Magic Travel

11/09/2024

If you're wanting something truly unique then consider a stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge for your next Walt Disney World vacation.

You can escape to an African savanna where animals roam right outside your room then head to the 4 theme parks for even more fun.

Animal Kingdom Lodge and Kadani Village offer rooms from standard hotel rooms that sleep 4 up to grand villas that accommodate a group of 12!

Animal Kingdom Lodge also has some of the most unique dining at Sanaa and Boma and be sure and stop by the Mara for some Zebra Domes!

09/09/2024

A brand new, live stage production, starring all your favorite villains, will debut at Hollywood Studios next summer!

Yes, Sunset Showcase will transform into the reflecive realm of Magic Mirror!

The show will feature appearances by dozens of the most infamous evildoers, with fiendish foes Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook and Maleficent each breaking through the glass to take the stage in live production numbers.

Sadly, before these villainous fiends take the spotlight at Sunset Showcase, you should speed on over for another lap around the track at Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy before October 7 when this delightful Cars experience will end.

05/09/2024

Tron Virtual Queue will end on Monday, September 9!
Yes, the most popular ride at the Magic Kingdom has used both a virtual queue and a paid entry option since opening. With the virtual queue those who want to ride jump on the My Disney Experience app at 7am, on the day of the park visit, to try and get a boarding group. This was the only free option to ride. If you didn't get a virtual queue then you could opt to purchase a ride time.
You had to be very quick and have a really fast phone to get a boarding group - it was a harrowing experience!
Beginning Monday there will be a standard standby line and the paid Lightning Lane Single-pass.
I'm anxious to see what the typical standby wait times will be.

31/08/2024

I didn't even know this was happening! All the rooms at Port Orleans French Quarter are being refurbished. Building 1 was just completed and we got to tour one of the updated rooms.

The first difference I noticed was the new brighter color scheme and the addition of much more storage! This is a great addition to the rooms at this resort.

Some of the rooms will now offer walk-in showers and the tub/showers have new glass doors. Another useful addition is a pull out stool under the vanity area so the little ones can reach the sink by themselves!

I also love the addition of the bench seat by the table.

French Quarter is one of my favorite moderate resorts mainly because of its smaller size and a single bus stop for park transportation. These updated rooms make this resort even more appealing!

28/08/2024

After Hours events are back for 2025 at Walt Disney World! And, beginning September 4 you can purchase your tickets.

These limited ticket events are scheduled for the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot.

You will get to enjoy standby lines for rides like Tron, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Tiana's Bayou at these events in addition to most all of the other park rides. Shows do not take place during the events, but you do get free, unlimited soft drinks, ice cream, and pop corn.

But, you'll need to be a night owl, or able to sleep in the day after. You can enter each park as early as 7pm with the After Hours taking place from 10pm to 1am.

A ticket to After Hours is a great way to knock out everthing you'd like to do in one of these parks with little to no wait!

21/08/2024

As of today we can finally book 2025 Disneyland vacation packages!

And, the entire year, from January 1st to December 31st, 2025 is available!

So, if you're thinking of a vacation on the west coast for 2025 then now is the time to book!

20/08/2024

If you have a trip planned to Walt Disney World this Fall then mark your calendars. EPCOT will close at 5pm on October 22 for a private event.

What does this mean for you? Well, you'll either want to skip EPCOT that day, like most will, or you could enjoy EPCOT from 9am to 5pm with VERY low crowds!

Yes, anytime there is a special event, even on nights with Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween parties at the Magic Kingdom, most folks tend to stay away from the park on that day because of the early closure for non-event attendees.

I happen to enjoy the lower park crowds so I often plan some of my park visits on special events days. Just something to consider...

19/08/2024

A Disney vacation can be so much more than hitting the parks from daylight to dark! I encourage all my clients to make their Disney trip a real vacation with lots of things to do and experience.

Here is a brief review of just a few of the things you can do on your Walt Disney World vacation -

Family yoga and more advanced Disney Fit Yoga is available at several resorts. Learn about several African cultures with Cultural Reps at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Paint or create a Spanish mosaic with arts and crafts offerings. Learn archery. Go fishing with a guide. Enjoy movies under the stars. Get up close and personal when Disney characters made a surprise visit to your resort. Book a cabana by your pool for a luxurious day of relaxation. Spend a day at a spa. Or, take a cake decorating class and learn to make mirror glaze!

