Joanne Leigh Affiliated with Academy Travel & Mickey Vacations

21/02/2022

It is with a grateful heart that I announce that I am no longer going to accept new travel clients as I will be retiring from vacation planning this summer.
Please keep being the magic that is love and kindness.

23/01/2022

Ana was so excited to talk to the princesses at Disneyland. This was such a welcome return, although there's no hugs and autographs the conversations and photos made it all worth it for her. She got to see her "friends"

21/01/2022

By far a family favorite, of course most of my family has maxed out - except for me😭

18/01/2022

Disneyland Marvel land brings to life all the characters and worlds my teens have come to know and love. Guardians of the galaxy dance off was one of my favorites, In addition to the avengers assemble, and watching Spider-Man fly through the air above his new ride.

17/01/2022

Before we went to Disneyland we had watched the behind the scenes of jungle Cruise on Disney+, it was fun to then experience the ride after hearing all the inside info about it.
https://disneyplusoriginals.disney.com/show/behind-the-attraction

16/01/2022

My girls have been obsessed with Encanto movie and we watched it several times over break. If you are on the Encanto bandwagon and don’t want to talk about Bruno here it is in 21 languages. Super cute and creative, but definitely don’t talk about Bruno

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto” tells the tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia, in a magical...

16/01/2022

We just got back from Disneyland over Christmas break, the Cars movies have always hold a special place in our heart and it is so cool to be in cars land.

11/01/2022

Gotta love the jungle cruise! If it gets a tween laughing it’s a win in my book.

30/08/2021

Disney Star Cruiser secrets revealed:
Looming above all this is the intimidating visage of Kylo Ren. Couple him with those First Order stormtroopers charging into the scene on the left-hand side and … one might have a bad feeling about this. The Halcyon starcruiser does have a storied past, after all, and a reputation for finding itself in the middle of galactic conflicts. Luckily Chewbacca and his trusty bowcaster are there in the upper-right corner. Remember, it’s not wise to upset a Wookiee!
And don’t miss what’s happening at the very bottom of the poster. There’s something very familiar about those spires – especially to anyone who’s traveled to Batuu. We’ve heard the Halcyon starcruiser is adding that far-flung planet to its itinerary starting next year …

This poster might leave you with as many questions as answers. Well, we have good news: We’ll soon be sitting down with Disney Imagineers to discuss all things Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, and we’ll share that conversation with you. It will be the most in-depth discussion of this incredible new experience Walt Disney Imagineering has ever given publicly, so make sure to stay tuned.
Receive updates on Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser as exciting new details are released—along with other exciting Disney news and updates. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/star-wars-galactic-starcruiser/

19/08/2021

Good news: Disney brings back fastpasses
Bad news: in line with other theme parks you now must pay to be able to book fastpasses.

What are your thoughts? Add them here and I'll pass your input along to guest services at wdw.

We’re almost ready to let Disney Genie out of the lamp! Coming this fall to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, Disney Genie is a complimentary and convenient new digital service designed to create your best Disney day.

18/08/2021

Secrets of the Galactic Starcruiser (part 3) coming to WDW. Visit starwarsgalacticstarcruiser.com to receive emails on the progress of this exciting new storyliving adventure coming to Disney World in 2022.

In the lower left, Guests see passengers enjoying the remarkable cuisine offered in the Crown of Corellia Dining Room, the starcruiser’s enticing supper club. The food and drink certainly seem otherworldly …
The image in the lower right is something to be incredibly excited for – lightsaber training! That’s right, as part of the experience, Guests will face off with a training remote similar to how Luke Skywalker once did and learn the lightsaber’s ancient ways.

12/08/2021

Do you know why sea turtles are green?
As a part of their diet, turtles eat sea grass. The green color from the sea grass causes their skin and shells to turn green.
Beginning August 21, you can get your most pressing questions answered during Turtle Talk with Crush at EPCOT. Duuuude!
Crush will teach you how to speak sea turtle and interact with you in this one of a kind adventure.

05/08/2021

Opening in 2022 at Walt Disney World Resort, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will invite Guests into a new kind of “storyliving” as they travel the galaxy in a finely appointed starship.
Secrets hidden in this promo poster:

There are four people at the center of the poster – a youngling wearing Jedi robes and wielding a lightsaber, an adult dressed in the uniform of a First Order officer, a Twi’lek adult, and another youngling who appears to be holding a piece of technology of some sort. These figures are meant to represent Guests, the travelers, because Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is about their choices and how they live their personal Star Wars Do they want to support the First Order? Live like a Jedi in training? Or perhaps become a member of high galactic society? It’s all waiting there for Guests to discover and decide.

01/08/2021

Piglet: "Pooh, how do you spell love?"
Pooh: "You don't spell love, you feel it"
Happy Friendship Day! Did you know the first Sunday in August is National Friendship Day? In 1997, the United Nations named Winnie the Pooh as the world's Ambassador of Friendship.

28/07/2021

So excited to announce that you can once again power Monstropolis with your laughter beginning August 8th. Our kids love hearing the jokes and in true Disney immersive style you can text your own jokes for them to use in the show while you are in the queue.

How do 101 Dalmatians cook?
With spots & pans!
How do snowmen get around?
By icicle!

25/07/2021

Opening in 2022 at Walt Disney World Resort, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will invite Guests into a new kind of “storyliving” as they travel the galaxy in a finely appointed starship. So far, many details about this new experience have been as cryptic as a Bothan spy, so it’s exciting to get another peek at what we have in store. Let’s take a closer look, shall we?

