Magic Travel

20/11/2024

I love, love, love Remy's Ratatouille Adventure in the France Pavilion at Epcot. But, with the new Lightning Lane Multi-Pass service you can only select one Tier 1 ride when you make your first selections seven days prior to your arrival.

Of course, all my favorite rides are Tier 1 - Remy, Soarin', and Frozen. Often if you select Remy as your first Tier 1 selection then when you tap in for the ride and attempt to schedule Frozen, it is no longer available for Lightning Lane entry - bummer!

But now Disney has just announced that Remy will now offer a Single Rider Line! This is a great option for folks with older children or anyone who'd like to ride it one more time!

I just love starting my morning off listening to "Souped Up" by the Hollywood Symphony while zipping through the restaurant kitchen as Remy tries to prepare a feast for all his guests!

19/11/2024

Hey Star Wars fans! It's time to visit Oga's Cantina again! Oga's is now serving real food!

Don't get me wrong, I love the Batuu Bites, but these new offerings can be an actual meal. How about an Umbaran Cheese Roll or a Thruster Roasted Bantha Flatbread? They both sound spicey and delicious.

You can add one of the new adult beverages as well - Nysillin and Bubbles with Brub Berry, a Bloddy Rancor with candied meat, a sophisticated Sylop, or get your engine running with a Corellian Spike cold brew!

Can;t wait to visit again soon!

18/11/2024

Oh wow - from now through April 10 you can book a 4 or 5 night stay at a Universal Studios Orlando resort, with 4 day park tickets and get up to a $1,000 dining card!

That's amazing!

17/11/2024

Would you believe one of the most sought-after events at Disneyland in California is the annual Christmas Candy Cane sale?

It's true! These handmade candy canes are only available in very limited quantities and sell out quickly when available. You'll even need to get in a virtual queue or get a wrist band for the opportunity to possibly get one - if there are any still available when you arrive.

The candy confectioners begin work early on candy cane making day. Each hand-pulled candy cane takes about two hours to make.

Following is the schedule of when and where they will be available. To all my friends visiting during these dates - best of luck! But, how in the world can you eat something that you've worked so hard to get? What a conundrum!!!

16/11/2024

Festival of the Holidays - a special immersive Holiday experience at Epcot - begins on November 29 and runs through December 30.

You can learn about Holiday traditions from around the globe and enjoy special Holiday activities and entertainment. It really is unbelievable!

And, of course, what is more important for any Holiday celebration than FOOD?

The sweet treats are over the top and here are some photos of just a few. There are also savory treats from around the World and adult and non-alcoholic beverages to indulge in as well.

Activities to enjoy are the Holiday Cookie Stroll, Olaf's Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt, and don't miss the Candlelight Processional.

A visit to Festival of the Holidays may become a tradition for your family!

15/11/2024

If you are trying to find a unique vacation experience, then consider an unbelievable cruise on a 4- or 5-masted sailing ship!

Star Clippers offers unique sailing adventures in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and Panama or the Mediterranean.

And, I've discovered these cruises are surprisingly affordable!

Sailing closer to shore and able to visit islands large ships cannot navigate will give you a vacation you won't soon forget!

14/11/2024

Characters that will be highlighted in the new "Beyond Big Thunder" expansion at the Magic Kingdom have just been revealed!

Yes, for the first time Disney is embracing all the baddies that we love to hate. The new Villains Land, with construction slated to begin in 2025 will have 2 new rides, new dining options and shopping, of course. But the greatest news is the lineup of villains which includes -
Queen of Hearts (“Alice in Wonderland”
Jafar (“Aladdin”)
Lady Tremaine (“Cinderella”)
Yzma (“The Emperor’s New Groove”)
Cruella de Vil (“101 Dalmations”)
Captain Hook (“Peter Pan”)
Gaston (“Beauty and the Beast”)
Mother Gothel (“Tangled”)
Ursula (“The Little Mermaid”)
Hades (“Hercules”)
Chernabog (“Fantasia”), and
both the live action and animated versions of the Evil Queens (“Snow White and the Seven Dwarves”) and Maleficent (“Sleeping Beauty”)!

This expansion is not to be confused with the Frontierland expansion project, which will also get underway shortly. The Frontierland addition will include a trip to Monument Valley with Cars. This new area will be located in the current Rivers of America area which is sadly closing.

13/11/2024

After watching the construction and transatlantic voyage, the Disney Treasure has officially arrived in Port Canaveral, Florida! This occasion marked the end of its transatlantic journey from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany to its new home port for the very first time.

This newest addition to the Disney Cruise Line fleet will embark on her maiden voyage on December 21. A grand christening event will be held on November 19 - I've been invited to watch the celebration live and I can't wait to view the spectacle!

According to Disney Cruise Line, "The Disney Treasure will unlock the far-reaching realms of Disney Animation, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel and embrace dynamic tales from beloved Disney Parks attractions through captivating and immersive experiences on the high seas. With new adventures like Disney’s first “Coco”-themed theatrical dining experience, a bar inspired by the Haunted Mansion, and a stage show featuring the journey of Moana, everyone in the family will find something to enjoy."

