Chicken & Waffle Sandwich with Mimosa-inspired Slaw and OJ Bubbles
Seared Verlasso® Salmon with Lemon Pea Purée, Black Rice and Meyer Lemon Relish (Gluten-Friendly)
Strawberry-Rose Lemonade (Non-Alcoholic)
Fig & Lavender Cold Brew (Non-Alcoholic)
California Craft Brews Marketplace
Pepperoni Pizza Egg Rolls
Triple B Cocktail with Beer, Bourbon and Berries (Alcoholic)
Beer Flight – Fun with Flavor
Mother Earth Orange Vanilla Cali Creamin’ Ale
Black Market Cucumber Sour
Golden Road Strawberry and Pomegranate Balboa Blonde Ale
Leading Role Lemonade – Gin with Lavender Lemonade (Alcoholic)
Opening Night Cocktail – Banana Whiskey with Cream Soda (Alcoholic)
Movie Star Mule – Whiskey with Black Cherry and Ginger Ale (Alcoholic)
On Location Libation – Stone Peak Conditions IPA with POG juice (Alcoholic)
Backlot Michelada – Tomato-based Michelada with Modelo (Alcoholic)
Modelo Especial Lager
Hangar 24 Passion Punch Gose
Stone Peak Conditions Hazy Double IPA
Honest Abe Limoncello Hard Cider
Bottle Logic Emerald City Raspberry Piña Colada Hard Seltzer
Supporting Role Lemonade – Lavender Lemonade (Non-Alcoholic)
Hollywood Churro Cart
Churro topped with Peanut Butter Cream, Chocolate Icing and Chopped Peanuts
Schmoozies!
Almond Mocha Shake
Almond Mocha Affogato
Sonoma Terrace
California Cheesesteak
Italian Meatball Sandwich
Bavarian Pretzel with Cheese Sauce
Triple Chocolate Brownie
Sandy Beach – Green Apple Vodka with flavors of Sea Salt Caramel (Alcoholic)
Catalina Island – Vodka and Passion Fruit with flavors of Raspberry Lemonade and Lime (Alcoholic)
Sparkling Greyhound – Vodka with flavors of Grapefruit, Chamomile and Cardamom (Alcoholic)
Pineapple Passion – White Rum with flavors of Pineapple and Passion Fruit (Alcoholic)
Firestone Walker Rosalie Beer Rosé
Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Sofia, Brut Rosé, Monterey County
Chandon Brut, Sparkling Wine, California
Selection of Craft Beers and Ciders
Pacific Wharf Coffee Cart
Tropicalifornia Tea Cocktail with Berry Vodka, Green Tea, Pineapple and Orange Juices (Alcoholic)
Fruitful Green Tea with Berry, Pineapple and Orange Juices (Non-Alcoholic)
Pacific Wharf Distribution Company
Karl Strauss® Crazy Eyes Doppelbock
Downtown Disney District Offerings
Ballast Point Brewing Co.
Impossible™ Lettuce Cups With Impossible™ Protein, Peppers, Hoisin, Sriracha, Garlic, Lime, Fresno Chilies and Hydroponic Lettuce
The Ballast Point Burger: 8 Oz Kobe & Chuck Blend Patty, Sharp Cheddar, Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, House-made Pickles, and Ballast Point Remoulade on a Brioche Bun served with Fries
Cioppino: PEI Mussels, Fish of the Day, Argentinean Shrimp, Spanish Chorizo, Stewed Tomatoes, Chili Flakes, Oregano, Crème Fraiche, Chili Thread, House-Made Pasta and Grilled Baguette
All Three Paired with Designated Beer Flight
Catal Restaurant
Smoked Salmon Crostini: Whipped Ricotta, Smoked Salmon and Basil Pesto
Burrata: Burrata, Prosciutto, and Balsamic Gastrique
Hand-shucked Oysters with Champagne and Black Pepper Mignonette
Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen
Creole Cobbler with Beefeater Gin, Santhenay Crème de Peche, Fresh Lemon Juice, and Orange Bitter
Splitsville Luxury Lanes
Surf & Turf Slider Duo: Salmon Slider featuring House-made Salmon Patty, Sriracha Aïoli, Red Onion, Butter Lettuce and Heirloom Tomato, and Filet Mignon Slider featuring Beef Tenderloin, Béarnaise Sauce, Arugula and Oven-Roasted Tomato
Salt & Straw
Apple Pie with Beecher’s Flagship Cheesecake: Warm-spiced Apple Pie Ice Cream with Beecher’s Flagship Cheddary Cheesecake”
There are so many delicious things to choose from, I do not know how one would fit it all in. This makes me very jealous of the locals! If you are fortunate enough to visit, c’mon back and tell us what your favorites are!
If you are looking to plan a trip to Disneyland, now is the perfect time! Pair this festival with a few great discounts they are offering and you will be set! Contact me today for a no-obligation quote. My planning services are complimentary and I am happy to assist as much or as little as you would like. Qualifying reservations will receive our Minnie Box – a great little surprise delivered to your family prior to your trip. See ya Real Soon!
The last Tuesday of January is National Plan for a Vacation Day. It comes at a perfect time – the holidays are over, the weather is miserable, and there are no school breaks to look forward to for a while.
Having a vacation planned gives families something to look forward to together. When we have a Disney trip planned, we do family movie nights each weekend. One night, we make diner together and watch a different Disney Movie. If I am feeling really crafty, I will plan the dinner around the movie – Spaghetti & meatballs with Lady & The Tramp, Hawaiian Chicken with Moana, Pizza with Toy Story, Beef & Broccoli with Mulan…etc. Even as my littles are not so little anymore, this is something we all look forward to through the week and gets us talking about or exciting trip ahead.
Planning ahead also has a lot of benefits – you can spread out payments over several months and have longer to save for all the fun treats & souvenirs. You can take advantage of promotions as they come along as long as there is availability. You also have a better chance of getting the resort/ship & room category you prefer before they sell out. Let’s not forget the 180-day advanced dining reservations that are so coveted. Planning ahead gives you all of these advantages and more!
Which Disney Destination will you visit in 2020? Maybe it is time to try something new?! If you cruise often but haven’t checked out a Disney Cruise, it is time you see why they win all the awards that they do year after year. If you visit Disney World each year, step out of the box! Visit the west coast and see Disneyland or try a Disney Cruise. Looking to travel abroad to where your ancestors are from? Adventures by Disney has amazing options all around the globe that will have you experiencing other countries like you never thought you could.
Contact me today so we can “Plan For A Vacation”! My planning services are free of charge and I can assist you with stress-free preparations for a Magical Trip. Let’s get you something to be excited about in 2020!
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!
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!
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!
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!
Turning Dreams Into Memories 