River Cruises & Rail Adventures

10/10/2024

Thank you to everyone who reached out to check in on us. We are safe and sound!

Tim and I took shifts to stand watch so if a tornado got close we could wake everyone to go to our safe space. Thankfully we did not need to use the space. The 126 tornado watches and how loud the wind became was the scariest part of the night.

Thankfully we don’t have any damage to our house. A few screens to our pool cage need to be fixed but other than that we are good! Our neighborhood is not in a flood zone so thankfully we didn’t have to worry about that.

I am so thankful we had Bill Honnen stay with us because that wind was absolutely nasty and I know I wouldn’t want to be alone listening to that wind and knowing tornadoes were popping up left and right just south of us.

10/08/2024

Universal Orlando Update:

Last Updated: October 8, 2024 at 2:15 PM

Due to Hurricane Milton, Universal Orlando Resort is making the following operational changes for Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10.

On Wednesday, Oct. 9, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk will be open until 2 p.m. and will be closed on Thursday, Oct. 10. (*Note: Hours of operation are subject to change based on forecast alterations and some attraction and experience availability may be limited on Wednesday as we prepare for an early closure)
Universal Volcano Bay will be closed Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10.

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida is canceled for Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10.

Our hotels remain operational as they focus on taking care of our guests.

We anticipate a full reopening of our destination, including Halloween Horror Nights, on Friday, Oct. 11 at our normal operating hours pending the outcome of storm impacts.

10/08/2024

Walt Disney World Update:

Last updated on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 3:30 PM ET.

Operational Impacts include:

Walt Disney World Theme Parks

On Wednesday, October 9, our theme parks and Disney Springs will be closed in phases beginning at 1:00 PM.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park will close at 1:00 PM
Magic Kingdom park, EPCOT and Disney Springs will close at 2:00 PM.
It is likely the theme parks will remain closed on Thursday, October 10. We will consider opening Disney Springs on Thursday in the late afternoon, with limited offerings.

This includes the cancellation of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom park on Thursday, October 10. Event tickets will be refunded.

Disney Resort Hotel Closures

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will temporarily close beginning at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 9. They are likely to remain closed until Sunday, October 13.

Transportation

Walt Disney World Transportation will stop operating on Wednesday, October 9 after Disney Springs and the Walt Disney World theme parks close.

Limited Minnie Van and Mears taxi service will be available to Walt Disney World Resort Guests.

Recreation

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will be closed on Wednesday, October 9. Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park remains closed for planned refurbishment.

There are no events planned for ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex until the weekend.

Reservations for Dining and Other Experiences

Effective immediately, we will not enforce cancellation policies until further notice for dining and other experiences.

Prepaid bookable experiences will be automatically refunded within 7 to 10 business days.

05/22/2024

Got my friend Bill out of the house for a bit. We decided to grab lunch over at Disney’s Old Key West Resort at Olivia’s and ran into a couple of people I used to work with at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club! It was absolutely wonderful seeing you, Staci and Tyrone!!!

05/14/2024

✨ Heads Up, Travelers! ✨
Just a quick note to let you know that Destinations Discovered by Maria is on the move! 🚚🏡

While we're busy relocating to our new home, there might be a slight delay in responding to your messages. Please bear with me, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

Thank you for your understanding and patience! 💙
Destinations Discovered by Maria
[email protected]

04/09/2024

🎉✨ Exciting News, Disney Enthusiasts! ✨🎉
I have not one, but TWO amazing promotional discounts to share with you! 🌟 Get ready to embark on a magical adventure at Walt Disney World Resort that's friendlier on your wallet this summer and early fall.

🏰🌈 Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Select Disney Resort Hotels! 🌈🏰
Dreaming of a longer Disney vacation? Now's the perfect time! Stay with us for 5 nights or longer and save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels. Immerse yourself in the magic of Disney, with more smiles and adventures per day. For stays most nights from July 8 to October 3, 2024

🎟💳 Exclusive Offer for Disney Visa Cardmembers: 💳🎟
Feast on this - a FREE dining plan! Use your Disney Visa Card to purchase a nondiscounted 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package. This magical package includes a cozy room at a select Disney Resort hotel and a theme park ticket with the Park Hopper option. Dive into delicious dining across the parks - on us, for arrivals on most nights during these periods:

July 1 - July 31, 2024

September 1 - September 7, 2024

December 9 - December 21, 2024

Don't miss your chance to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones! Contact Me Today and Let's Book Your Next Adventure Today!

