Magic Travel

15/12/2024

On Tuesday, December 17 the brand-new Island Tower at Walt Disney World's Polynesian Village Resort opens! I won't be there until January, but I wanted to give you a brief look at the gorgeous new addition.

First the Island Tower has villa type rooms which can accommodate more than the standard resort rooms. The Island Tower has everything from duo studios for 2 up to 2 bedroom/3 bath villas that sleep 9. There are also deluxe studios and 1-bedroom options that sleep 5. These rooms have full kitchens or kitchenettes and the 1 bedroom and 2-bedroom villas also have washers and dryers! If you really want more "move around space" then a 2-bedroom penthouse villa would be perfect.

The Island Tower has great Magic Kingdom fireworks viewing areas and an all-day, full-service restaurant and bar called Wailulu Bar and Grill. I think this may be my new favorite hangout!

A new pool and Moana themed splash and play area plus gorgeous, lush garden spaces enhance the ambiance of the grounds at the Island Tower.

More than 1600 Cast Members work at the Polynesian Village Resort - many of them have worked here since the resort opened on October 1, 1971. This speaks volumes to me about the type of service you will receive when you stay at the Polynesian - it is certainly my favorite!

13/12/2024

From now until March 14, 2025, on select sailings, you can book a Disney Cruise embarking between June 16, 2025, and May 31, 2026, and pay only 50% of the required deposit!

Itinerary options include the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico and Europe! There is a destination for everyone, and you could have more than a year to pay off the remaining balance. It's a WIN-WIN!

Want info on a specific destination or ship - let me know.

11/12/2024

January is the biggest month of the year to book travel. So, if you're thinking about your vacation destination for 2025 here are some of the top travel trends -

#1 - Europe is HUGE for 2025. Whether you want to dip your toes into Europe with a trip to the UK or if you're longing to visit Italy, France, or Germany - all will be very popular in 2025.

#2 - Japan is one of the hottest destinations. Airfare to Japan is dropping as compared to 2024.

#3 - Airfare to the Caribbean is also forecasted to be less than 2024 keeping any of the islands a great option.

#4 - 18-35 year olds are reported looking for destinations off the beaten path.

#5 - Australia and New Zealand are both a growing destination.

Also, there is no longer a "sweet spot" for booking travel. If a great rate on air or tours is available then book it!

09/12/2024

And finally, the last of the current updates coming to Walt Disney World in 2025 is for Animal Kingdom Park.

As you may recall there are big plans coming to this park with the addition of Tropical Americas space called Pueblo Esperanza. This new area will mean the demise of Dinoland, but I think it will be a wonderful replacement. However, if you're a Dinosaur (the ride) fan, then you better visit quick to get in a last trek back in time. This ride will be closing in 2025 as construction begins on Pueblo Esperanza.

Another of my favorites that is being replaced is the It's Tough To Be a Bug 3D show inside the Tree of Life. I know - this show is getting a little dated and how many even remember the movie? Coming Winter 2025, this show is being replaced with "Zootopia: Better Together". I'm sure this will be an adorable show, featuring Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and their friends, in a new 4D adventure!

08/12/2024

At Hollywood Studios during the next year there will be two new shows debuting - well one new one and one that is FINALLY reopening.

Yes, the Little Mermaid show in the Animation Courtyard area will reopen with a whole new presentation. I'm so happy to see this space being utilized again - the Animation Courtyard has been very sad looking for a few years.

Then if you're a fan of all the Disney baddies then you're in luck! "Villains: Unfairly Every After" will debut in Summer 2025. This delightfully wicked show will keep everyone on their toes when the most fiendish of foes, Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook and Maleficent, break through the glass to take center stage with live performances full of witty humor and mischievous charm. You may even get a glimpse of a few more of your favorites through the magical mirrors as dozens of the most infamous evildoers try to join in the delightfully diabolical fun.

Of course both of these will be nice additions since Muppet Vision and Rock n Roller Coaster will be closing as these two sort of switch it up!

07/12/2024

Epcot has undergone such a huge transformation in the last couple of years, but there are two more things that will debut in 2025.

The one everyone is waiting for is the reopening of Test Track. This hugely popular ride has been closed for a much needed refurbishment and this will wrap up by "late Summer 2025". I know most were hoping for a late Spring or early summer, but that will not be the case.

Then a new lounge is coming to Spaceship Earth. For years we have been hearing that Spaceship Earth will be reimagined, but I think that project has been put on the backburner. So, this new lounge is touted to have a very elegant atmosphere and that guests will be able to take in breathtaking views of the park and nighttime fireworks from a new angle. I had assumed this lounge was probably going to replace the space with exhibits that you enter as you leave the Spaceship Earth ride, but I can't envision having a great view of the park from here. I'm really anxious to see exactly where this will be located. I'll try and get more details during my next visit in late January. I'll let you know if I can find out anything.

With so many new rides and attractions, Epcot has really regained its place as my #2 favorite park - I don't think any park will ever beat the Magic Kingdom!

06/12/2024

I could not be happier about the announced 2025 additions at the Magic Kingdom. Finally, after years and years, a new nighttime parade is heading to this park!

Scheduled to begin Summer 2025, "Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away" is an evening spectacle which will invite park guests to, yes, dream the night away with a shiny new blend of nostalgic Disney storytelling and glowing innovation, continuing the legacy of dazzling nighttime entertainment that holds a special place in the hearts of so many.

