O'Driscoll Travel Agency

22/10/2024

Universal Orlando's Epic Universe opens May 22, 2025. Select tickets go on sale today and the Helios Resort hotel also begins booking today. (NOTE: online traffic is heavy and agents are finding it difficult to access the booking engine.)

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18/10/2024

Everything you need to know about Epic Universe!

05/10/2024

On May 7, 2025, you must have a REAL ID compliant form of ID in order to fly anywhere in the United States. (You still need a passport to fly to a foreign country) Don't wait until the last minute to get your REAL ID.
The attached pics show you what a REAL ID complaint ID looks like. You can use a drivers license with a star on it, an enhanced license (available in New York State and four other states that border Canada), A Global Entry card, A Nexus Card, A Sentri card, a Military ID, or a passport. All of these are REAL ID complaint forms of ID.

03/10/2024

Today is national boyfriend day. Where would you like to go with your boyfriend? Contact O'Driscoll Travel Agency and let's get you on a romantic trip!
odriscolltravelagency.com
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01/10/2024

Just wanted to let you all know that due to two trips this month, the office will be closed from October 10-18 and again October 25-27. If you would like to get a quote, book a trip, or ask questions, please do so before or after the dates I will be gone. Otherwise, I will not be able to help you in a timely manner. Thank you for understanding!

O'Driscoll Travel Agency likes to go to the locations we book. Lately, we have booked several vacations to either Disney World or Universal Orlando. I did training at Universal last November but have not been to Disney World since 2019. I will be at Disney and Universal the week of October 10-18.

I will also be in Boston October 25-27 for a concert.

23/09/2024

Looking to get away to somewhere tropical this fall or winter, but you don't have a passport? Let me help you get to the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. New San Juan has a number of hotels on the beach and within walking distance of restaurants and shopping. Old San Juan is chock full of history with two forts used to fend off invaders. Take a hike through El Yunque National Forest, the only rain forest in the United States. History, gorgeous beaches, sunshine, water sports, and all kinds of excursions. Puerto Rico is paradise. Contact me!

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22/09/2024

After landing in Jamaica, you get on your complimentary shuttle, and 5-10 minutes later, you arrive at Sandals Montego Bay. You step into the lobby and this is your view. One of my favorite resorts. Modern, walkable beach, nice restaurants, good entertainment. And you have total access to it's sister resort, Sandals Royal Caribbean. Sleep at one, play at two. If this sounds good to you, contact me! Sandals is booking now through 2026. Book your room now, lock in current prices, and then make payments when you want for as much as you want.
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19/09/2024

This week I made three posts about Disney World hotels. Today, a review of the hotels at Universal Orlando.

Why stay on property?
Complimentary transportation - shuttle busses or water taxis at select resorts.
Early park admission. Enter the parks one hour before the general public.
Stay at Royal Pacific, Hard Rock, or Portofino Bay and get a FREE Unlimited Express Pass allowing you to skip the lines.

Dockside Inn and Suites features standard rooms and spacious 2-bedroom suites that sleep up to six. Plus, you'll enjoy the exclusive theme park benefits of being a Universal Endless Summer Resort guest.

Surfside Inn and Suites features standard rooms and spacious 2-bedroom suites that sleep up to six, this is the perfect spot for families of any size to base their Universal Orlando Resort vacation. Plus, you’ll enjoy the exclusive theme park benefits of being a Universal Endless Summer Resort guest.

Enjoy vibrant, retro-style with rooms and suites brilliantly designed for fun and affordability. Cabana Bay is inspired by classic Florida beach resorts of the 1950s and 60s. There are a variety of options in the incredible food court. Every day comes with fun for all ages with two massive pools, a winding river, a bowling alley (fees apply) and more. Plus, you’ll enjoy the exclusive theme park benefits of staying at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

Aventura is a perfectly priced, affordable escape that fits your style—all within walking distance of Universal Volcano Bay. Aventura’s sleek design with free-flowing, stylish spaces add a special current of energy to every visit. From the heights of the stunning rooftop bar to flavors of the market-style dining options to the refreshing splash of the pool and beyond, everything here is smart, modern, vibrant, relaxed, and just plain cool— including the exclusive theme park benefits that come with being an Aventura Hotel guest.