16/08/2024

If you've been thinking of visiting Universal Studios Orlando then now is the time! You can receive a dining card worth up to $1,000 when you book a stay beginning November 7, 2024 through Spring 2025! (of course Thanksgiving and Christmas are not included)

The package must include a minimum 4 night stay and 4 day promo park ticket. I'm including the breakdown of dining card values available at each resort in the photos/graphics below.

A Spring Break trip would be great!

15/08/2024

When the construction begins, in 2025, on the new Cars rides at the Magic Kingdom this will most likely cause another shut down of the Walt Disney Railroad.

In case you missed it, the two new Cars rides will be located in the area currently known as the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island.

Apparently, according to building permits, the construction staging area is outside the existing railroad tracks - so this most likely means another lengthy shut down for the train ride around the park.

The Walt Disney Railroad was closed for 4 years during the construction of Tron - I sure hope this construction project does not last that long!

So, if you're visiting the park in the new few months you might want to add a ride on the Walt Disney Railroad to your list - it may be a while before you get to ride again!

13/08/2024

Details of the massive amount of expansions and additions to the Disney parks are beginning to dribble in.

First up is Cars coming to Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom. This new area will be the larges expansion to date at this park and means the demise of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island. There will be two new rides here. One will be a wild race across wil terrain, over mountains, and splashing through water. The other will be geared to the smaller park visitors with a family friendly ride.

I'm torn about this decision. First, I haven't been to Tom Sawyer Island in years and riding the Liberty Belle riverboat around the Rivers of America is considered very boring by my grandchildren. But, on the other hand, I hate that all new rides and attractions must be based on Disney and Pixar movies. I believe Walt's ideas about rides and attractions were based on his desire to bring entertainment from the past, present, and future.

Like it or not, construction is scheduled to begin in early 2025. So go over to Tom Sawyer Island and ride the LIberty Belle while you have a chance.

12/08/2024

The next time you're visiting the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World stop by the Confectionary on Main Street for some custom popcorn!

Yes, there is a new popcorn "bar" where you pick the type of popcorn you prefer then pick your mix-ins and they stir it all together for you to make a scrumptious concoction that is just like you like it!

You can choose from buttered popcorn, caramel corn, cheddar, or rainbow. Then pick your preferred syrup - white chocolate, milk chocolate or dark chocolate. Add in your favorite sweet or savory toppings like crushed Reese's peanutbutter cups, M&M's, or pretzels. Now you have a custom bowl of yumminess!

And with some crazy Disney magic, the popcorn will stay fresh for 3 days - so you don't have to eat it all at once.

Believe me, you'll be scrapping the bottom of the bowl in no time!

Don't miss the popcorn at the Confectionary!

11/08/2024

Each year in August the D23 Ultimate Fan Event takes place. This year's D23 conference was held at the Honda Center near Disneyland in California. During the event Disney executives discuss and reveal plans and ideas for the future of Disney world-wide. I just had to share a few of these exciting updates that are not "blue sky" ideas, but are in the works and coming soon!

Ka-Chow! Cars are coming to the Magic Kingdom in 2025!
Also, in 2025, Monsters, Inc. will move into Hollywood Studios, and let humans inside the factory for the first time.
Villains will cast a magic spell over the Magic Kingdom with construction beginning in the near future.
Tropical Americas with Indiana Jones and Encanto will be sprouting to life in 2027 at Animal Kingdom.
A first ever Walt Disney animatronic will debut in 2025 during Walt Disney: A Magical Life at the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland.
Two new lounges will open in 2025 - one pirate themed at the Magic Kingdom and one in Epcot with Spaceship Earth.
A new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight, will begin in 2025 at the Magic Kingdom.
And last, Disney Cruise Line will launch 4 new ships between 2027 and 2031 bringing the fleet to a total of 13 ships!

This is just a brief overview of the things to come. I can't wait for all the new experiences and I'll share more detail as news is released.

"The sky’s the limit, and we’re only just getting started," stated Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro.

06/08/2024

And just like that, it is Halloween season at the Magic Kingdom!

06/08/2024

If I have to be stuck somewhere due to weather then I'm glad I'm in Orlando!

I ventured over to the Contemporary Resort this morning for breakfast at one of my favorite dining locations.

No one, on property, does Eggs Benedict better than Steakhouse 71!

01/08/2024

I'm enjoying a quick service lunch at my new favorite location at EPCOT.

