Running L Travel

04/09/2023

Proud to be a sponsor!

01/09/2023

Oh, my! Was I the only one who lost complete track of time this summer? It's been a crazy few months here and I'm looking forward to a bit more "normal".

While I've been gone from Facebook I've still been working! A few families are gonna have a fantastic fall. Universal and some cruising on tap.

I look forward to bringing you some more tips and tricks and great deals.

31/05/2023

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/plans/
the dining plans are back!! And now we have details!

I know some of us are really excited and like the plans for all different reasons. Our family LOVES having a dining plan. Remember though, it isn't the cheapest option in most cases. Make sure you discuss your options and if it's a fit for you!

Learn about dining plans included in select Walt Disney Travel Company packages at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

30/05/2023

Check your pockets and bags BEFORE you pack.

This is voluntarily abandoned property (VAP). You are given options before leaving a prohibited item behind. It can be taken out to a vehicle, given to a non-traveling companion, or placed in a checked bag. Abandoned items are donated to State Agencies: https://bit.ly/3BMoncL

14/05/2023

Good news cruisers!

The wireless carrier has a surprising offer that's also good for MSC and Norwegian cruise line customers.

08/05/2023

BIG BIG NEWS.

BREAKING NEWS! 📣 We’re excited to announce the return of Disney dining plans, updates to theme park reservation requirements and more coming to Walt Disney World in 2024 to make planning your visits easier. 🤩✨ Full details: http://di.sn/6182Ob0Ow

13/04/2023

This is too good not to share!

28/02/2023

Because everyone needs a little extra happy.

29/01/2023

Now if you’re looking for that “cheap” option, looking for the absolute least expensive way to go, today’s info may not be for you. I have done peanut butter and jelly picnics in theme parks and electric tea kettle/microwave meals at the hotel and had the time of my life! There is no right way to take a vacation and what works for one family may not work for the next, but SOMETIMES you can find an overall savings on some extras by spending a bit in an area you hadn’t considered. This is where a bit of help planning your vacation can help. Keep reading.

Well, what if I told you how to get some big extras for smaller extra money! It requires a little bit of research and a little bit of math but the payoff can be big.

Let’s look at two examples over the next two weeks where this works. We’ll start with a changing your resort this week. (Next week we’ll look at concierge/club level) We’re going to look at Universal Orlando, our imaginary family of 4 is 2 adults and 2 children, ages 10 and 13. They are booking a trip but only have a weekend in September to make it happen. They’ll arrive Thursday night and leave Sunday, so we are looking at 3 hotel nights and to keep our math simple no other discounts have been applied. So the least expensive resort on property is Endless Summer and if our family choose this resort the hotel portion of the stay is $521. It’s a good deal and if your bottom line is the bottom line an excellent choice! But what if you’d like to take advantage of some extras?

The Universal Express Pass is a great way to add to your vacation, it allows you to jump to the front of the line at each attraction once. The Universal Unlimited Express Pass gets you to the front of the line as many times as you care to ride! It’s an awesome extra that would set our imaginary family back $2,879.84 for their family of 4 for four days. I can hear you, I wouldn’t pay for every day! Just one would be enough of a splurge, the price for Saturday would run $799.96.

Upgrading from Endless Summer to Lowes Royal Pacific will increase our hotel cost $731.43 for our vacation. A room at this premium resort for the same size party and dates will cost $1243.31 but includes things like an upgraded room experience, priority seating at restaurants, and the Universal Unlimited Express Pass for each day! Up to a $2,879.84 value that you probably wouldn’t spend in cash but what a way to add 4 days of perks for the money you might pay for 1

Maybe you aren’t looking for upgrades you're trying to be frugal, maybe you’re looking for a luxury trip where price is not an issue, most likely you want all the bells and whistles you can manage without the luxury budget and that’s where having someone who knows the ropes helps. Talk to your travel advisor, let them help you get you where you want to be!

15/01/2023

Howdy, Friends!

This week one of my girls was talking to a friend and said, “Disney World, Disneyland, whatever they are the same.” My friend laughed, I jokingly told my daughter I couldn’t believe she said that, and she’d have to move now. But it got me thinking how many people that don’t there is a BIG difference between the two locations. So this week we will just scratch the surface of why the are most definitely not “the same.”