The other exciting 2025 Magic Kingdom addition will be the opening of the Pirates of the Caribbean themed tavern located in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom. The pub like location will serve "sea-worthy grog and grub" suitable for the whole family! Sounds like fun!!!

05/12/2024

Disneyland in California will be celebrating 70 years of magic this summer! And, with a minimum 4 night stay anytime between May 15 and September 26 you can save up to 30%!

I was there is celebrate the 60th anniversary and the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company so I'll probably need to visit for the 70th anniversary as well.

Who want's to come along? Stays with this discount are available at the iconic Disneyland Hotel, the beautiful and convenient Grand Californian, and the fun newly updated Pixar Place!

05/12/2024

Ok, here is the first thing new for Walt Disney World visits in 2025 - on arrival day to your Disney Resort you'll get complimentary admission to one of the DIsney Water Parks!

So, now you have an extra incentive to book that early morning flight, which is generally cheaper, even though you're thinking your resort room won't be ready.

That's ok, if it's not! Have your swimsuits easily accessible, drop your bags with Bell Services, and hop on a bus to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach!

The Disney water parks are like everything else "Disney". They have over the top themeing and attractions for everyone in the family. A visit to a water park may not be something you've done before so 2025 will be the perfect time to add this to your vacation stay - at no extra cost!

04/12/2024

Oh Boy! (in a Mickey Mouse voice) There is a lot happening in 2025 at Walt Disney World. The following graphic gives you a bit of info, but over the next few days I'll fill in more detail on the new and exciting things happening in each park this coming year so stay tuned!

03/12/2024

It's Travel Tuesday! Where do you want to go in 2025?

02/12/2024

Over the Thanksgiving holiday I hope you were able to catch the ABC News Studio Documentary "The Making of Mary Poppins: A Special Edition of 20/20".

In case you missed it I just had to share this short 3.5 minute film of a last verse of It's a Small World written by Richard Sherman.

Mr. Sherman presented the "last verse" to Bob Iger, Disney CEO, in the summer of 2023 as his last gift to the studio he and his late brother Richard Sherman had loved so dearly.

Bob Iger described the film as a tribute to the lasting legacy of the Sherman Brothers, whose music has profoundly shaped global culture. “Hearing Richard Sherman recite the final verse to ‘It’s a Small World’ before he died will be a moment I will carry with me forever,” Iger said. “This beautiful short film honors their immeasurable contributions to music and the cherished memories they created for generations.”

The Sherman Brothers penned the majority of the Disney songs so many of us still enjoy.

Thank you to the Sherman Brothers for making a big world feel smaller ✨ Watch ‘The Last Verse’, a 60th anniversary tribute to “It’s A Small World” now. Awar...

01/12/2024

If tropical vibes are calling your name, then take a look at these outstanding savings at Sandals and Beaches resorts!

Book by Travel Tuesday, December 3, and you can save a bundle!

With more than 17 properties throughout the Caribbean there is destination that will be perfect for you. There are both great family options and romantic adult only options.

This offer includes resort credits, flight credits, great rooms rates, and you can travel anytime until December 2026!

29/11/2024

You can get all your Black Friday shopping done with one call - after all there is nothing better than giving the gift of great family memories!

28/11/2024

Best wishes for a bountiful and blessed Thanksgiving!

24/11/2024

Calling all Harry Potter fans! Are you ready for a new "Epic" adventure?

Now, there are three distinct Harry Potter experiences at Universal Studios Orlando -

Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, and coming May 22, 2025 - the Ministry of Magic.

With 4 parks, Universal Studios Orlando is now a full vacation destination. Right now you can book a special Harry Potter package that includes three hearty breakfasts, with the addition of Breakfast at Café L’air De La Sirène, Special Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Flight, and One Shutterbutton's Photography Studio session in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley.

What are you waiting for? This truly will be an "Epic" vacation!

Custom Disney vacation planning from a Disney expert. Graduate of the College of Disney Knowledge.

22/11/2024

Really, really breaking news from Walt Disney World - the Muppets will be taking over Aerosmith's Rock n Roller Coaster!!!

Yes, Muppet Vision 3D will be closing to make room for the new Monster's Inc Land at Hollywood Studios.

So, the Muppets will be moving down Sunset Blvd to their new digs in Rock n Roller Coaster - I just can't imagine this since RnR is more of an adult ride and honestly, I'm not a huge Muppet fan (sorry!).

I am looking forward to the new Monster's Inc Land that will utilize the Muppet Theater for a new show plus it will have a new coaster type ride incorporating the "doors" theme from Monster's Inc.

A timeline for the closure of Muppet Vision 3D and the retheming of RnR was not announced so hopefully you'll have plenty of time to see and ride before the big change!

22/11/2024

Disney has just this minute announced that the beta testing for Lightning Lane Premier Pass has been extended to all resort categories.

In case you missed it earlier, Walt Disney World is testing a premium Lightning Lane experience which provides access to every Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Lightning Lane Single-Pass without the need to schedule a ride time.

Yes, you can still only ride each ride once using the pass, but you will never need to look at your phone or worry that Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is already booked up.

Of course, this also comes with a premium price tag. The cost is about $450 per person.

For me I would only consider purchasing this for the Magic Kingdom - the park with the largest number of rides.

I don't know how long they will test this new concept, but I do know the availability sold out earlier this week so I'm sure it will become permanently available at some point.

Depending on the size of your group, it might be cheaper to schedule a VIP tour guide for the day!