La Cantina in the Mexico area has outdoor seating on the shores of World Showcase Lagoon.

Guess what, it's HOT in Florida. But La Cantina has some hidden indoor seating! This nice, quiet, air conditioned space can only be accessed once you have placed your food order.

If you're here when the temps are up there, then I highly recommend La Cantina.

31/07/2024

Good news Texans! Princess Cruise Line will soon be sailing out of Galveston. For anyone who has 3 or 4 weeks to be on vacation there are some outstanding "repositioning" cruises at a smoking price. These begin in Southampton, cruise around the UK, France, and Spain then head over to the Caribbean and end in Galveston.

Then beginning in early 2025 there will be 4 to 12 day Western and Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries.

It will be wonderful to have this additional option for sailing out of Galveston. If you'd like details please let me know!

30/07/2024

I have to admit I'm not a big fan of water parks, but I'm old and I live on a lake. If you're not and don't then taking a day to visit Typhoon Lagoon at Walt Disney World might be a great addition to your Disney vacation.

From the largest wave pool in the US to the thrill Crush 'n' Gusher water slide the the family friendly lazy river and Katchakiddee Creek there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Add on a Beachcomber Shack in standard, deluxe, or premium that provides seating in the shade, souvenier drink mugs, attendant service, and even a mini fridge with bottled water and a fan to make your water park day even more fun!

29/07/2024

Fire and Sunset Soirees * Riviera Maya * Mayan Sol * Colorful Curasao to the Caymans!

Don't these destinations sound fun? These are the themes for some exciting Virgin Voyages itineraries out of Miami. And, for each of these destinations VV is now offering 70% savings on the 2nd voyager plus an upgrade to a sea terrace room (complete with your own hammock).

You can book a cruise this Fall, or for 2025 and even 2026 dates!

26/07/2024

The Holiday overlay for the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland is one of the most anticipated events each year.

Good news for all the Nightmare Before Christmas fans - this year the Haunted Mansion Holiday is opening early! It will reopen on July 29!

When it reopens the ride will use a virtual queue. Guests must have a park reservation for Disneyland for that day to attempt to schedule a virtual queue at 7am. Then at noon there will be another opportunity to try and get a VQ. This must be done from inside Disneyland park or a California Adventure, with a park hopper ticket.

Good luck!

24/07/2024

Today is the day! The previous Genie+ ride scheduling option has been replaced with Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass!

Yes, starting today on-property Disney resort guests can purchase and schedule THREE rides for each park day for the length of their trip 7 DAYS IN ADVANCE OF ARRIVAL!!! Off-property guests can purchase three days in advance for the length of their stay. The booking window opens at 7am eastern time.

No more getting up at 7am every day while you're at Disney to schedule your first Lightning Lane!

What I've been anxious to discover is the cost of purchasing this service each day. I have a trip coming up next week and here are screen shots of the prices during my stay. Prices will vary depending on travel dates and park crowd levels. The prices are pretty much in line with the cost of Genie+.

You can also go ahead and purchase Lightning Lane Single Passes for Tron, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Guardians of the Galaxy, Rise of the Resistance, and Flight of Passage.

You cannot request to join a virtual queue until the day of your visit 😢.

Once you are in the park and you use your first schedule LL then you can schedule another and so on, and so on!

I'm really excited about this change and I can't wait to test it next week.

19/07/2024

If attending the Kentucky Derby is on your bucket list then FYI, now is the time to book packages for the 2025 event. May 1-4 are the dates for the next Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville.

I can book your entire weekend with options at several Louisville hotels, Churchill Downs entry, passes for exclusive events, and even Mint Julip classes!

It's a great time to make your plans for 2025! If you'd like an eBrochure with all the details - just pm me!

18/07/2024

It's National Dole Whip Day! Yes, this really is a thing! If you've never tried a Dole Whip at a Disney destination then be sure and put this on your list for your next trip. Here are some Dole Whip facts courtesy of Disney Parks Blog -

The original name for DOLE Whip was DOLE Pineapple Whip.
In 1984, DOLE Whip was introduced at Aloha Isle at Magic Kingdom Park.
In 1986, DOLE Whip arrived at Disneyland Park at the Tiki Juice Bar.
In 2014, Pineapple Lanai opened at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, making it the first time DOLE Whip was sold outside of the parks.
In 2017, DOLE Whip began sailing the seas with Disney Cruise Line.
In 2022, Swirls on the Water at Disney Springs opened, marking the first time a DOLE Whip sampler was offered at Walt Disney World Resort.
In 2023, DOLE Whip Day officially became recognized as a national holiday to be celebrated on the third Thursday in July.