The first and most obvious difference is Disneyland (DL) is in Anaheim, CA. and Walt Disney World (WDW) is located in Orlando, FL. They are as different as they are actual miles apart. A few other key differences we’ll look at are size, weather, good neighbor options (and what that means) and a few attraction differences. Remember though, we are just taking a high-level look. I’m happy to discuss any aspect of these differences with you, in detail, if you’d like. Just hit the message button!

DL is composed of 2 theme parks, 3 resorts and a smaller shopping district called Downtown Disney. The entire complex is roughly 500 acres. WDW on the other hand is 43 square MILES! It contains 4 theme parks, 25 resorts and a much larger shopping and dining area called Disney Springs. WDW also has two water parks, a sport complex, putt-putt, and golf courses. A trip to DL is usually part of a larger trip to southern California or perhaps a fun long weekend. Trips to WDW can fill an entire vacation without ever leaving property.

Weather is always a consideration when booking a trip and a trip to either Disney Park is no different. While our heart goes out to those experiencing the terrible flooding in California and we have no wish to minimize their suffering the weather in Anaheim is usually amazing. Sure, there are rainy days, but for the most part its beautiful with moderate temperatures year-round. WDW is located in central Florida where the weather is hot and humid most of time. Rain is almost always in the forecast and we highly recommend have a plan for what to do when it rains. That is not to say you won’t have an awesome time, only that you need to take weather considerations on to account when you’re planning.

Good-neighbor options are basically the same brands in both locations but mean very different things in terms of what your vacation looks like! So quickly what even is a good neighbor? Good-neighbor hotels are off-property resorts that meet a particular set of guidelines and standards established by Disney. So in terms of how that effects your Disney vacation it’s location, location, location! At the WDW resort in Orlando that means you are on the outskirts of that 43 sq miles and will need transportation to the parks. All good neighbor hotels provide transportation but may have a fee. When added to the parking fee for guests not staying on property it may eat into any savings you’d gain. However it’s a very different story over at DL. Several of the good-neighbor hotels are actually closer to the front gates than the 3 Disney owned resorts, many are within walking distance. We love the “Disney bubble” more than most but frequently choose good neighbor for DL trips!

The last difference to touch on is attractions. There is no lack of awesome thrills and low-key family fun at both locations. There are some attractions though that can only be found in ONE location. For example, Mickey’s Toontown has been replaced in FL but can still be found in CA. WDW offers parks that can’t be found at DL including Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Carsland, New Orleans Square, and Avengers Campus are all found in DL. If you aren’t familiar with either location and have kids set on seeing a specific attraction, it’s best to make sure what you’re looking for can be found at your choice of destinations.

Both places have so much to love, and our family enjoys visiting each. You’ll be able to find exactly the vacation you’re looking for at one (or both) of the US Disney Destinations. Just know that they aren’t interchangeable and provide very different experiences!

Want to know more? Let’s talk.

10/01/2023

Well all kinds of news today for my Disney folks! Free parking is back, no more overnight parking fees at Disney Resorts effective immediately. Photo pass when you purchase Genie+ and talk about easing park reservations. Returning favorites at Epcot and MK for night time entertainment.

I’ll provide more details as I have them and as always I’m happy to help you navigate all the changes to create the best vacation possible.

05/01/2023

MORNING!!

Well, News is out! There is some free dining available, and the internet is a buzz! If you were thinking of booking for this summer this might be a great offer for you.

If you've already booked, this MAY be a better deal. Be aware that this promo cannot be combined with any room discounts so it may not be. Make sure you understand the details, I'm happy to help.

Things you need to be aware of this is not the free dining you are probably familiar with. This isn't a number of credits for a specific type of dining (quick service/table service/snack), this is a debit/gift card that will be loaded at check-in. The amount is determined by number of nights and type of hotel. The number of PEOPLE in the room will not add to the value given. The card can then be used at different dining locations around the resort. So, if you'd like to share an entree, make a meal of just appetizers, or have a three-course meal it's easily do-able.

More details can be found at https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/disney-dining-promo-card/

01/01/2023

Happy New Year!! I hope 2023 finds you happy and healthy.

I wanted to talk about flights and a way to save without feeling like a sardine.

But before we jump into the meat to my tip let me start with NOT EVERY TIP WORKS FOR EVERY FAMILY. Did I need to yell that? Maybe. It’s the internet, right? I will share a tip that works for some and inevitably someone will explain why it doesn’t work for them. I have one client who always goes first class (I’d love that!) and I would never recommend the following tip to them directly. It will not deliver the level of service he enjoys. If this can help you great! If not, we will work together to find the best deal and cover your needs.