At Loews Sapphire Falls, step into paradise in the heart of the tropics. Blue waterfalls cascade over lush grounds and in the distance, the calming sounds of steel drums call you to take in the scenic views, ease into island time and let go. The open, curving beach area tempts with its palm trees and glistening pool. Caribbean-themed dining options offer delights for all.

At Loews Royal Pacific, be swept away to a place filled with tropical wonders, exotic food and carefree fun. A sparkling lagoon-style pool surrounded by a white sand beach and swaying palms invites you to escape. Delectably innovative food and drinks delight every palate. Lounge in a laid-back Polynesian paradise. Take part in a traditional luau on select nights, (fee applies) or curl up in the comforts of your private paradise in a room or suite

At Hard Rock, the coolest hotel on the planet. Live like a star and get treated like a celebrity with impeccable surroundings, laid-back attitude and show-stopping service. The sweeping California mission-style design welcomes you to escape to a sensational world with a palm-lined swimming pool featuring underwater music, incredible memorabilia and amped-up recreation featuring live music—including some famous names.

At Loews Portofino Bay, relax in beautiful, timeless surroundings inspired by the playful and picturesque seaside village of Portofino, Italy. Delights of every kind and every flavor invite you to explore the wide-open piazza along the waterfront where water taxis** whisk guests to the parks. Colorful, classic Italian, sun-splashed architecture reveals breathtaking vistas around every corner, nestling three enticing pools and every level of relaxation.

Coming in 2025
Stella Nova resort
Terra Luna resort
Helios Grande resort

18/09/2024

On Monday, I reviewed value resorts at Disney World. Yesterday, I reviewed moderate resorts. Today, we conclude with luxury resorts.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

A unique deluxe resort experience, Animal Kingdom Lodge is unforgettable. You are in the midst of an African wildlife preserve surrounded by free roaming animals. Among its many amenities are a full range of restaurants, a health club with spa services and a themed zero entry pool.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

This resort is on the shores of the 25 acre Crescent Lake. Its New England seaside theme includes a 3 acre Stormalong Bay pool complex, featuring a 150 ft. slide and a sandy bottom. Located within walking distance of EPCOT. Features recreation options as well as restaurants and lounges.

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

On the shores of Crescent Lake, this seaside resort evokes images of a bygone era. Fronted by an authentic wooden boardwalk, there’s no end of fun in store as the entertainment district kicks into high gear each evening. With restaurants, clubs, shops, and old-fashioned carnival games. Within walking distance of EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

With its futuristic design, this deluxe resort is one of a kind. On the shores of Bay Lake, this resort features recreation, restaurants, shops, and fantastic views. The monorail passes right through the main building.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney’s finest deluxe resort has it all. Luxury is in abundance from its lavish decor tot he tastefully appointed guestrooms. There is fine dining and a full service spa. There’s a full range of recreation choices including swimming complexes with the perfect Magic Kingdom backdrop. The monorail will transport you when you are ready to visit the parks.

Disney’s Polynesian Resort

The deluxe resort is located on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon across from Magic Kingdom. It’s South Seas theming is perfect for the guest who wants an authentic tropical experience. There is a volcano themed pool, watercraft rentals, as well as restaurants and shops. It’s located on the monorail makes transportation a breeze.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

This deluxe resort is intimate. Nestled in a woodland setting, it has a Northwest theme. The atrium features an 82 foot tall stone fireplace. A cascading waterfall empties into the swimming pool and there are oversized hot tubs. Along the shores of Bay Lake, your cozy retreat offers restaurants, lounges, a health club and watercraft rentals.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

This deluxe resort is located on Crescent Lake. It reminds you of the New England seaside, complete with a lighthouse. It’s the perfect resort for a guest who wants to relax in style. It’s best known for the 3 acre Stormalong Bay pool complex, Within walking distance of EPCOT. It offers several recreation choices and many dining options.