The Treasure will sail Eastern and Western Caribbean 7 night cruises only from Port Canaveral.

09/11/2024

If there is one thing that Animal Kingdom Park is missing it is breakfast options. If you are not in the mood for Tusker House, but you'd like more than a quick breakfast sandwich then you're in luck!

Satu'li Canteen in Pandora is now serving breakfast! Yes, the options are a little strange - just like lunch and dinner, but they sound delicious. Plus it is so cool to dine in another world. Here's what's on the menu -

Tropical Pandoran Forest Fruits with fresh yogurt, muesli, and honey.
Cinnamon French Toast with blueberry cream cheese, passion fruit anglaise, and sausage.
Slow-roasted Pork Shoulder Potato Hash with chorizo sausage and charred onion sauce.
Vegetable-Goat Cheese Frittata with wood-fired beef tossed in chimichurri.

So the next time you rope drop Flight of Passage head straight to Satu'li Canteen for breakfast as you soon as you exit the ride!

04/11/2024

Finally - Blizzard Beach, one of the water parks at Walt Disney World, is reopening! And, what a perfect time of year to visit this park for "frosted fun under the Florida sun!"

It’s “snow-joke’’ that there is a lot to do at Disney’s Blizzard Beach for the whole family.

And the best part - in 2025 a visit to Blizzard Beach (or Typhoon Lagoon) on your arrival day is included with your Walt Disney World vacation package.

So book an early flight, pack your swimsuits in a carry on and head to a water park to kick off your next trip to Walt Disney World.

02/11/2024

In just a couple of weeks, on November 15, Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Disneyland will open.

When it opens the ride will only be accessible using complimentary Virtual Queue that can be scheduled at 7am and again at noon, pacific time.

Or, if you purchase the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass you can schedule a ride time and enter through the Lightning Lane queue.

Either way - you will not want to miss Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Disneyland!

31/10/2024

Happy Halloween!

30/10/2024

At Disneyland After Dark you can attend festive evening events featuring themed entertainment, Characters, attractions and more that include after-hours admission for Disneyland Park! There are even special fireworks displays.

In 2025 I'm excited to let you know that Star Wars Nights are returning!

We don't have specific dates yet, but the events will be centered around Star Wars Day - May the 4th.

I wish Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World still did Star Wars Weekends, but this event at Disneyland is just as fun.

Stay tuned for details as they become available - but if you're a huge Star Wars fan then I would book a stay around May 4, 2025 for the best resort options.

29/10/2024

Reservations just opened for the Epcot Candlelight Processional dining packages. This event, held this year from November 29 to December 30, is an awe-inspiring addition to your Walt Disney World vacation.

A huge choir processes into the American Gardens Theater by candlelight where they join an orchestra and sing and play traditional Christmas favorites. Then to top the evening off a celebrity narrator reads the Christmas Story from the Bible.

You can imagine that seating is limited for these events, but you can reserve a seat by booking a dining reservation for the Candlelight Processional. Here is the list of participating restaurants this year - Tutto Italia Ristorante, Teppan Edo, Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya, Spice Road Table, La Crêperie de Paris, Biergarten Restaurant, Chefs de France, Coral Reef Restaurant, Le Cellier Steakhouse, Nine Dragons Restaurant, Garden Grill Restaurant, Rose & Crown Dining Room.

Remember - you must book the Candlelight Processional Dining Package - not just a reservation at one of these restaurants - in order to have special seating at the American Gardens Theater!

28/10/2024

Running November 8 to December 20, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parties are an extraordinary Holiday experience!

There are amazing shows, fireworks, a Christmas Parade, and snow on Main Street!

Not only can you enjoy all the rides, but I would go just for the snacks.

Here is a sample of some of the Holiday treats the Disney culinary team has created just for this time of year. There are actually savory treats as well, but I'm only covering the sweets today.

If you don't have your tickets yet let me know!

25/10/2024

Walt Disney had a great appreciation for our US Military members so I'm happy that the Walt Disney Company has continued this by offering special discounts for active and retired US Military members. These specials have just been announced for 2025 travel.

There are great dates and up to 30% savings throughout the year on resort rooms. Military park tickets can be purchased on Military bases, at Shades of Green and at the ticket windows at Walt Disney World. I highly recommend purchasing in advance!

And, remember you must show your Military ID at the time of check-in!

23/10/2024

November and December 2025 Walt Disney World vacation packages are FINALLY open for booking!

I know many of you have been anxiously waiting for these travel dates to open so send me your dates today and we'll get you booked!

Remember there is only a $200 deposit to book with the remaining balance due 30 days prior to your arrival. You could have more than a year to pay off your Walt Disney World vacation!

22/10/2024

Would you like more information about Unversal Epic Universe opening May 22? Then check out this 7 minute video. Here you will see snippets from all 5 new lands inside this park - Harry Potter Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon, Super Mario World, Dark Universe, and Celestial Park. Plus you get a glimpse of the newest Universal hotel - Helios - all opening on May 22, 2025!

Some of the creative team behind Universal Epic Universe introduce details about this amazing new theme park, opening 2025 at Universal Orlando Resort. The f...