Now, Let’s talk the Ultra budget airlines. Yes, I’ve heard all the stories about how awful they are. I have also flown them exclusively for 3 years now without any real issue. Most of the people I know personally have one of two complaints. They were charged for something they thought should be free or there was a delay/cancellation. The first one is easily delt with by understanding these airlines charge for EVERYTHING. You need to take that into account when comparing flights. You will also need to make sure that you understand the rules on bags and follow them. Not understanding these rules will destroy any savings you gain. Statistically there is a slightly higher chance your flight can be cancelled. According to the Air Travel Consumer Report in 2022 the likelihood of say a Spirit flight being cancelled is a 0.2 percent higher than one of the big three carriers. I like those odds; others may not be comfortable.

“But you said without feeling like a sardine?!”

Yes, yes, I did. The “trick” is to go ahead and splurge on those bigger seats. This is where I really prefer Spirit because they’re seat upgrades are a 2x2 configuration (pictured) that gets you a wider seat and more leg room. This does mean your flights will cost more than those base prices, but the savings can still add up to a considerable amount even with the upgrade.

On our families most recent trip, we went ultra-budget from Houston to Orlando round trip, paid for the seat upgrades x5 in both directions, paid for checked bags x3, no carry-ons, each of us had our personal bags which are free and saved well over $500 compared to the flights on Southwest and other airlines.

Something to consider the next time you fly.

23/12/2022

I’m in the process of setting up my own blog posts to share but in the meantime please enjoy this very shareable information. 🤣

This post covers the top toilets at Walt Disney World. This list is a combination of great hidden away locations, top-notch restrooms, and a couple of bathrooms that make the list because they're flat out

21/11/2022

Well! I’m sure you’ve seen it elsewhere but the news is too good not to share!

Bob Iger is back as CEO of Disney. Bob Chapek, who replaced Iger in 2020, is out after a brutal earnings report that sowed further doubt about his leadership.

16/11/2022

Guests can now cancel their dining reservations up to two hours in advance of their scheduled time at most locations without being charged a cancellation fee.

All Guests need to do is go into their My Disney Experience app or on to DisneyWorld.com and click the cancellation button up to two hours prior to their scheduled time to cancel free of charge. If they fail to cancel by then or are a no-show, the credit card provided at the time of reservation will be charged a $10 fee per person.

15/11/2022

So there is "News" out there on the web today. How about we take a look at what's really happening.

Yes, it's true there was a Disney ticket price increase today. But what is going on and how could it effect you?

Ticket prices increase every year, this isn't new, it happened last year, it will most likely happen next year. We need to keep some perspective here. We all know EVERYTHING has gotten more expensive out here and Disney is a business, they are going to pass their higher expenses on to us.

How will that effect your vacation? Most likely, it won't! The announced increase is on 1 day park tickets, APs (annual passes), and the park hopper add-on. So IF you are booked and thinking about adding a park hopper, then you should decide and add before the Dec 8th increase date. IF you are looking at a trip in 2023 and haven't booked yet and want park hoppers let's get that booked before Dec 8th.

Beyond that don't let the click bait manufactures get you going!

04/11/2022

There marketing is awesome!

Fantasmic is a family favorite here, though noise canceling headphones are required for one. What’s your families favorite nighttime show?

25/10/2022

I know at least one of my clients was looking for they’re-open date. This looks so cute!

It’s a ski-riffic time at Walt Disney World Resort as Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park prepares to reopen on Nov. 13th when guests will once again set off

12/10/2022

What are your thoughts?

JUST ANNOUNCED! 📣 MagicBand+ will make its West Coast debut at Disneyland on Oct. 26, 2022! Learn more about how this wearable technology will make your visit to the Happiest Place on Earth even more magical, and how you can get your own: http://spr.ly/6187M9YmB

06/10/2022

Our family loves to kick off Christmas at WDW and when I read the headline I was a bit sad. A quick scan off the article and I’m excited for something new.

What do you think?

The classic Castle Dream Lights will not be illuminating Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom this year. (C) Matthew Cooper Photography - www.thetimethespace.com The lights, which gave the castle the illusion of being covered in snow and icicles, are not listed among Walt Disney World's other ho

22/09/2022

Which is yours? 😉

Exactly 💕

credit: travelpirates

11/09/2022

Some of D23s big announcements.