17/09/2024

Yesterday, I reviewed value resorts at Disney World. Today, I will give review moderate resorts. The moderate resorts are Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans-French Quarter, Port Orleans-Riverside and the cabins at Fort Wilderness Resorts.

Moderate resorts have far more amenities than the value resorts. They each have a food court, moderately-priced table-service restaurants (except for Port Orleans-French Quarter) a lounge bar (except for Caribbean Beach), game room, and gift shop.

Transportation to the moderate resorts is by bus. They have a mini-fridge in the rooms and free wireless internet. These resorts are spread out so there may be a lot of walking.

Port Orleans-Riverside is the most lush with stunning landscaping. It offers carriage rides, bike rentals, a marina and boat service to Disney Springs. It has two distinct sides, Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend.

Caribbean Beach has the largest rooms. It was recently re-modeled and most rooms now have queen beds. This is the most spread out of the moderate resorts.

Port-Orleans French Quarter has a New Orleans/Mardi Gras theme. There is no table service restaurant.

The cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort are fully furnished, have one bedroom suites that can accommodate 6 adults and a child in a crib.
These cabins have rustic charm, a fully equipped kitchen, a living room with a sleeper sofa double bed. The bedroom has a queen bed and bunk beds.

Coronado Springs is newer and has a salon, health club, limited room service menu and a more upscale food court. This resort has four areas, the main tower, the casitas, cabanas, and ranchos.

Tomorrow, I will go over the deluxe resorts. Questions? Contact me.
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16/09/2024

Thinking about a trip to Disney World but not sure which resort hotel to stay at? Beginning today, O'Driscoll Travel Agency will give you our take on all the Disney resorts. We start with the "Value" resorts. Tomorrow, I will go over the "Moderate" resorts and then on Wednesday, the Deluxe resorts. Contact us for more information.

The value resorts are All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, All-Star Sports, Art of Animation and Pop Century. All of the value resorts feature huge themed icons, like the 35 foot tall Buzz Lightyear at All-Star Movies. Pop Century has 2880 rooms and the three All-Star resorts each have 1920 rooms. Art of Animation has 1,984 rooms.
All five value resorts have motel-style exterior corridors, meaning the door and window of your room face outward onto an open walkway. These resorts frequently host large youth groups.
The Value resorts have basic amenities, such as a food court, pool bar, video game room, and gift shop. They do not offer table-service dining, an indoor bar/lounge, or room service (except pizza delivery).
The pools are somewhat themed but do not have water slides. These resorts are pretty spread out, so there can be a lot of walking. Wait times for busses can be long. Transportation to other areas of Disney World is by bus. These resorts offer free wireless internet in rooms and public areas.

Our choice for best value resort is Pop Century. It’s newer, so the decor is more up-to-date. There really is no difference between the three All-Star Resorts other than the theme.

Art of Animation is considered a “value plus” resort because it is primarily composed of family suites. 1,120 rooms are suites while 864 rooms are standard. This resort has its own separate bus service. If you have a large family and need two bedrooms, and budget is a concern, we recommend Art of Animation.

12/09/2024

REMINDER: The office will close at 12 noon today as we will be traveling to Albany for a dinner and presentations sponsored by the Jamaica Tourist Board. The office will re-open at 12 noon on Friday.

11/09/2024

I just booked a family of three to the Grand Floridian at Disney World for November. Disney World, Universal Studios, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Puerto Rico, an all-inclusive resort, a Caribbean, Alaskan or European cruise, or a European land tour. Where can I send you? Contact me for a free quote.

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02/09/2024

Be careful if you go to Mexico. They only allow one computer device. If you bring a laptop and an iPad, you may have to pay a hefty fine.

Travelers bringing electronic devices to Mexico are getting hit with hefty fines at Cancun airport. Here's what to know about visiting Mexico with laptops and iPads.

27/08/2024

Today, I booked 4 staterooms on the Carnival Magic. Email me and let's get you on a Caribbean cruise! Now booking into 2026!
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