Destinations Discovered by Maria
[email protected]

03/19/2024

🚢💫 Dreaming of a River Cruise? Exclusive Offer Alert! 💫🚢

Ready to glide through breathtaking landscapes, explore enchanting villages, and experience luxury on the river like never before? I've got incredible news for you! As your dedicated travel agent at Destinations Discovered by Maria, I have the exclusive ability to offer you a special discount off your future cruise fare on any AmaWaterways cruise departing through March 2026!✨ 🌍
But wait, there's more! Imagine combining your cruise with:
* Set Air Pricing - lock in your airfare early for amazing deals.
* A Military Discount - a thank you for your service with additional savings.
* A FREE Land Program on select sailings - dive deeper into your destination before or after your cruise.

Whether it's the serene waters of the Rhine, the enchanting Danube, or the exotic Mekong, your dream river cruise is within reach. ⛵🍇🏰

Don't let this ship sail without you! If you're ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime, DM, Text, or Email me Today, and let's get you on board. Let's make unforgettable memories together, where every moment is a discovery!

Destinations Discovered by Maria
540-931-6015
[email protected]

03/11/2024

WooHoo! In just a few hours, I'll be on my way to the vibrant city of Amsterdam, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable journey. This Wednesday, May 13th, I embark on the extraordinary AmaPrima for a by-invitation-only river cruise symposium, courtesy of my host agency.

Now, here’s a little extra just for you: I’ll have access to special discounts and offers, including putting together a Future Group Sailing! Don’t hesitate to reach out and discuss how you can benefit from these exclusive deals! 🎁💡

Want to come along on this journey, even from afar? Follow my adventure and receive digital postcards directly to your inbox – just leave me your email, and I'll take care of the rest! 💌✈️
Adventures await, and I can’t wait to share every moment with you!

03/06/2024

✨ Only 6 More Sleeps! ✨
The countdown is on, and my excitement is soaring! In just a few days, I’ll be embarking on an enchanting journey to Amsterdam, stepping into a world of colorful tulips, winding canals, and vibrant street life.🌷
I’ll be setting sail on the magnificent AmaPrima with AmaWaterways for an exclusive, invitation-only Symposium. An adventure filled with breathtaking views, insightful knowledge, and unforgettable moments awaits! 🏰 🛥️ ✨

Are you interested in going on a river cruise? Contact me so I may add you to my list to send information!

Destinations Discovered by Maria
[email protected]

03/01/2024

Kicking off the weekend in style at the Moulin Rouge the Musical 🎭! Can-can you believe it? Tonight, the sparkling lights and satin curtains of Paris are calling! My beautiful niece and I are ready for a musical escape 💃

02/24/2024

My brother has the coolest job! Watch the video regarding the 12-string guitar Bob Marley used to record “Is This Love” and “Time Will Tell” from the Kaya album!

Ever wonder what the guitar that Bob Marley used to record his hit, Is This Love, looks like? In Honor of his latest Biopic, One Love, we took a dive into ou...

02/11/2024

In less than 30 days, I will be attending (by invitation only) a chartered river cruise with my host agency. I will be sailing the Rhine on the AmaPrima, learning all things with AmaWaterways. There will be time for learning and networking with fellow agents, as well as 1:1 time spent with other suppliers that will also be on board.

I’m excited to be able to share this trip with you!!! If you’re interested in following along and would like to receive daily photos and information on each of the destinations I will be visiting, then please either message me with your email address or simply comment with it in this post.

I’ll have first hand knowledge of these destinations and of AmaWaterways upon my return. So, if you’ve ever thought about going on a River Cruise or experiencing AmaWaterways for yourself, then reach out (message or email) to me with your questions or for the great pricing on the river cruise of your dreams!

Destinations Discovered by Maria

01/02/2024

Attention Disney friends!! Promotions, Promotions, Promotions!

I can’t share specifics yet… but if you’re looking to travel to Walt Disney World in 2024 you should contact me TODAY for quotes!!! Tomorrow is going to be a big day!

Destinations Discovered by Maria
[email protected]