The Halcyon starcruiser, in the upper-left corner, is home for this two-night adventure. The sleek ship is known for its impeccable service, fabulous entertainment and exquisite dining, all of which Guests will get to enjoy during their vacation.

24/07/2021

Want to stay up to date with all the changes at Disney? I'm going to use my page to keep you informed. New info coming straight from Disney - no rumors or wishful thinking. Follow me on FB to stay updated. Email me if you have questions or want personal assistance.
What does an authorized vacation planner do?
I create and sell your family a Disney vacation package, Universal Studios vacation package, Disney Cruise vacation, or Disneyland vacation package and then work with you to arrange all the details for your family.
What does it cost to work with me?
Nothing - Disney and Universal build commission into all their vacation packages, so you pay the same price as booking online through their sites. When you book through Disney you pay commission to support their phone operators.
Be smart, take advantage of the services you already have paid for.

23/07/2021

Disney announces the return of cruises, last minute summer cruise?

22/07/2021

Another closing show added to Disney entertainment lineup. It's not too late to plan your summer get away. Late August historically sees low crowds as kids return to school. Maybe your school is starting later this year?

Starting August 1, we’ll be lighting up the night at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with the return of “Wonderful World of Animation.” This cinematic nighttime experience leverages projection mapping technology to transform the park’s iconic Chinese Theater on a magical journey through more than 90 years of Disney animation.

13/07/2021

If ever there was a time for last minute Disney trips this is that time! Enjoy the last few weeks of summer or the beginning of fall at the most magical place on earth.
Dining reservations open 60 days prior to travel, if I book your trip for more than 60 days from now you will have access to all dining reservations as they open. Or ask me about dining reservation finders that can help us find dining reservations that are fully booked.

08/07/2021

Early Theme Park Entry for Disney Resort Hotel Guests

Starting October 1, 2021 as part of The World’s Most Magical Celebration, Disney Resort hotel Guests and Guests of other select hotels will be able to enjoy more fun with 30-minute early entry to any Walt Disney World theme park, every day. It’ll be a great way to get a jump start on your Disney day, no matter the day!

Valid theme park admission, park reservation and Resort ID are required.

07/07/2021

Want a fall or winter Disney vacation? For months there has been limited availability for Disney resorts, so I am beyond excited to share this update Booking begins tomorrow, July 8, 2021 for:
• Disney’s All-Star Music Resort for arrivals beginning Sept. 16
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside for arrivals beginning Oct. 14
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter for arrivals beginning Oct. 28
• Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort for arrivals beginning Dec. 9
Contact me today and let's get started planning your magical vacation.

20/06/2021

It is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that I can announce the return of fireworks at WDW! Contact me now and we can start working on your summer happily ever after vacation.

"At Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, July 1 marks the start of nightly fireworks performances at Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT. “Happily Ever After” Presented by Pandora Jewelry will transform Cinderella Castle with lights, projections and pyrotechnics, as moments from favorite Disney stories encourage you to grab hold of your dreams and make them come true. And as part of the ongoing transformation of EPCOT, “EPCOT Forever” will produce a spectacle of fireworks, music and lighting effects over World Showcase Lagoon, highlighting the themes of innovation, exploration, imagination and celebration at the core of the park’s past, present and future."

15/05/2021

No more masks needed outdoors at WDW!

Here's Disney's official announcement:
Since Walt Disney World Resort first welcomed Guests back to safely enjoy the magic, we have carefully considered guidance from public health authorities, government agencies, and our own team of health and safety experts as we assess and adapt health and safety measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

As guidance has continued to evolve, we—with the support of health and government officials—will be making more gradual adjustments.

You may begin to see these changes across many of our areas. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we make this transition.

As COVID-19 vaccines become available, we encourage people to get vaccinated.

24/04/2021

Weekend to do:
Plan your summer vacation! Use this weekend to get started planning your summer vacation. Disney World & Universal Studios summer reservations are going fast and I don't want you to be too late and miss out.
This has been a long hard year, be sure to take some time to rest and enjoy your family this summer.

18/04/2021

FAQs: "I heard you were great, how can I work with you?"
I work as an independent travel consultant and I sell Disney and Universal Studios vacation packages. All Disney and US vacation packages have commission built into them and that's how I can work for you for FREE! You've already paid commission so why not have it go to someone who will work for your family personally? We can discuss your trip via email or phone calls. When your vacation is under my care your trip planning will be as magical as your vacation!
NOTE: I don't see tickets only and can only work for your family if you purchase your vacation through me.
If you recently booked a WDW vacation (less than 30 days ago) through Disney we can transfer it to my care and I can be your personal vacation consultant from that moment on.
Email is the best way to contact me @ [email protected]

06/04/2021

There's a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day!
Coming to WDW - pictures to show your beautiful faces!
Disney has made a mask modification & it's going to be HUGE!
We were so disappointed over spring break that we couldn't remove our masks for pictures.
Here's an update from the official WDW website:
You may temporarily remove your face covering while actively eating, drinking or taking an outdoor photo*, but you must be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing during this time. (*Beginning April 8)
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/experience-updates/ -card-faceCoverings

31/03/2021

What does character dining look like at WDW? Here's our family enjoying Minnie's springtime dine at Hollywood and Vine at Hollywood Studios. Characters move throughout the restaurant and pose for a socially distant photo. Food was excellent! It was great to see Minnie and friends

28/03/2021

I was so moved by the voices of liberty we watched them perform 4 times. The magic is back and alive!
Ready to escape reality? I know the way! ask me