In addition to the traditional DOLE Whip with pineapple juice over pineapple soft serve ice cream you can now enjoy a mirade of flavors - even some that are for aduls only!

17/07/2024

"To all who come to this happy place, Welcome" those were the words spoken by Walt Disney when Disneyland opened on this day in 1955.

This new concept in family entertainment cost $17M and took a year to build. Now almost 70 years later the family entertainment concept has spread worldwide and includes 6 theme park resorts, a cruise line, and escorted tours on every continent.

As Walt also said, "I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing - that it all started with a mouse".

Happy Birtthday Disneyland!

16/07/2024

Are you planning to attend either Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party or Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party this year?

Well, good news! You'll be able to ride both TRON and Tiana's Bayou using a standby line. Yes, no virtual queues during the parties!

However, I'm not sure this is the best use of your time during the parties with so much to see and do.

You'll need to judge for yourself and check the standby wait times. Those with older children may decide on the rides. If you have younger children then the party activities may be your priority.

14/07/2024

Did I tell ya'll that Rock 'n' Rollercoaster at Hollywood Studios reopened? It's been so long that I think I forgot!

This thrill ride, that used to feature Aerosmith, closed in 2023. Then reopened and closed again in January of this year.

Well now it is back!

I can't wait to ride it again - how about you?

11/07/2024

Moon Palace resorts have destinations throughout the Caribbean, Los Cabos, Italy, and the Maldives.

One of their most family friendly resorts - Moon Palace The Grand in Cancun - has a current Kids Stay and Eat Free special!

This All-Inclusive resort has more than 15 food and beverage locations so there is something for everyone in the family.

There are dedicated kids spaces, outstanding water acitivies, an unbelievable spa, golf, mini golf, bowling, and so much more.

This special is available to book through July 31 with travel by December 22, 2024.

It would make a great last minute trip before school starts!

10/07/2024

Need a little mid-day break? Click here to be transported to France via one of my favorite rides!

60 seconds · Clipped by Lisa Hill · Original video "Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure - Area Loop Music (Epcot)" by Mart Dizney

06/07/2024

The line-up for the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Eat To The Beat concerts has just been released. Beginning July 9 you can make a dining reservation that will secure your seating at one of the concerts. These performances are held in the American Gardens Theater across from the America Pavilion. Rocking out to your favorites is a great way to end the day of snacking and drinking your way around the world!

Here's the list:
Aug. 30-31 - The Fray
Sept. 1-2 - Sugar Ray
Sept. 6-7 - Hoobastank
Sept. 8-9 - Yellowcard (NEW)
Sept. 13-14 - Tiffany
Sept. 15-16 - MercyMe
Sept. 20-21 - Sheila E.
Sept. 22-23 - The Wanted (NEW)
Sept. 27 - Luis Figueroa
Sept. 28-29 - Mau Y Ricky (NEW)
Sept. 30 - Jesse & Joy (NEW)
Oct. 4-5 - Aloe Blacc (NEW)
Oct. 6-7 - Joey Fatone & Friends
Oct. 11-12 - We The Kings
Oct. 13-14 - Switchfoot
Oct. 18-19 - David Archuleta (NEW)
Oct. 20-21 - Billy Ocean
Oct. 25-28 - Hanson
Nov. 1-2 - Haley Reinhart featuring Emily Estefan, Casey Abrams and Janel Parrish (NEW)
Nov. 3-4 - Boyz II Men
Nov. 8-9 - Magic! (NEW)
Nov. 10-11 - Parmalee (NEW)
Nov. 15-16 - Smash Mouth
Nov. 17-18 - 98 Degrees

The festival runs from August 29 to November 23.

06/07/2024

The brand new cabins at Fort Wilderness are being installed and will be ready for campers by this fall.

In these photos you can see the all new updated interior spaces with a roomier bedroom! Anothere great addition is a second bathroom sink area.

The kitchen is perfect for anyone who'd like to bake up some yummy treats, especially during the Holidays! Can you imagine Thanksgiving in your own "home away from home" at Walt Disney World's Fort Wilderness?

I think I've just added that to my bucket list!