“Happily Ever After” will play again in Magic Kingdom Park when an updated nighttime spectacular returns to light up the skies in 2023.

TRON Lightcycle / Run will invite guests to enter the Grid in spring 2023.

The Hatbox Ghost will materialize in 2023 at The Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort!

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana will open in late 2023.

Dinoland will be replaced with Zootopia.

An all-new nighttime spectacular is planned for EPCOT during Disney’s 100th anniversary celebration.

Fan-favorite character Figment will appear to meet park guests by the end of 2023.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is coming to Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort in late 2024.

Which are you most looking forward to?

28/08/2022

Access 200,000+ experiences
We have access to more than 200,000 activities, attractions, and adventures around the world. In addition to finding and booking experiences of a lifetime, we also help ensure you have a seamless experience from the moment you leave home.

While everyone else is waiting in line or scrambling for tickets and barcodes, forgetting they’re meant to be stress-free, you can indulge in true serenity.

Contact us to get one step closer to your vacation mode.

23/08/2022

Down to two thank you gifts left to claim. The second gift has been claimed when I booked a FABULOUS intra-island cruise for a special family. Y’all, can I just say this cruise moved Hawaii way up my list! What an awesome way to see it!

16/08/2022

Stay in the heart of nature
Exploring the natural world isn’t only about trekking, climbing, and swimming–kicking back can be just as amazing. You could head to Thailand, home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Try the famous Railay Beach, cut off from the rest of the mainland of Krabi province by high limestone cliffs and only accessible by boat.

Or take a picnic to the sweeping tea plantations of Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands, where blissfully cooler air meets stunning views.

You could even spend the night among the treetops. Channel your inner child and book a night in a treehouse–with breakfast on a balcony overlooking the canopy and nights listening only to the sound of the breeze rustling through the leaves.

Indulge your love of water in a floating sea villa in the Maldives, with unbroken views of crystal-blue waters and the sound of waves gently lapping its wooden stilts. Or for a complete escape, head to a remote mountain resort in Canada or India where unparalleled views create a sense of absolute serenity.

Where will your adventures take you?
Reach out to us to plan your next adventure in the heart of nature.

13/08/2022

I've booked one package already which means there are three more gift cards left to claim. If you missed the original post, I am gifting three more people a $25 e-gift card on the first night of your stay for any package 5 nights or longer, or a cruise of any length. Thank you, again, for your support. Happy Travels!

08/08/2022

Who here is ready for some we time or maybe some me time?? Virgin Voyages has a deal for you. Enjoy 50% off your partner's rate or sail solo and pay no single's supplement! PLUS an extra $100 of your Bar Tab.

04/08/2022

I have some people asking if using a travel agent is truly free. If it's free, how do you get paid? Why not just do it myself? Let me answer! I'll start with how it works.

1) A traveler works with a travel agent and finalizes their itinerary.

2) The travel agent books the various vendors (air, hotel, car, tours, cruises, etc) used in the traveler's itinerary through a special travel agent portal or by calling the vendor and giving their accreditation number.

3) The vendor recognizes the travel agency through their accreditation number. Using the accreditation number, the vendor pulls up information about the agency, including the travel agency's commission level and the address where the commission check is to be sent.

4) The travel agent makes the booking and is credited with the booking via their accreditation number.

5) The commission is paid to the travel agent. For most trips, the vendor pays commission to the travel agent after the client has traveled. For most cruises, the travel agent is paid their commission after final payment (typically about 60-90 days before the sailing).

The thing is the commission amount is built into the cost and YOU pay it to the company even if you don't get the benefit of the service! If you do not use an agent these vacation destinations just add it to their bottom line. You don't get a discount at the store for using self-checkout, right?

Travel agents are more that cashiers though! If you have questions or concerns about any part of your trip it's your agent's job to help navigate those decisions. They can also book special events and save some money through discount codes and deals that may not be offered to the public. You have an advocate with you every step of the way before, during and after the trip to help with any issues that may arise.

Lastly, you're supporting a small business! I know that's something we all feel good about.

02/08/2022

It's hard to find ways to adequately say thank you for all of the support! You guys are the best! I'm going to try though. The first four trips booked for 5 nights or more will receive a $25 e-gift card on the first night of your stay! Just a way to give back a little of the love I'm getting. This isn't a resort promotion, it's a personal gift from me to you so it's good anywhere!